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In Bed with the Boss
From model secretary...
For three years, Kalera Martin has been a model secretary to Duncan Royal, with only one hiccup in their otherwise perfect relationship: a one-night stand that should never have happened, and which both have tried to forget. Or so Kalera thought.
...to the boss's mistress?
But Duncan is haunted by their one night of unbelievable passion, and secretly longs for their relationship to develop after office hours. As a rule, he can have any woman he wants -- so he's furious when Kalera announces her engagement to another man! Whatever it takes, Duncan intends to entice her into his bed once more -- and this time it will be forever.
For three years, Kalera Martin has been a model secretary to Duncan Royal, with only one hiccup in their otherwise perfect relationship: a one-night stand that should never have happened, and which both have tried to forget. Or so Kalera thought.
...to the boss's mistress?
But Duncan is haunted by their one night of unbelievable passion, and secretly longs for their relationship to develop after office hours. As a rule, he can have any woman he wants -- so he's furious when Kalera announces her engagement to another man! Whatever it takes, Duncan intends to entice her into his bed once more -- and this time it will be forever.
186 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
22 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Susan Napier
141 books153 followersPerhaps being born on Valentine’s Day was an omen that Susan Napier would become a romance writer. This New Zealand author has written over 30 Mills & Boon category romances since 1984. Napier and her husband Tony Potter met when they both worked at the Auckland Star newspaper. After they married, she left the newspaper to work for a film company where she learned the art of dialogue. After the birth of her sons, Simon and Ben, she was a freelance scriptwriter for documentaries. It was soon after that she decided to try her hand at writing the romance fiction she dearly loved.
She and her husband still live in the home they bought in Auckland shortly after their marriage.
She and her husband still live in the home they bought in Auckland shortly after their marriage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 10, 2019
Re In Bed With the Boss - Susan Napier does a breezy little office romance with the opposites attract trope in this one.
The h is widowed and works as an executive secretary for the H. She is very conservative and reserved, mainly because her parents were all about the free love and lifestyle and left her to pretty much raise herself. The h remarks at one point that she wasn't even sure if her parents even knew who she was when she was around.
The h's dead husband was a hugely stabilizing influence in her life and her marriage to him gave her the security and comfort that she had always longed for. So when her husband died, the h found herself having a one night of purple passion with the H and she is really frightened and puzzled that she let herself go to such an extent.
She feels a lot when she is around the H, but it scares her and just going with feelings seems to be tantamount to leaping out a plane without a parachute, so the h is pretty consistent in thinking she needs to keep herself safe.
The H is the exact opposite, he is a computing genius entrepreneur and the loudly joking, fun extrovert to the h's quiet introversion. The H is also massively in love with the h and tho the h doesn't know it, the h's first husband was quite aware of this fact.
(But the h's first husband also knew that the h was totally devoted to him and so he kindly befriended the H, in spite of the H really wanting his wife, mainly because he was a nice man, understood that sometimes the heart just wants what the heart wants and also totally trusted both the H and the h.)
The H is thinking it is time to renew his pursuit of the h, she has had a few years to grieve and his loving heart isn't getting any younger. Then the h pops up with the announcement that she is engaged to the H's former friend and now ultimate rival - who publicly accused the H of having it off with his wife..
The h also thinks that the H had an affair with her new fiance's wife and believes that is why her new fiance got divorced.
What the h doesn't know is that her new fiance is a controlling, abusive jerk whose wife left him when his jealousy and his intransigence in his domineering possessiveness got way too much out of hand and the ex wife couldn't handle it anymore.
The new fiance had gotten to the point where he believed that his son was actually the bio child of the H. Which is absolutely not true. Tho the h's new fiance refuses a paternity test to prove it, he can't stand not being right.
(I had to wonder if SN was thinking about a sequel to this, featuring the h's new fiance and his ex-wife, they are classic HP characters anywhere else in HPlandia.)
The new fiance tries some controlling and dictating of the h as well. But to the h, it just reaffirms her belief that if the new fiance is saying something about what she wears or interrogating her about where she goes, it must mean he cares about her.
The H is very insistent that this is not the case, the new fiance is a just a controlling tyrant - the H also knows that the new fiance is still very much in love with his ex-wife, he just won't change to be with her cause it is always his way or the highway.
We get several amusing chapters with the banter and the lurve force mojo tension ping ponging rapidly back and forth between the h and H. The h has to train her successor, as being married to the H's biggest competitor is not compatible with continuing to work the for the H.
There are some funny scenes where the H maneuvers his way into dragooning the h into taking him to meet her family and then where the H connives to have the h meet his. SN uses these scenarios to show that the H and h really do have a lot in common, they both escaped their families to break out of molds that they just did not fit in.
Tho the h feels that the H would be more at home with her parent's free love kinda lifestyle than she is and she also fails to see that the H's rigidly conservative and disapproving parents could be her in twenty years, if she marries her new fiance and doesn't learn to lighten up.
The h doesn't want to hear any nay saying tho, even when she herself starts to have doubts about her new fiance's plans for their life together and with her becoming the main mother figure of his son. (It seems the new fiance wants to punish his ex-wife for her leaving him by challenging her for full custody.)
It isn't until the h and the new fiance's engagement party that the h has to take her blinders off. The H sneakily sends her a scarlet dress that the h believes is from her new fiance. When he has a conniption when she shows up to the party in it, the h is prevented from having an argument by the arrival of the H, accompanied by the new fiance's ex-wife in flamboyant gold lamé.
The engagement announcement never gets made. The h's new fiance and his ex wife rush out of the party to fight and possibly have a lurve club event and the h realizes she has just been very publicly dumped.
That is okay tho, cause the H is ready to whisk her away. But just because the h lost another man to feel secure with, it doesn't mean she wants to be tossed onto the roller coaster of life that the H likes to jaunt about on.
The H has to manufacture a possible internal espionage crisis and forces the h, in her role as his secretary, to accompany him and the top seekrit computer design team to the H's seekrit Coromandel NZ hideaway.
Once they are all on lock down, the H puts his charm and his sneaky seduction moves on full blast. The h soon finds out that their lock down is a total sham and in the very fiery battle that follows, the h finally admits that the H has won her heart.
The H then explains that her first husband knew that the H was in love with her, but that he felt sorry for him because he knew the h was loyal to a fault.
Since the H was reeling badly from the very public divorce accusations of the h's former new fiance about seducing his wife, the h's first husband's faith in him and his honor help the H get his mojo back.
The h and H are now guilt free and relaxed enough to understand that under their different exteriors, they both want the same things in their hearts.
So they decide is it True Love Together Forever and Pink Sparkly Rainbows for both of them from here on out and we close the page on another fast, funny and pretty entertaining SN HPlandia Outing.
The H in this was a riot of fun and quite charming when he wanted to be. I found his exuberance a bit wearing at parts, but he did a really good big true love declaration at the end.
A lot of HP Voyagers aren't huge fans of the h on this one, but I understood her motivations and her insecurities and I had a lot of empathy for her.
Plus, for where her mindset was for most of the book, I could honestly see why she thought the OM was a better match for her than the H. On paper and superficially, the OM really was seemingly attuned to the h's ways, but that is the real beauty of this book.
Even tho it is a very quick read, SN deftly illustrates between what is surface and what is substance, so that by the time we get to the HEA, we see that the H and h really do complement each other in some very solid ways.
The H pushes the h to take chances she wouldn't ordinarily risk and thus she gets a more fulfilling life. The h forces the H to slow down and appreciate things, plus while routine and organization can become a burden when taken to extremes, the h is a master at smoothing out a lot of the chaos that seems to explode in the H's life.
These two balance each other and both of them have the kind of persistent determination that it takes to makes a loving marriage work.
So I wholeheartedly recommend this one if you like a fun HP outing that has some serious depth to it, plus a nice HEA that I am pretty sure will last and that always makes for a good day at the HP office romance.
The h is widowed and works as an executive secretary for the H. She is very conservative and reserved, mainly because her parents were all about the free love and lifestyle and left her to pretty much raise herself. The h remarks at one point that she wasn't even sure if her parents even knew who she was when she was around.
The h's dead husband was a hugely stabilizing influence in her life and her marriage to him gave her the security and comfort that she had always longed for. So when her husband died, the h found herself having a one night of purple passion with the H and she is really frightened and puzzled that she let herself go to such an extent.
She feels a lot when she is around the H, but it scares her and just going with feelings seems to be tantamount to leaping out a plane without a parachute, so the h is pretty consistent in thinking she needs to keep herself safe.
The H is the exact opposite, he is a computing genius entrepreneur and the loudly joking, fun extrovert to the h's quiet introversion. The H is also massively in love with the h and tho the h doesn't know it, the h's first husband was quite aware of this fact.
(But the h's first husband also knew that the h was totally devoted to him and so he kindly befriended the H, in spite of the H really wanting his wife, mainly because he was a nice man, understood that sometimes the heart just wants what the heart wants and also totally trusted both the H and the h.)
The H is thinking it is time to renew his pursuit of the h, she has had a few years to grieve and his loving heart isn't getting any younger. Then the h pops up with the announcement that she is engaged to the H's former friend and now ultimate rival - who publicly accused the H of having it off with his wife..
The h also thinks that the H had an affair with her new fiance's wife and believes that is why her new fiance got divorced.
What the h doesn't know is that her new fiance is a controlling, abusive jerk whose wife left him when his jealousy and his intransigence in his domineering possessiveness got way too much out of hand and the ex wife couldn't handle it anymore.
The new fiance had gotten to the point where he believed that his son was actually the bio child of the H. Which is absolutely not true. Tho the h's new fiance refuses a paternity test to prove it, he can't stand not being right.
(I had to wonder if SN was thinking about a sequel to this, featuring the h's new fiance and his ex-wife, they are classic HP characters anywhere else in HPlandia.)
The new fiance tries some controlling and dictating of the h as well. But to the h, it just reaffirms her belief that if the new fiance is saying something about what she wears or interrogating her about where she goes, it must mean he cares about her.
The H is very insistent that this is not the case, the new fiance is a just a controlling tyrant - the H also knows that the new fiance is still very much in love with his ex-wife, he just won't change to be with her cause it is always his way or the highway.
We get several amusing chapters with the banter and the lurve force mojo tension ping ponging rapidly back and forth between the h and H. The h has to train her successor, as being married to the H's biggest competitor is not compatible with continuing to work the for the H.
There are some funny scenes where the H maneuvers his way into dragooning the h into taking him to meet her family and then where the H connives to have the h meet his. SN uses these scenarios to show that the H and h really do have a lot in common, they both escaped their families to break out of molds that they just did not fit in.
Tho the h feels that the H would be more at home with her parent's free love kinda lifestyle than she is and she also fails to see that the H's rigidly conservative and disapproving parents could be her in twenty years, if she marries her new fiance and doesn't learn to lighten up.
The h doesn't want to hear any nay saying tho, even when she herself starts to have doubts about her new fiance's plans for their life together and with her becoming the main mother figure of his son. (It seems the new fiance wants to punish his ex-wife for her leaving him by challenging her for full custody.)
It isn't until the h and the new fiance's engagement party that the h has to take her blinders off. The H sneakily sends her a scarlet dress that the h believes is from her new fiance. When he has a conniption when she shows up to the party in it, the h is prevented from having an argument by the arrival of the H, accompanied by the new fiance's ex-wife in flamboyant gold lamé.
The engagement announcement never gets made. The h's new fiance and his ex wife rush out of the party to fight and possibly have a lurve club event and the h realizes she has just been very publicly dumped.
That is okay tho, cause the H is ready to whisk her away. But just because the h lost another man to feel secure with, it doesn't mean she wants to be tossed onto the roller coaster of life that the H likes to jaunt about on.
The H has to manufacture a possible internal espionage crisis and forces the h, in her role as his secretary, to accompany him and the top seekrit computer design team to the H's seekrit Coromandel NZ hideaway.
Once they are all on lock down, the H puts his charm and his sneaky seduction moves on full blast. The h soon finds out that their lock down is a total sham and in the very fiery battle that follows, the h finally admits that the H has won her heart.
The H then explains that her first husband knew that the H was in love with her, but that he felt sorry for him because he knew the h was loyal to a fault.
Since the H was reeling badly from the very public divorce accusations of the h's former new fiance about seducing his wife, the h's first husband's faith in him and his honor help the H get his mojo back.
The h and H are now guilt free and relaxed enough to understand that under their different exteriors, they both want the same things in their hearts.
So they decide is it True Love Together Forever and Pink Sparkly Rainbows for both of them from here on out and we close the page on another fast, funny and pretty entertaining SN HPlandia Outing.
The H in this was a riot of fun and quite charming when he wanted to be. I found his exuberance a bit wearing at parts, but he did a really good big true love declaration at the end.
A lot of HP Voyagers aren't huge fans of the h on this one, but I understood her motivations and her insecurities and I had a lot of empathy for her.
Plus, for where her mindset was for most of the book, I could honestly see why she thought the OM was a better match for her than the H. On paper and superficially, the OM really was seemingly attuned to the h's ways, but that is the real beauty of this book.
Even tho it is a very quick read, SN deftly illustrates between what is surface and what is substance, so that by the time we get to the HEA, we see that the H and h really do complement each other in some very solid ways.
The H pushes the h to take chances she wouldn't ordinarily risk and thus she gets a more fulfilling life. The h forces the H to slow down and appreciate things, plus while routine and organization can become a burden when taken to extremes, the h is a master at smoothing out a lot of the chaos that seems to explode in the H's life.
These two balance each other and both of them have the kind of persistent determination that it takes to makes a loving marriage work.
So I wholeheartedly recommend this one if you like a fun HP outing that has some serious depth to it, plus a nice HEA that I am pretty sure will last and that always makes for a good day at the HP office romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did not finish
July 15, 2010This book was kind of boring and strange so I gave up on it. Despite the hero wearing a velvet matador jacket and getting a dangling earring (maybe because of that since he thought that made him cool). I just don't like books where the heroine is with someone else during part of the book, plus the hero's personality was kind of rubbing me the wrong way. I think he was supposed to come off as some sort of rebel but he seemed more like a loud, dorky man trying to be cool who had a sense of style straight out of the 80's (this was written in 1999). I did not finish this book so any comment are based off of the first few chapters before I decided to DNF it. But below you can enjoy the funny quotes describing the jacket and earring.
Description of the matador jacket the hero wore:
"He was dressed head to toe in black, his sculpted silk velvet jacket cropped like a matador's, the wide lapels and cuffs stiff with flamboyant gold embroidery."
THE EARRING (rawr):
"'You're wearing an earring!' she gasped, sufficiently distracted to forget she was about to edge her chair away from his.
'Yes, do you like it?' He turned so that the elongated jet and chased gold teardrop swung against the tanned column of his neck, almost brushing the collar of his jacket. A stud or a ring was a fairly commonplace decoration of modern macho cool, but the wickedly frivolous elegance of that dangling earring made an entirely different statement. It was the exquisite piece of jewellery that a languid Elizabethan fop might have worn...or a modern rock-and-shock star!
'I didn't even know you had your ear pierced' murmured Kalera faintly.
'I didn't-until this afternoon,' he said ...'For some reason I had this sudden, compelling urge to go out and do something just for sheer hell of it, something satisfyingly primitive, and preferably masochistic'...'I know I shouldn't be wearing anything but a stud in it yet,' Duncan went on in his confiding tone, 'but you know me, Kalera, I like to experiment. If you stick to the rules all your life you end up never doing any real living.'"
Holy crap there was so many funny things in those quotes that I just couldn't take this seriously. Modern macho cool? Rock-and-shock star? Dangly black and gold earring makes you such a bad boy Duncan! Rawr.
Description of the matador jacket the hero wore:
"He was dressed head to toe in black, his sculpted silk velvet jacket cropped like a matador's, the wide lapels and cuffs stiff with flamboyant gold embroidery."
THE EARRING (rawr):
"'You're wearing an earring!' she gasped, sufficiently distracted to forget she was about to edge her chair away from his.
'Yes, do you like it?' He turned so that the elongated jet and chased gold teardrop swung against the tanned column of his neck, almost brushing the collar of his jacket. A stud or a ring was a fairly commonplace decoration of modern macho cool, but the wickedly frivolous elegance of that dangling earring made an entirely different statement. It was the exquisite piece of jewellery that a languid Elizabethan fop might have worn...or a modern rock-and-shock star!
'I didn't even know you had your ear pierced' murmured Kalera faintly.
'I didn't-until this afternoon,' he said ...'For some reason I had this sudden, compelling urge to go out and do something just for sheer hell of it, something satisfyingly primitive, and preferably masochistic'...'I know I shouldn't be wearing anything but a stud in it yet,' Duncan went on in his confiding tone, 'but you know me, Kalera, I like to experiment. If you stick to the rules all your life you end up never doing any real living.'"
Holy crap there was so many funny things in those quotes that I just couldn't take this seriously. Modern macho cool? Rock-and-shock star? Dangly black and gold earring makes you such a bad boy Duncan! Rawr.
June 24, 2019
Nice and different with lots of wacky humor and heat till the h decides that stupidity indeed has to go a long way.
*with spoilers* Despite being evident the h/H click in every way possible, while the h-om chemistry is as limp as steamed spinach, the h persists in clinging to a not-going-anywhere relationship till the om shakes her off quite rudely - in the penultimate chapter. Then the h/H go to bed and suddenly she loves the H now!
The H is eccentric and oddball - in true SN style. Humor is good with lots of (usual) double entendre. Chemistry - physical and emotional - is sizzling and believable. I like how he pursues her determinedly after the initial explosion when he discovers she's engaged to his rival and bete noire. It's quite clear that he's loved her since forever and was waiting patiently for her to come out of mourning her dead husband - so her engagement blindsides him. But the h's continuing stupidity completely ruined a good romance and surely killed the book!
*with spoilers* Despite being evident the h/H click in every way possible, while the h-om chemistry is as limp as steamed spinach, the h persists in clinging to a not-going-anywhere relationship till the om shakes her off quite rudely - in the penultimate chapter. Then the h/H go to bed and suddenly she loves the H now!
The H is eccentric and oddball - in true SN style. Humor is good with lots of (usual) double entendre. Chemistry - physical and emotional - is sizzling and believable. I like how he pursues her determinedly after the initial explosion when he discovers she's engaged to his rival and bete noire. It's quite clear that he's loved her since forever and was waiting patiently for her to come out of mourning her dead husband - so her engagement blindsides him. But the h's continuing stupidity completely ruined a good romance and surely killed the book!
August 9, 2022
All Napiers HP’s that I’ve read, are about blonde widows. In this case the h’s late husband was the great love of her life, not the H.
At first she was hanging on to the memories of her marriage. Then she got engaged to his enemy. So the H is not even second best to her late husband, he is only third best. That is not romantic at all.
I hate it when a h (or H) is occupied with someone else for the entire book. Even until a few pages before the end of the book she told the H she was not ‘disengaged’ to the OM.
The H wears a dangling earring (😳), but his wicked, sexy talk to the h is what rescues this book a little bit. So two stars.
At first she was hanging on to the memories of her marriage. Then she got engaged to his enemy. So the H is not even second best to her late husband, he is only third best. That is not romantic at all.
I hate it when a h (or H) is occupied with someone else for the entire book. Even until a few pages before the end of the book she told the H she was not ‘disengaged’ to the OM.
The H wears a dangling earring (😳), but his wicked, sexy talk to the h is what rescues this book a little bit. So two stars.
January 31, 2018
"In Bed with the Boss" is the story of Kalera and Duncan and...arghhh.
Basically Duncan is the owner of a computer based company, and Kalera is his secretary. Theyve worked with each other for years, half of which Kalera was married for (and later widowed), and later they have an almost one night stand- which they desperately try to forget.
But one random day Kalera hands over her resignation to Duncan, as she's marrying his business rival Stephan, and this triggers a sequence of events..
Basically we have a heroine who's an irritating tease, a hero who's trying his best to pursue her but gets thwarted at every turn- initially by her husband, then her grief, then his business rival. He even tries to warn her against dangers, but she as usual doesnt listen to him.
Soooo the whole book has the hero teasing and wooing a heroine who he's obviously infatuated with, and her basically pushing him away. She is very indecisive, and I did not like her at all.
This one frustrated me, and I didnt want the H to end up with her.
Unsafe
1/5
Basically Duncan is the owner of a computer based company, and Kalera is his secretary. Theyve worked with each other for years, half of which Kalera was married for (and later widowed), and later they have an almost one night stand- which they desperately try to forget.
But one random day Kalera hands over her resignation to Duncan, as she's marrying his business rival Stephan, and this triggers a sequence of events..
Basically we have a heroine who's an irritating tease, a hero who's trying his best to pursue her but gets thwarted at every turn- initially by her husband, then her grief, then his business rival. He even tries to warn her against dangers, but she as usual doesnt listen to him.
Soooo the whole book has the hero teasing and wooing a heroine who he's obviously infatuated with, and her basically pushing him away. She is very indecisive, and I did not like her at all.
This one frustrated me, and I didnt want the H to end up with her.
Unsafe
1/5
June 29, 2021
Came across this when it showed up in various boss/employee romance lists and I’m a total sucker for those. Sadly, don’t know why this was a contender.
Kalera works for Duncan and everything’s fine until the day she hands in her resignation. Duncan is furious and almost throwing a violent hissy fit and Kalera has to duck to avoid having something thrown at her. Duncan is also the ceo of some fancy tech firm so this was pretty distasteful.
Turns out the h is suddenly engaged to the H’s enemy in the business world. He’s totally seething and will cross any limits to snatch back Kalera. Incidentally they also had a semi one-nighter in a moment of weakness and grief.
Kalera was totally annoying and unbearable. She talked back all the time to the point that even if the wind blew in her face, she’d call out to the wind to say something to it.
The entire length of the book the H is trying to remind the h in a rather vulgar way of their ONS. The h is embarrassed but talks back excessively and drones on continuously. She needed someone to shove a sock inside her trap.
There isn’t any romance in the book between the h and H. Just a swap of convenient feelings and relationships. Do not recommend. Disappointed.
Kalera works for Duncan and everything’s fine until the day she hands in her resignation. Duncan is furious and almost throwing a violent hissy fit and Kalera has to duck to avoid having something thrown at her. Duncan is also the ceo of some fancy tech firm so this was pretty distasteful.
Turns out the h is suddenly engaged to the H’s enemy in the business world. He’s totally seething and will cross any limits to snatch back Kalera. Incidentally they also had a semi one-nighter in a moment of weakness and grief.
Kalera was totally annoying and unbearable. She talked back all the time to the point that even if the wind blew in her face, she’d call out to the wind to say something to it.
The entire length of the book the H is trying to remind the h in a rather vulgar way of their ONS. The h is embarrassed but talks back excessively and drones on continuously. She needed someone to shove a sock inside her trap.
There isn’t any romance in the book between the h and H. Just a swap of convenient feelings and relationships. Do not recommend. Disappointed.
September 5, 2025
Perfect 10 for the MMC
Perfect 0 for the FMC
Fuck that idiotic bitch! You don't deserve love: Harry, Duncan and even psychotic Steve are too good for you!
Perfect 0 for the FMC
Fuck that idiotic bitch! You don't deserve love: Harry, Duncan and even psychotic Steve are too good for you!
November 20, 2014
Gotta love a troublemaker hero with ADHD.
Especially when he dresses like this:
This book was published in '99, but I'm thinking that the author may have had a crush on Adam Ant back in the 80s.
He was dressed from head to toe in black, his sculpted silk velvet jacket cropped like a matador's, the wide lapels and cuffs stiff with flamboyant gold embroidery. He turned so that the elongated jet and chased gold teardrop swung against the tanned column of his neck, almost brushing the collar of his jacket. A stud or ring was a fairly
commonplace declaration of modern macho cool, but the wickedly frivolous elegance of that dangling earring made an entirely different statement. It was the sort of exquisite piece of jewelry that a languid Elizabethan fop might have worn...or a modem rock-and-shock star!
Later in the book, our rebel hero is wearing a pearl earring. Nice.
This book was good, but the ending was way rushed and we never get to find out what happens between her ex-fiance and his ex-wife.
April 10, 2016
This was a charmer. I can't recall the reviewer that posted the pic of Adam Ant, but the image is spot on.
This is a story that is made by the hero. I can't add much that hasn't already been said, but Duncan's over the top personality and hidden crush/love is very entertaining. For quite a while, Kalera looked like she was going to be a disappointing heroine as Duncan deserves a good one. However, back story that involves her dead husband and her parents helps explain her buttoned down emotions.
I should probably give it a three stars as there are some threads that are left to unravel, but the primary story and the hero are too lovable and charming.
This is a story that is made by the hero. I can't add much that hasn't already been said, but Duncan's over the top personality and hidden crush/love is very entertaining. For quite a while, Kalera looked like she was going to be a disappointing heroine as Duncan deserves a good one. However, back story that involves her dead husband and her parents helps explain her buttoned down emotions.
I should probably give it a three stars as there are some threads that are left to unravel, but the primary story and the hero are too lovable and charming.
August 12, 2021
This is one of the best HP I have ever read! Duncan & Kalera are adorable, the book is well-written and funny and the sex scenes OMG hot!
I will look in my huge collection of HP for more Susan Napier.
I will look in my huge collection of HP for more Susan Napier.
October 31, 2011
Don't be daunted by the ridiculously dated cover. This is a good book, although I never really liked either the hero or heroine, I was invested in their relationship. It was interesting because the alternate love interests could actually be the hero/heroine of another Harlequin Presents (I wonder if they are, actually). This is a nitpick, but I found it annoying that the heroine kept using exclamation points throughout her internal dialogue! And this from a girl who proclaims herself to be steady and serene. It was distracting.
Did not finish
July 1, 2022DNF @ 24% - the hero was described as wearing a black velvet bolero outfit with gold detail… and he had gone out to get his ear pierced because he was sad in his heart that the h was gonna marry OM. He was wearing a long dangly earring.
I can’t.
I can’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2017
Erm....with the description of velvet jacket and dangling earrings, this is all i could think of:
soooo.......yeah.
And then there was this really weird bromance going on between hero and heroine's dead husband. I mean really intense bromance! so yeah! I mean...
soooo.......yeah.
And then there was this really weird bromance going on between hero and heroine's dead husband. I mean really intense bromance! so yeah! I mean...
September 30, 2011
This would be a 5 star read except for what happened at the end. What was with that ending? Jeez Louise, that's it? After all of Napier's generous prose, what a thud/let down at the abrupt end.
Will I search out her books -- you betcha. Anyone have any ideas? The thing is though, Napier's writing is really a cut above -- this one was addictive and it's the opposite of schlock. I feel about this book like I do about so many of my keeper books -- once you've read the best, why muddy the waters with books that don't even come close? That's why I'm so appreciative of honest, detailed reviews, like this one by Jane Litte: http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov.... There are some other Napier books reviewed at DA, but given that this is just about the first Harlequin that I've read based on the recommendations of others that hasn't disappointed me, I'll probably stick to B recs and up.
Big props to first husband who was both adored and sexy, to her casual inclusion of a gay job candidate ... there were lots of little touches like that. Also liked how Duncan found the good in Kalera's parents. The heroine reminded me of Evangeline in Loving Evangeline by Linda Howard, just a little and in a good way. One thing you couldn't do was stampede Evangeline and the hero couldn't push Kalera until she was ready.
Will I search out her books -- you betcha. Anyone have any ideas? The thing is though, Napier's writing is really a cut above -- this one was addictive and it's the opposite of schlock. I feel about this book like I do about so many of my keeper books -- once you've read the best, why muddy the waters with books that don't even come close? That's why I'm so appreciative of honest, detailed reviews, like this one by Jane Litte: http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov.... There are some other Napier books reviewed at DA, but given that this is just about the first Harlequin that I've read based on the recommendations of others that hasn't disappointed me, I'll probably stick to B recs and up.
Big props to first husband who was both adored and sexy, to her casual inclusion of a gay job candidate ... there were lots of little touches like that. Also liked how Duncan found the good in Kalera's parents. The heroine reminded me of Evangeline in Loving Evangeline by Linda Howard, just a little and in a good way. One thing you couldn't do was stampede Evangeline and the hero couldn't push Kalera until she was ready.
February 12, 2022
Never mind the tacky, kind of sick story line, the heroine in this one takes tstl to new heights or lows to be more precise. She is doggedly hanging on to a man who passionately kisses his ex wife in front of her, on the day of their engagement party, and knocks her away to run after his grate crashing ex wife on the night of, and still she hangs on to him. And the fact that the hero fancies himself in love with such an idiot says everything about his level of intelligence as well.
April 26, 2012
I had expected so much more. The description of the book was pretty amazing however the book as a whole was kind of a let down. I enjoyed the storyline but it wasn't that expressive or exciting. Yes it was sad something and at other times it was happy but those are the basic emotions of the book and nothing bigger on a huger scale unless you count jealousy.
August 7, 2022
I’m not going to lie part of the reason why this one rates
So highly with me is that I read it in my youth and kept coming back to it.
The H - Duncan - is I think a pretty unique H in HPland. Not only does he have a lot of respect for the h and the fact she was married when he met her and knew he didn’t stand a chance he also liked her husband and respected their marriage despite falling in love with her then. He knew he wanted her but also knew she loved the OM and that he didn’t exist sexually for her at that time.
When her husband is killed and she loses her unborn baby he is there for her in a nice way and tries very hard to resist her when she is grieving and she tries to seduce him. He is well aware that he is substituting for the dead husband and doesn’t want her under those circumstances but she seduces him anyway and he is rather premature in his climax - again MOST UNUSUAL in a H (though he does make sure she is satisfied after without any penetrating)
When he finds out the h is resigning because she is engaged to one of his rivals he throws a proper tantrum as he was totally unaware she was on the market and both have pretended their climatic fumble never happened at her request. (She feels she cheated on her dead husband) the OM is not a nice guy he’s actually just trying for revenge on his ex wife and the H because he thinks they had an affair - they didn’t.
The h does cheat on her fiancé with the H but I find it hard to feel sorry for the OM because he is essentially using her anyway.
She has no idea of the unrequited love the H has carried for her all these years and only gets an inking when a colleague mentions it. She thinks they won’t work as she’s very straight laced due to a hippy upbringing whereas he is very flamboyant due to a conservative upbringing.
The H is VERY intelligent but also flamboyant he wears whatever the hell he feels like including velvet matador jackets with gold trim and gets his ear pierced and wears a dangly earring because the h made him cross (he was very hurt by her engagement but doesn’t ever take his anger out on the h only objects around him) again this makes him very different to other HP hero’s who are either scarred or really, really, really, goodllooking.
These 2 compliment each other well I liked they understood each other because of their parents, The H ALWAYS had the h’s back and never punished her. He let her drive his McLaren F1 when she snatched his keys and respected her marriage to her first husband.
I also liked that the Husband was NEVER put down sure he was a bit nerdy and strait laced, not as good looking or rich as the H but he could please his wife and he died a national hero. This hardly ever happens there’s nearly always something wrong with the husbands (although H’s seem to get a lot of free passes on loveable virginal first wives who make them unable to love another ever again)
The h was I suspect pretty clueless to the H’s feelings but once she cottoned on she soon jumped his bones and told him she loved him. It would have been nice to have an epilogue with these 2.
So highly with me is that I read it in my youth and kept coming back to it.
The H - Duncan - is I think a pretty unique H in HPland. Not only does he have a lot of respect for the h and the fact she was married when he met her and knew he didn’t stand a chance he also liked her husband and respected their marriage despite falling in love with her then. He knew he wanted her but also knew she loved the OM and that he didn’t exist sexually for her at that time.
When her husband is killed and she loses her unborn baby he is there for her in a nice way and tries very hard to resist her when she is grieving and she tries to seduce him. He is well aware that he is substituting for the dead husband and doesn’t want her under those circumstances but she seduces him anyway and he is rather premature in his climax - again MOST UNUSUAL in a H (though he does make sure she is satisfied after without any penetrating)
When he finds out the h is resigning because she is engaged to one of his rivals he throws a proper tantrum as he was totally unaware she was on the market and both have pretended their climatic fumble never happened at her request. (She feels she cheated on her dead husband) the OM is not a nice guy he’s actually just trying for revenge on his ex wife and the H because he thinks they had an affair - they didn’t.
The h does cheat on her fiancé with the H but I find it hard to feel sorry for the OM because he is essentially using her anyway.
She has no idea of the unrequited love the H has carried for her all these years and only gets an inking when a colleague mentions it. She thinks they won’t work as she’s very straight laced due to a hippy upbringing whereas he is very flamboyant due to a conservative upbringing.
The H is VERY intelligent but also flamboyant he wears whatever the hell he feels like including velvet matador jackets with gold trim and gets his ear pierced and wears a dangly earring because the h made him cross (he was very hurt by her engagement but doesn’t ever take his anger out on the h only objects around him) again this makes him very different to other HP hero’s who are either scarred or really, really, really, goodllooking.
These 2 compliment each other well I liked they understood each other because of their parents, The H ALWAYS had the h’s back and never punished her. He let her drive his McLaren F1 when she snatched his keys and respected her marriage to her first husband.
I also liked that the Husband was NEVER put down sure he was a bit nerdy and strait laced, not as good looking or rich as the H but he could please his wife and he died a national hero. This hardly ever happens there’s nearly always something wrong with the husbands (although H’s seem to get a lot of free passes on loveable virginal first wives who make them unable to love another ever again)
The h was I suspect pretty clueless to the H’s feelings but once she cottoned on she soon jumped his bones and told him she loved him. It would have been nice to have an epilogue with these 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 23, 2023Review coming soon!
March 14, 2012
*WARNING: spoilers may be mentioned in character-focused review*
One of my favorite themes: heroine loved someone else besides (or rather, before) the hero; I am sick of standard Harlequin plots where dopey h keeps pining for alpha-hole H and dismissing other far nicer guys. This is no calf-love-infatuation and H is my true-love cop-out. Here, she truly did love her late husband and this is made evident by the fact that not only was he described as easy-going and stodgy (again, apparent lack of atomic levels of virility so prevalent in the common Harlie H makes this so poignant), she actually had a fantastic sex life with him, and continues to miss him sexually and emotionally after his death.
However, the H here is not the usual cold, reserved, ultra-possessive, I-am-too-cool-to-live alpha-hole (thankfully). He is extroverted, flamboyant, verbal about his feelings, crazy about the heroine from the very first moment but honorable enough to respect her marriage. One of the things that surprised me was the relationship-dynamics between the H and the late husband. Even though the latter knew about the H's feelings for his wife and that the H was better-looking, richer and more successful than him, there was no usual insecurity or jealousy on his part. He had trust in the h and was secure enough in the knowledge of her love for him. He befriended the H, and the H was man enough to acknowledge and appreciate this.
I like stories with boss-bossee (!) plots but the characters in this Susan Napier made this a rare Harlie treat.
One of my favorite themes: heroine loved someone else besides (or rather, before) the hero; I am sick of standard Harlequin plots where dopey h keeps pining for alpha-hole H and dismissing other far nicer guys. This is no calf-love-infatuation and H is my true-love cop-out. Here, she truly did love her late husband and this is made evident by the fact that not only was he described as easy-going and stodgy (again, apparent lack of atomic levels of virility so prevalent in the common Harlie H makes this so poignant), she actually had a fantastic sex life with him, and continues to miss him sexually and emotionally after his death.
However, the H here is not the usual cold, reserved, ultra-possessive, I-am-too-cool-to-live alpha-hole (thankfully). He is extroverted, flamboyant, verbal about his feelings, crazy about the heroine from the very first moment but honorable enough to respect her marriage. One of the things that surprised me was the relationship-dynamics between the H and the late husband. Even though the latter knew about the H's feelings for his wife and that the H was better-looking, richer and more successful than him, there was no usual insecurity or jealousy on his part. He had trust in the h and was secure enough in the knowledge of her love for him. He befriended the H, and the H was man enough to acknowledge and appreciate this.
I like stories with boss-bossee (!) plots but the characters in this Susan Napier made this a rare Harlie treat.
July 18, 2011
Boy I really didn't like this one. In fact it was almost a DNF (probably should have been). I just didn't get it. The "hero" is a spoiled tantrum throwing over grown bully who also happens to wear a velvet matador jacket and gets his ear pierced in a fit of temper. The heroine is another whole ball of messed up wax.
April 7, 2012
I agree with another reviewer, Amber, who said she didn't really LIKE the couple but was nonetheless invested in their relationship. That about sums it up for me. Truth be told, I was slightly more interested in the Stephen/Terri story line and only towards the end.
I think Harry (deceased spouse) was a supporting character in this book and still played a prominent role in the lives of the heroine, and we find out later the hero.
It was kinda creepy to me that whole soul bearing thing the hero did about his relationship with the heroine's deceased spouse. I know of very few men who would tolerate another man's open longing for his wife with the same amount of "trust." Harry must have been a saint among men.
I think Harry (deceased spouse) was a supporting character in this book and still played a prominent role in the lives of the heroine, and we find out later the hero.
It was kinda creepy to me that whole soul bearing thing the hero did about his relationship with the heroine's deceased spouse. I know of very few men who would tolerate another man's open longing for his wife with the same amount of "trust." Harry must have been a saint among men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2015
There was a lot of goofiness in this book. I'm thinking the author didn't really understand how to write a bad boy convincingly. So there was some clothing silliness. I liked the book though for the unrequited love element. It was especially fun to find out that the heroine's dead husband had been friends with the hero because the husband knew that the hero was in love with his wife and he felt sorry for him. The heroine was kind of stupid for deciding to get engaged to the hero's enemy though. The other man was OTT jealous but it turns out that he is not that jealous of the heroine but is still in love with his ex wife. I thought that he was straight out of a Lynda Chance novel:-)
October 10, 2012
Ms Napier obviously picked up her heroine at the Boneless Chicken Ranch. Honestly! The woman couldn't stand up to either of the a-holes in her life. And why, please tell me, did those two even want her? The men were arrogant bullying cavemen and she was a nail-biting idiot. The plot wasn't any better. You really can't make the tension very believable when a 10 minute adult conversations would solve most of the problems.
September 25, 2011
This is my first Harlequin Presents ever. It might be my first category ever. I'd always assumed that I wouldn't like categories, since titles like The Billionaire Sheik's Inexperienced Virgin Mistress made me snort my coffee.
The title In Bed with the Boss didn't seem much better, but given the flap at Dear Author over the similarities between the self-published Working Arrangements by Ellen Wolf and the earlier book In Bed by Susan Napier, I figured that the best way to support an author who may or may not have been plagiarized was the buy her book. So I did.
And I zipped through it in a single day.
It does seem a bit dated in terms of clothing and technology, but no so much that it prevented me from enjoying the book, primarily because Napier does a great job at describing emotional states.
Virtually the entire book is told from the heroine's POV, and her hurt, confusion, and frustration really rang true. She's also quite unflappable, given the hero's outrageous behavior. I was surprised at how much I sympathized with Duncan, who wages a no-holds-barred attempt to woo Kalera, who has just announced that she's getting married.
Duncan missed out on his first chance with her, and now he sees his second and last chance slipping away. So he goes all out. The reader knows before Kalera that she's in love with Duncan; it's also obvious to everyone (except Kalera) that her fiance is a poor choice for a husband. So Napier sets up the reader to root for the hero when he invites himself to a romantic dinner with the engaged couple, crashes their engagement party, and generally makes a nuisance of himself.
I'm happy to say that my reading horizons have once again been broadened and I'll be giving categories much more than a glance and a snort in the future.
The title In Bed with the Boss didn't seem much better, but given the flap at Dear Author over the similarities between the self-published Working Arrangements by Ellen Wolf and the earlier book In Bed by Susan Napier, I figured that the best way to support an author who may or may not have been plagiarized was the buy her book. So I did.
And I zipped through it in a single day.
It does seem a bit dated in terms of clothing and technology, but no so much that it prevented me from enjoying the book, primarily because Napier does a great job at describing emotional states.
Virtually the entire book is told from the heroine's POV, and her hurt, confusion, and frustration really rang true. She's also quite unflappable, given the hero's outrageous behavior. I was surprised at how much I sympathized with Duncan, who wages a no-holds-barred attempt to woo Kalera, who has just announced that she's getting married.
Duncan missed out on his first chance with her, and now he sees his second and last chance slipping away. So he goes all out. The reader knows before Kalera that she's in love with Duncan; it's also obvious to everyone (except Kalera) that her fiance is a poor choice for a husband. So Napier sets up the reader to root for the hero when he invites himself to a romantic dinner with the engaged couple, crashes their engagement party, and generally makes a nuisance of himself.
I'm happy to say that my reading horizons have once again been broadened and I'll be giving categories much more than a glance and a snort in the future.
September 28, 2012
This was my first Harlequin Presents and I went into it with an open mind. I hadn't really ever read category romance before and DA recommended this one.
The first word that comes to mind when I think of this book is "hillarible" (hilarious + terrible). It was like that movie on cable that you can't quite switch off but you're not entirely sure why you're watching it either.
The basic premise is that our secretary heroine Kalera has put in notice with her boss, Duncan, the head of a major tech company in NZ. She is quitting because she is engaged to Duncan's biggest rival, Stephen, the head of another large tech company.
I started laughing uncontrollably at about 71% when Duncan shows up at Kalera's house in crocodile ankle boots, white jeans , a multicolored woven vest, and a white collarless shirt. I'm not sure when this book was written but I'm having trouble remembering a time when that was a good look on a hero.
I had several issues with this book aside from suspect clothing choices. It's never really explained why Kalera and Stephen are engaged. She tells Duncan that they met at a dinner and had pleasant conversation but that sounds pretty weak. We never find out anything they have in common or even that they have a significant attraction. It's very lukewarm between them.
Also, Stephen has some serious issues with his ex-wife and small son and there is never any closure on this issue. Honestly, I felt like Stephen really needed to go to counseling for a number of issues and the fact that his storyline was left hanging really bothered me.
Beyond that, this was a fun, silly read with a melodramatic ending but I did laugh a lot while reading.
The first word that comes to mind when I think of this book is "hillarible" (hilarious + terrible). It was like that movie on cable that you can't quite switch off but you're not entirely sure why you're watching it either.
The basic premise is that our secretary heroine Kalera has put in notice with her boss, Duncan, the head of a major tech company in NZ. She is quitting because she is engaged to Duncan's biggest rival, Stephen, the head of another large tech company.
I started laughing uncontrollably at about 71% when Duncan shows up at Kalera's house in crocodile ankle boots, white jeans , a multicolored woven vest, and a white collarless shirt. I'm not sure when this book was written but I'm having trouble remembering a time when that was a good look on a hero.
I had several issues with this book aside from suspect clothing choices. It's never really explained why Kalera and Stephen are engaged. She tells Duncan that they met at a dinner and had pleasant conversation but that sounds pretty weak. We never find out anything they have in common or even that they have a significant attraction. It's very lukewarm between them.
Also, Stephen has some serious issues with his ex-wife and small son and there is never any closure on this issue. Honestly, I felt like Stephen really needed to go to counseling for a number of issues and the fact that his storyline was left hanging really bothered me.
Beyond that, this was a fun, silly read with a melodramatic ending but I did laugh a lot while reading.
September 13, 2021
After reading Gold Ring of Betrayal, I've decided to read some of my old harlequin collections. I had fun reading this book. I enjoyed the teasing, witty banter, and snappy remarks between the hero and heroine.
Kalera Martin has been secretary to Duncan Royal for the past three years. He was a good employer, and even her late husband liked him. Obviously, Duncan was secretly in love with the heroine Kalera for years, even from the start. *sigh* He's just waiting for her to recover and move on from the death of her husband before he made his move on her.
But when Duncan learned the reason for her sudden resignation, all bets were off. He now decided to pursue her. And boy, he did. He practically let Kalera all day to prevent her from seeing her new fiancee. He also didn't let her forget the one passionate night they shared. And it was nice to know that even though he loves Kalera, he admired and respected her late husband, Harry. I loved Duncan. He was ruthless in business, but he was sweet, gentle, and a total goner for Kalera. She's got Duncan wrapped around her fingers. He'd do anything for her. Plus his a very unique and unusual style, wearing different earrings. Goodness!
But I think the ending was rushed. I just wished it had been longer and that there's an epilogue. Nevertheless, In Bed with the Boss was still a great read. It made me smile all the way through.
Kalera Martin has been secretary to Duncan Royal for the past three years. He was a good employer, and even her late husband liked him. Obviously, Duncan was secretly in love with the heroine Kalera for years, even from the start. *sigh* He's just waiting for her to recover and move on from the death of her husband before he made his move on her.
But when Duncan learned the reason for her sudden resignation, all bets were off. He now decided to pursue her. And boy, he did. He practically let Kalera all day to prevent her from seeing her new fiancee. He also didn't let her forget the one passionate night they shared. And it was nice to know that even though he loves Kalera, he admired and respected her late husband, Harry. I loved Duncan. He was ruthless in business, but he was sweet, gentle, and a total goner for Kalera. She's got Duncan wrapped around her fingers. He'd do anything for her. Plus his a very unique and unusual style, wearing different earrings. Goodness!
But I think the ending was rushed. I just wished it had been longer and that there's an epilogue. Nevertheless, In Bed with the Boss was still a great read. It made me smile all the way through.
November 21, 2011
Susan Napier seems to get more hits than misses, and this book is no exception.
There are a bunch of reasons why I liked this book, the most prominent ones being:
1. It was so obvious that he was smitten with her from the beginning.
2. Duncan was such a refreshing change from the "cruel,cold, ruthless, tycoon" variety. He was impulsive and spontaneous.
3. Duncan managed to be an alfa without being mean to the heroine, unlike so many other books.
The only things I'd want changed in the books is something everyone else is mentioning in their reviews as well.There's the ending of course, it was just too abrupt, almost as if the author ran out of time. Also, not to forget, Duncan's rather unfortunate choice of clothing in that particular scene, the velvet matador jacket and the earring. Luckily, since I'd already read other reviews before reading rthe novel, I was prepared for it. And managed to imagine something else in my head while I read that part :)
I'd totally recommend this book.
There are a bunch of reasons why I liked this book, the most prominent ones being:
1. It was so obvious that he was smitten with her from the beginning.
2. Duncan was such a refreshing change from the "cruel,cold, ruthless, tycoon" variety. He was impulsive and spontaneous.
3. Duncan managed to be an alfa without being mean to the heroine, unlike so many other books.
The only things I'd want changed in the books is something everyone else is mentioning in their reviews as well.There's the ending of course, it was just too abrupt, almost as if the author ran out of time. Also, not to forget, Duncan's rather unfortunate choice of clothing in that particular scene, the velvet matador jacket and the earring. Luckily, since I'd already read other reviews before reading rthe novel, I was prepared for it. And managed to imagine something else in my head while I read that part :)
I'd totally recommend this book.
March 5, 2012
Steamy read, with a lot of great little touches -- such as: the inclusion of a lesbian candidate for an office job, the hero's flamboyant dress, the fact that the heroine clearly adored her late husband AND had a satisfying sex life with him (this is very rare for an HP romance!), the fact that the rival for the Heroine's affections is an a-hole, but still relatable given his history... I could go on. The sex between the two mains is believable and steamy -- esp the part at the end when he rips the engagement ring off her finger. Hot!
The only downer was the sometimes flowery language and the ending ... it was so rushed, as many others have said. Regardless, Napier's prose is lush and the little touches mentioned above made this a keeper.
The only downer was the sometimes flowery language and the ending ... it was so rushed, as many others have said. Regardless, Napier's prose is lush and the little touches mentioned above made this a keeper.
February 28, 2015
I like it but the end was so abrupt that it seems incomplete: one moment she was engaged with Stephen, a jealous man who was still in love with his ex wife and the next she was trapped in his boss mansion, and he declared his feeling for her, and she admitted that she loved him too.
Duncan Royas was a typical male character bu I love that he was so irreverent: he had a software company but he were an earing and was like a natural force in the office. I like nerd boys, my boyfriend is oe of them but my secret fantasies are about this handsome and dynamics men.
Duncan Royas was a typical male character bu I love that he was so irreverent: he had a software company but he were an earing and was like a natural force in the office. I like nerd boys, my boyfriend is oe of them but my secret fantasies are about this handsome and dynamics men.
April 5, 2017
Oh the sartorial splendor of this book. There's velvet. There are waistcoats. There are earings. And that's just the hero!
An entertaining read with good use of flashbacks. I'm pretty sure all/most of Napier's books are set in NZ. This one features an early tech tycoon and his secretary. He's loved her forever. She had been happily married and becomes widowed in a tragedy.
Definitely a case of opposites attract and rebelling against your upbringing. I only wish the Steven/Terri plotline would have been wrapped up.
An entertaining read with good use of flashbacks. I'm pretty sure all/most of Napier's books are set in NZ. This one features an early tech tycoon and his secretary. He's loved her forever. She had been happily married and becomes widowed in a tragedy.
Definitely a case of opposites attract and rebelling against your upbringing. I only wish the Steven/Terri plotline would have been wrapped up.
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