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Executive Suite Secrets #1
The Bargain
He’s a golden retriever with a billion-dollar bank account.
Sebastian is a brilliant, thoughtful boss who’s also too sexy for words.
And for some crazy reason he has set his sights on me—his lowly, boring, always-proper assistant.
I should say NO.
I need to say NO.
But YES is so much more delicious and fun.
The Bargain is the first full-length novel in the Executive Suite Secrets series, which includes a billionaire boss, a very proper assistant, a high-stakes bargain, stolen kisses, forbidden romance, meddling friends, and a sweet, forever kind of love.
Sebastian is a brilliant, thoughtful boss who’s also too sexy for words.
And for some crazy reason he has set his sights on me—his lowly, boring, always-proper assistant.
I should say NO.
I need to say NO.
But YES is so much more delicious and fun.
The Bargain is the first full-length novel in the Executive Suite Secrets series, which includes a billionaire boss, a very proper assistant, a high-stakes bargain, stolen kisses, forbidden romance, meddling friends, and a sweet, forever kind of love.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2025
624 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
143 books2,899 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
April 18, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Ten dates for ten years of help for his brother. Will they find they’re a perfect fit or will this bargain ruin them both?
A sweet, mostly low angst, boss/assistant romance. I had more fun in the first half, with Sebastian pining for in his assistant, the cute drunk confessions, sweet dates. The usual third act drama and the bargain plot line made me lose some of those fluffy feelings, but overall this was romantic and enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Homophobia
- Alcoholic parent
- Sibling w/ disabilities due to car accident
- Top/bottom
- Coming hands-free
- Office sex (bonus scene)
Pre-read update — Boss vs assistant and the Boss has been pining for years?? Yesssss
« Being friends with my boss was going to be very dangerous. »
Ten dates for ten years of help for his brother. Will they find they’re a perfect fit or will this bargain ruin them both?
A sweet, mostly low angst, boss/assistant romance. I had more fun in the first half, with Sebastian pining for in his assistant, the cute drunk confessions, sweet dates. The usual third act drama and the bargain plot line made me lose some of those fluffy feelings, but overall this was romantic and enjoyable.
I didn’t mind falling for this amazing man, but why did I have to fall so damn fast?
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Homophobia
- Alcoholic parent
- Sibling w/ disabilities due to car accident
- Top/bottom
- Coming hands-free
- Office sex (bonus scene)
Pre-read update — Boss vs assistant and the Boss has been pining for years?? Yesssss
July 9, 2025
Tropes: workplace romance, hurt/comfort, rich/poor
Feels: 1/5
Steam*: 1/5
Kinks: bossiness
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: homophobic mother, alcoholic mother, disabled brother, financial struggles, sexual harassment at the workplace
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Not really. One characters dad cheated on his mom in the past.
Other person drama: they have worked together for 3 years and both have liked each other during that time. Sebastian in particular was pining, but both of them were with others during those years. Nothing happened between them until the present. There's no angst over their pasts.
1.75 stars
Sebastian is a rich man who works as the CEO of his father's company. Byron, 30, is his executive assistant, a very treasured employee, and Sebastian has had a crush on him for the three years that he's known him. Both of them are gay. Sebastian is supposed to be a golden retriever type character, though I don't think that was successful. Byron earns six figures at his job, yet he lives in a shoe box apartment and struggles paycheck to paycheck because he has to financially support his brother who lives in a long-term care home because a car accident physically and mentally injured him. He also supports his alcoholic mother who is homophobic, doesn't work, and is an active addict unable to be responsible for herself financially.
Sebastian finds out about all that's weighing on Byron and offers him a deal. Go on 10 dates with Sebastian, and for every date Sebastian will pay for one year of the brothers long-term care fees. But they have to keep it secret, cuz it's against company policy to date. Byron agrees. And they are falling for each other.
I tried to give this book a chance. But it just kept getting worse and worse. I was really disappointed. This was an interesting premise, and it could have been done so much better.
These are the sins this book was guilty of:
- Horrible, haphazard character development. Usually you feel like you're getting to know a character as the book goes on, there is an artful unveiling of details as the book goes on. It was like the author dumped the characters on us at the beginning and then slapped us with a fish and jerked a chain every time a new detail was dropped, and it didn't form a cohesive character, the pieces didn't make sense. See my next point for an example.
- On their first date, it was so out of character that Byron went from shaking Sebastian's hand at the end of their date to bossing him into giving him head on a time limit of 15 minutes while Carl the driver was circling around. Byron was a staid and deferential man, he was so concerned with propriety, yet he so casually threw it all to the wind, out of nowhere. It didn't make sense to him as a person.
- The whole premise of the book was nonsensical. The premise is that the business is in trouble yet Sebastian has enough money to pay 2.5 million to Byron to get him to date him 10 times. Use your money on your business and take care of your people! Be a smart businessman!
- In another cheesy and awkward moment, Byron and Sebastian are hooking up and Byron is calling Sebastian dearest (comes off insincere to me), purring words at Sebastian, confidently declaring how much he's wanted. Calling Sebastian his lover. It just feels out of character, sudden, and forced for Byron to shift his personality from moment to moment.
- I didn't like how Byron's financial situation was played out. He acted like he was living paycheck to paycheck and in dire financial straights, but he had financial buffers that other people don't. He draws a salary of six figures, yes he has severe expenses because of his brother and mother's care, but he also had the money coming to him from Sebastian, and severance pay. It's hard to be sympathetic of his financial problems when he basically gasps and wails in despair like a Victorian character when he still has a financial bubble.
- At one point, Byron is suggesting a business idea. I don't like how the author is being vague about what this proposal of Byron's is. It feels like a cop out that the author is avoiding giving details. It also feels like Byron is using Sebastian's feelings for him, expecting his idea to be given more priority and then penalizing Sebastian for saying no to him by canceling their date
- There isn't a lot of sensuality or sexual tension in this book. They just flip a switch and throw themselves into sex without any buildup. I'm not a fan, it seems cold.
- Neither of the characters had good judgment, so I didn't really respect them for their personal choices and business sense.
- You know those completely trite over the top moments in a romcom that make you cringe? This book was full of them:
---- The moment after Byron decides to go all in with Sebastian and tell him the trial dating period is over, he coincidentally is outed as dating Sebastian and doesn't have a choice anymore and then he dumps Sebastian. This is too dramatic of a coincidence
---- The way that Byron is fired so quickly after their relationship is outed is so unrealistic. Sebastian is CEO, his father is owner, yet HR immediately dumps Byron? And they are so concerned about sexual harassment lawsuits Byron might file, when really wrongful termination is what they're doing, because even if Byron wasn't supposed to date a colleague based on his employment contract, what's Sebastian did was a billion times worse.
---- The public grand gestures at the end of the book were so cringy and so trite. Sebastian is publicly broadcasting how great of a person Byron is, to try to salvage his reputation and stand up for him. And Byron is doing a mad Dash to get to Sebastian, to prevent him from leaving on an airplane to Paris! So cheesy, it makes me want to gag.
Some notable moments:
"“But didn’t I…” I swallowed hard and dropped my voice to a whisper. “Didn’t I kiss you?” Sebastian’s handsome face morphed from one of worry to a devilish expression of pure glee. “So, you remember that?” “Oh gawd,” I groaned, covering my face with my hands. It really had happened."
"“Wait!” I shouted. “Rip a seam, lose a single button, and I won’t let you fuck me. I’ll make you watch as I fuck myself with a dildo and I won’t let you touch yourself,” I threatened, not believing for a second that I’d be able to go through with it. Sebastian’s hand clamped on my wrist suddenly, stopping me from stroking him. He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his teeth as if he were struggling to regain control. “Um…” He swallowed hard. “Could we circle back to that idea someday? The dildo part.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 1/5
Steam*: 1/5
Kinks: bossiness
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: homophobic mother, alcoholic mother, disabled brother, financial struggles, sexual harassment at the workplace
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Not really. One characters dad cheated on his mom in the past.
Other person drama: they have worked together for 3 years and both have liked each other during that time. Sebastian in particular was pining, but both of them were with others during those years. Nothing happened between them until the present. There's no angst over their pasts.
1.75 stars
Sebastian is a rich man who works as the CEO of his father's company. Byron, 30, is his executive assistant, a very treasured employee, and Sebastian has had a crush on him for the three years that he's known him. Both of them are gay. Sebastian is supposed to be a golden retriever type character, though I don't think that was successful. Byron earns six figures at his job, yet he lives in a shoe box apartment and struggles paycheck to paycheck because he has to financially support his brother who lives in a long-term care home because a car accident physically and mentally injured him. He also supports his alcoholic mother who is homophobic, doesn't work, and is an active addict unable to be responsible for herself financially.
Sebastian finds out about all that's weighing on Byron and offers him a deal. Go on 10 dates with Sebastian, and for every date Sebastian will pay for one year of the brothers long-term care fees. But they have to keep it secret, cuz it's against company policy to date. Byron agrees. And they are falling for each other.
I tried to give this book a chance. But it just kept getting worse and worse. I was really disappointed. This was an interesting premise, and it could have been done so much better.
These are the sins this book was guilty of:
- Horrible, haphazard character development. Usually you feel like you're getting to know a character as the book goes on, there is an artful unveiling of details as the book goes on. It was like the author dumped the characters on us at the beginning and then slapped us with a fish and jerked a chain every time a new detail was dropped, and it didn't form a cohesive character, the pieces didn't make sense. See my next point for an example.
- On their first date, it was so out of character that Byron went from shaking Sebastian's hand at the end of their date to bossing him into giving him head on a time limit of 15 minutes while Carl the driver was circling around. Byron was a staid and deferential man, he was so concerned with propriety, yet he so casually threw it all to the wind, out of nowhere. It didn't make sense to him as a person.
- The whole premise of the book was nonsensical. The premise is that the business is in trouble yet Sebastian has enough money to pay 2.5 million to Byron to get him to date him 10 times. Use your money on your business and take care of your people! Be a smart businessman!
- In another cheesy and awkward moment, Byron and Sebastian are hooking up and Byron is calling Sebastian dearest (comes off insincere to me), purring words at Sebastian, confidently declaring how much he's wanted. Calling Sebastian his lover. It just feels out of character, sudden, and forced for Byron to shift his personality from moment to moment.
- I didn't like how Byron's financial situation was played out. He acted like he was living paycheck to paycheck and in dire financial straights, but he had financial buffers that other people don't. He draws a salary of six figures, yes he has severe expenses because of his brother and mother's care, but he also had the money coming to him from Sebastian, and severance pay. It's hard to be sympathetic of his financial problems when he basically gasps and wails in despair like a Victorian character when he still has a financial bubble.
- At one point, Byron is suggesting a business idea. I don't like how the author is being vague about what this proposal of Byron's is. It feels like a cop out that the author is avoiding giving details. It also feels like Byron is using Sebastian's feelings for him, expecting his idea to be given more priority and then penalizing Sebastian for saying no to him by canceling their date
- There isn't a lot of sensuality or sexual tension in this book. They just flip a switch and throw themselves into sex without any buildup. I'm not a fan, it seems cold.
- Neither of the characters had good judgment, so I didn't really respect them for their personal choices and business sense.
- You know those completely trite over the top moments in a romcom that make you cringe? This book was full of them:
---- The moment after Byron decides to go all in with Sebastian and tell him the trial dating period is over, he coincidentally is outed as dating Sebastian and doesn't have a choice anymore and then he dumps Sebastian. This is too dramatic of a coincidence
---- The way that Byron is fired so quickly after their relationship is outed is so unrealistic. Sebastian is CEO, his father is owner, yet HR immediately dumps Byron? And they are so concerned about sexual harassment lawsuits Byron might file, when really wrongful termination is what they're doing, because even if Byron wasn't supposed to date a colleague based on his employment contract, what's Sebastian did was a billion times worse.
---- The public grand gestures at the end of the book were so cringy and so trite. Sebastian is publicly broadcasting how great of a person Byron is, to try to salvage his reputation and stand up for him. And Byron is doing a mad Dash to get to Sebastian, to prevent him from leaving on an airplane to Paris! So cheesy, it makes me want to gag.
Some notable moments:
"“But didn’t I…” I swallowed hard and dropped my voice to a whisper. “Didn’t I kiss you?” Sebastian’s handsome face morphed from one of worry to a devilish expression of pure glee. “So, you remember that?” “Oh gawd,” I groaned, covering my face with my hands. It really had happened."
"“Wait!” I shouted. “Rip a seam, lose a single button, and I won’t let you fuck me. I’ll make you watch as I fuck myself with a dildo and I won’t let you touch yourself,” I threatened, not believing for a second that I’d be able to go through with it. Sebastian’s hand clamped on my wrist suddenly, stopping me from stroking him. He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his teeth as if he were struggling to regain control. “Um…” He swallowed hard. “Could we circle back to that idea someday? The dildo part.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
I know this book was supposed to lighthearted and fun but for me it was pretty dark and sad. This isn’t a love story this is a cautionary tale.
Abuse of power and thinking you are above the laws and regulations of your own company is pretty gross. Just because you do it out of love doesn’t make it better either. You know you have a guy who depends on a paycheck and is desperate but you do nothing to protect him. Ick. That’s not love that’s selfish narcissistic behavior.
Red flags 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
Sebastian was a predator and preyed on a despairing man. He made the situation worse. Byron has been a doormat his whole life and nothing changed. This book was just super sad and depressing. That little scene at the end was emotionally manipulative that made me think Sebastian was clearly a sociopath. Ick. 🤮🤮🤮
Abuse of power and thinking you are above the laws and regulations of your own company is pretty gross. Just because you do it out of love doesn’t make it better either. You know you have a guy who depends on a paycheck and is desperate but you do nothing to protect him. Ick. That’s not love that’s selfish narcissistic behavior.
Red flags 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
Sebastian was a predator and preyed on a despairing man. He made the situation worse. Byron has been a doormat his whole life and nothing changed. This book was just super sad and depressing. That little scene at the end was emotionally manipulative that made me think Sebastian was clearly a sociopath. Ick. 🤮🤮🤮
July 12, 2025
Bit dramatic but not too overly so
3.5*
There were lots of this I liked but the big tension causing moment was telegraphed from the start, meaning when it finally happened, the impact was lessened.
Whenever there's a disparity in both status and wealth between a pair, the line stopping things becoming overly 'Cinderella/Pretty Woman' is very fine.
I'm not sure it was always walked as tightly as it should have been here, Sebastian definitely should have done more than he did given the circumstances.
But, I liked both men so I'm willing to let a fair bit slide because I was happy with them making it.
3.5*
There were lots of this I liked but the big tension causing moment was telegraphed from the start, meaning when it finally happened, the impact was lessened.
Whenever there's a disparity in both status and wealth between a pair, the line stopping things becoming overly 'Cinderella/Pretty Woman' is very fine.
I'm not sure it was always walked as tightly as it should have been here, Sebastian definitely should have done more than he did given the circumstances.
But, I liked both men so I'm willing to let a fair bit slide because I was happy with them making it.
April 22, 2025
‘When I’d first begun working as the executive assistant to Sebastian Courtland at Courtland Enterprises, I’d thought my boss was a god. Complete with a shining aura and inhuman good looks, full of benevolence and compassion. After a few months, I’d discovered he was more like Loki—a being filled with chaos and mischief, out to make my life a nightmare. Three years later, he was still Loki.’
First chapter was great , I’m hooked 🤣 and great role reversal twist of having the boss as the golden retriever energy and his assistant all business and uptight.
I know a Sharon Rogers and she is lovely 🤣
Byron has a lot of family responsibilities and financial pressures from said family. He is totally unaware his boss, Sebastian , has been pining away for him since he started working.
Sebastian thinks Byron is adorable, sexy and he’s so damn good at his job that he’s off limits. There’s also that pesky
employee handbook, with that rule stating managers can’t date their direct reports… 🤷🏻♀️
‘A loud, gut-twisting moan left me. My knees gave out, and I sank to the floor and curled up into a ball like a tiny gray pill bug. Not only had I gotten drunk in my boss’s office and kissed him, but to top it all off, I’d puked on him as well. “Byron,” Sebastian said, and I swore I could hear laughter in his voice. “Just leave me here to die,” I groaned into the thick, cream-colored carpet. “One bad day, and I’ve committed career suicide.”’
This book is hilarious. We have now established a mutual attraction between the MC’s.
There’s a ‘friend egg’ which is actually a decorative shiny grey marble egg.
Ahh that billionaire life , jetting off to foreign countries at a whim, your own private in-house library … unfortunately for Sebastian he’s on a non-date with his friend Byron so no extravagant outpourings of affection.
Sebastian and I are both shocked that Byron’s 6 figure salary has him living in a shoebox apartment on the wrong side of town. Wow, he wasn’t joking about those financial family responsibilities.
Oh yeah… he lives in America with their ridiculous and frankly scary healthcare system .
Sebastian asks Byron out.
‘Wonderful. Just wonderful. I’d asked him out on a date and killed him.’
Byron is like “it’s expressly forbidden in the employee handbook. If anyone found out, I’d lose my job.”
Dude needs his job and is not looking to be a sugar baby . Why Byron??
Sebastian argues his case, using sexy words like mitigate and risk reward 🤣
“Go on ten dates with me in exchange for ten years of your brother’s care.” “What?” I’m also like whaaaat??
Sebastian- you have it baaaad.
Byron eventually agrees.
Well… I think that first date ended successfully 🤣
Sebastian’s friend and colleague, Declan, reminds him about the company rule. I’m getting the impression that this company rule is going to become a BIG THING towards the end of the book.
Sebastian attempts to cook dinner on date number three but well… he’s great at other things .
Date number five has Byron meeting Sebastian’s mother who thinks he’s a gold digger. Sebastian is like but I love him Mummy . 🤣 no he doesn’t say Mummy but yes he says he loves Byron and he’s all he wants. Sebastian declares that in year he will be her son-in-law!
‘She pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a groan. “You exhaust me, child.”
Apparently Sebastian is putting the family company in danger by dating Byron .
The next date is introducing Sebastian to Byrons foul-mouthed, foul-tempered, alcoholic mother. Oh and she hates the gays. So that was a fun date.
Their secret relationship is exposed. Byron is fired and left heartbroken. His life is falling apart. Sebastian did not save him, even though he wanted to. Byron needs a relationship break but Sebastian says he’s not giving up on them.
It all works out in the end, better then ever and it’s a happily ever after.
“I love you.” The words tumbled from my lips and hung trembling in the air between us. “I love you, Byron. With all that I am. I love you.” “I love you, too. Never let me go again. No matter what stupid things I say.”
First chapter was great , I’m hooked 🤣 and great role reversal twist of having the boss as the golden retriever energy and his assistant all business and uptight.
I know a Sharon Rogers and she is lovely 🤣
Byron has a lot of family responsibilities and financial pressures from said family. He is totally unaware his boss, Sebastian , has been pining away for him since he started working.
Sebastian thinks Byron is adorable, sexy and he’s so damn good at his job that he’s off limits. There’s also that pesky
employee handbook, with that rule stating managers can’t date their direct reports… 🤷🏻♀️
‘A loud, gut-twisting moan left me. My knees gave out, and I sank to the floor and curled up into a ball like a tiny gray pill bug. Not only had I gotten drunk in my boss’s office and kissed him, but to top it all off, I’d puked on him as well. “Byron,” Sebastian said, and I swore I could hear laughter in his voice. “Just leave me here to die,” I groaned into the thick, cream-colored carpet. “One bad day, and I’ve committed career suicide.”’
This book is hilarious. We have now established a mutual attraction between the MC’s.
There’s a ‘friend egg’ which is actually a decorative shiny grey marble egg.
Ahh that billionaire life , jetting off to foreign countries at a whim, your own private in-house library … unfortunately for Sebastian he’s on a non-date with his friend Byron so no extravagant outpourings of affection.
Sebastian and I are both shocked that Byron’s 6 figure salary has him living in a shoebox apartment on the wrong side of town. Wow, he wasn’t joking about those financial family responsibilities.
Oh yeah… he lives in America with their ridiculous and frankly scary healthcare system .
Sebastian asks Byron out.
‘Wonderful. Just wonderful. I’d asked him out on a date and killed him.’
Byron is like “it’s expressly forbidden in the employee handbook. If anyone found out, I’d lose my job.”
Dude needs his job and is not looking to be a sugar baby . Why Byron??
Sebastian argues his case, using sexy words like mitigate and risk reward 🤣
“Go on ten dates with me in exchange for ten years of your brother’s care.” “What?” I’m also like whaaaat??
Sebastian- you have it baaaad.
Byron eventually agrees.
Well… I think that first date ended successfully 🤣
Sebastian’s friend and colleague, Declan, reminds him about the company rule. I’m getting the impression that this company rule is going to become a BIG THING towards the end of the book.
Sebastian attempts to cook dinner on date number three but well… he’s great at other things .
Date number five has Byron meeting Sebastian’s mother who thinks he’s a gold digger. Sebastian is like but I love him Mummy . 🤣 no he doesn’t say Mummy but yes he says he loves Byron and he’s all he wants. Sebastian declares that in year he will be her son-in-law!
‘She pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a groan. “You exhaust me, child.”
Apparently Sebastian is putting the family company in danger by dating Byron .
The next date is introducing Sebastian to Byrons foul-mouthed, foul-tempered, alcoholic mother. Oh and she hates the gays. So that was a fun date.
Their secret relationship is exposed. Byron is fired and left heartbroken. His life is falling apart. Sebastian did not save him, even though he wanted to. Byron needs a relationship break but Sebastian says he’s not giving up on them.
It all works out in the end, better then ever and it’s a happily ever after.
“I love you.” The words tumbled from my lips and hung trembling in the air between us. “I love you, Byron. With all that I am. I love you.” “I love you, too. Never let me go again. No matter what stupid things I say.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
Sebastian is a cheeky chappy, and he makes the story entertaining. Byron is carrying a lot on his shoulders, but he’s still fun and a horny little bugger. I’ve found this to be a little predictable but fun. It’s entirely OTT and rather dramatic at times but still enjoyable; sometimes a bit of cheese is just what we need.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
————-
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
April 10, 2025
This was fun. Sebastian is an excitable golden retriever of a man, made even more exuberant by being rich. And Byron is very much the leash he needs without being a stiff or dry person. They make for a cute couple and a fun dynamic. I really enjoyed them
April 8, 2025
It feels a little strange to read a Jocelynn Drake book that isn't paranormal or full of action and adventure. The Bargain is a fun romcom with a golden retriever boss who falls so hard for his assistant it's a wonder he doesn't break something and an Executive Assistant who is so far into denial he needs a map to find his way home. At times sad, at others laugh out loud funny and always steamy, this is a great new story from a well established author - PS don't miss the free bonus story at the end.
did-not-finish
April 12, 2025DNF @ 41% - This isn’t bad, but I’m not finding it particularly interesting.
April 16, 2025
A cute contemporary romance. it had shining moments and it had boring moments.
April 29, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the new Executive Suite Secrets series by Jocelynn Drake, and the premise had me quick to pick it up. This story has a lot of classic rom-com feel, with banter and silliness, combined with some weight to give it balance. The MCs have great chemistry from the start and that only grows as the story progresses. There are some heavier topics in this story, especially when it comes to Byron’s family, but they don’t take up too much page time.
It had its fun moments and both the MCs are well drawn. The author introduced the rest of the friend group, who will presumably continue this series, and hinted at at least one plot line to come. I’m definitely looking forward to what this author has in store for the rest of the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the new Executive Suite Secrets series by Jocelynn Drake, and the premise had me quick to pick it up. This story has a lot of classic rom-com feel, with banter and silliness, combined with some weight to give it balance. The MCs have great chemistry from the start and that only grows as the story progresses. There are some heavier topics in this story, especially when it comes to Byron’s family, but they don’t take up too much page time.
It had its fun moments and both the MCs are well drawn. The author introduced the rest of the friend group, who will presumably continue this series, and hinted at at least one plot line to come. I’m definitely looking forward to what this author has in store for the rest of the series.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
April 11, 2025
"𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚏*𝚌𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢, 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚠𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚏 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛."
From the moment this book began, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Like Byron, I was utterly charmed immediately by Sebastian's bright personality and playful nature. He may be the CEO of Courtland Enterprises, but Sebastian is also a mischievous little shit. A mischievous little shit who also tends to pout when he isn't getting his way.
"𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚗. 𝙸'𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏*𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎."
Byron is more reserved than Sebastian, especially when he's in a professional setting. His skills are known throughout Courtland Enterprises and more than one person has tried to poach him from his position as Sebastian's Executive Assistant. And despite the fact that Sebastian has had a massive crush on his assistant for years, he's also smart enough to know that giving up such a competent assistant would be a mistake. If only he knew.
I felt really bad for Byron a lot in this book. He's been the only one responsible for his families' needs and it's basically drowning him financially. Then, when Sebastian finally wears him down into agreeing to see where their chemistry leads, it's Byron who knows if things go sideways, he will be the one to lose it all. It's against office policy to date a superior and if it came down to the CEO or an executive assistant, who do you think the company is going to come down harder on?
Sebastian's friends were a definite highlight and that's a good thing as I'm pretty sure they are going to be the future MCs of this series. They are a strange mix of personalities, but you can tell they all care about one another. I'm looking forward to Declan's story in The Complication next!
From the moment this book began, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Like Byron, I was utterly charmed immediately by Sebastian's bright personality and playful nature. He may be the CEO of Courtland Enterprises, but Sebastian is also a mischievous little shit. A mischievous little shit who also tends to pout when he isn't getting his way.
"𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚗. 𝙸'𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏*𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎."
Byron is more reserved than Sebastian, especially when he's in a professional setting. His skills are known throughout Courtland Enterprises and more than one person has tried to poach him from his position as Sebastian's Executive Assistant. And despite the fact that Sebastian has had a massive crush on his assistant for years, he's also smart enough to know that giving up such a competent assistant would be a mistake. If only he knew.
I felt really bad for Byron a lot in this book. He's been the only one responsible for his families' needs and it's basically drowning him financially. Then, when Sebastian finally wears him down into agreeing to see where their chemistry leads, it's Byron who knows if things go sideways, he will be the one to lose it all. It's against office policy to date a superior and if it came down to the CEO or an executive assistant, who do you think the company is going to come down harder on?
Sebastian's friends were a definite highlight and that's a good thing as I'm pretty sure they are going to be the future MCs of this series. They are a strange mix of personalities, but you can tell they all care about one another. I'm looking forward to Declan's story in The Complication next!
April 7, 2025
I’ve read more than a few boss/assistant style office romances and because of that, I wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary with this one. And to an extent, that’s true. It checked all the boxes I wanted it to, but it also…I don’t want to say surprised me, but exceeded expectations, I guess. (translation: I massively enjoyed this book)
What struck me the most was the way consent was handled. I’m not even totally sure that’s the word I want to be using. Sebastian was so understanding and aware of the power imbalance a relationship with Byron would create. Or at least, he thought he was. He tried to be? I don’t know. But that whole snarly concept did amazing things for the plot and character development. I adore how Sebastian had to have his eyes opened about certain things (look, no spoilers, okay?). The best part? He was always willing to learn from his mistakes and admit that mistakes happened. I love that.
I didn’t expect to want to shake Byron as often as I did, though. I think a lot of that was the juxtaposition of looking at him and the story as purely fictional versus considering how he’d feel and react if it were all real. I want to say that a lot of the things that irked me were genuine real-life things that fiction-loving-me didn’t want to have to think about. Which leads me to: this book made me think deeply about things the average romance novel doesn’t. This is not a bad thing, just unexpected (it shouldn't have been, though, since I'm passing familiar with this author's other work).
When I wasn’t having heavy thoughts, though, I was thoroughly enjoying the story just for story’s sake. I can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of Sebastian’s friends (as I assume they’ll be the subject of the rest of the series). I have some theories about one or two of them and am excited to see if I’m at all correct.
Jocelynn Drake is an amazing author. I adore several series she’s written in the past and was not at all shocked to enjoy this one as much as I did. If you want an emotional ride toward a sweet and well-deserved happy ending, you’ll find it in these pages.
What struck me the most was the way consent was handled. I’m not even totally sure that’s the word I want to be using. Sebastian was so understanding and aware of the power imbalance a relationship with Byron would create. Or at least, he thought he was. He tried to be? I don’t know. But that whole snarly concept did amazing things for the plot and character development. I adore how Sebastian had to have his eyes opened about certain things (look, no spoilers, okay?). The best part? He was always willing to learn from his mistakes and admit that mistakes happened. I love that.
I didn’t expect to want to shake Byron as often as I did, though. I think a lot of that was the juxtaposition of looking at him and the story as purely fictional versus considering how he’d feel and react if it were all real. I want to say that a lot of the things that irked me were genuine real-life things that fiction-loving-me didn’t want to have to think about. Which leads me to: this book made me think deeply about things the average romance novel doesn’t. This is not a bad thing, just unexpected (it shouldn't have been, though, since I'm passing familiar with this author's other work).
When I wasn’t having heavy thoughts, though, I was thoroughly enjoying the story just for story’s sake. I can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of Sebastian’s friends (as I assume they’ll be the subject of the rest of the series). I have some theories about one or two of them and am excited to see if I’m at all correct.
Jocelynn Drake is an amazing author. I adore several series she’s written in the past and was not at all shocked to enjoy this one as much as I did. If you want an emotional ride toward a sweet and well-deserved happy ending, you’ll find it in these pages.
April 24, 2025
3.5 stars.
April 17, 2025
Thank you to Jocelynn Drake and Gay Romance Reviews for the digital ARC of this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I've been a fan of Jocelynn Drake's fantasy/paranormal romance books, so I was excited to see what she would do with a standard MM romance. I love love love a good golden retriever and a good boss/employee trope so I went into this with higher expectations. There were a lot of thing to like about this book. Byron is a hardworking and caring person. I might even say too caring, especially in regards to his relationship with his mother. Those scenes were hard to read and I just wanted to give him a hug and also convince him that he didn't deserve to be treated that way. Sebastian is a rich golden retriever boss who has been in love with Byron the whole time they've worked together and he just wants to help him out and be the one to take care of him. I enjoyed the characters a lot.
I hate to say it, but my biggest problem with the book was the plot. I just didn't get it. The bargain that the whole book is based around didn't make sense to me from the very beginning. Both characters ignore all of the reasons why this is a terrible plan and just keep hiding their head in the sand about all of the very real ramifications of what they're doing. That was hard to swallow and hard for me to get past, since it's really the whole premise of the book. I kept wishing that they had come up with a different bargain or a different way to explore what was between them, because I do actually feel like they are really great together.
I've been a fan of Jocelynn Drake's fantasy/paranormal romance books, so I was excited to see what she would do with a standard MM romance. I love love love a good golden retriever and a good boss/employee trope so I went into this with higher expectations. There were a lot of thing to like about this book. Byron is a hardworking and caring person. I might even say too caring, especially in regards to his relationship with his mother. Those scenes were hard to read and I just wanted to give him a hug and also convince him that he didn't deserve to be treated that way. Sebastian is a rich golden retriever boss who has been in love with Byron the whole time they've worked together and he just wants to help him out and be the one to take care of him. I enjoyed the characters a lot.
I hate to say it, but my biggest problem with the book was the plot. I just didn't get it. The bargain that the whole book is based around didn't make sense to me from the very beginning. Both characters ignore all of the reasons why this is a terrible plan and just keep hiding their head in the sand about all of the very real ramifications of what they're doing. That was hard to swallow and hard for me to get past, since it's really the whole premise of the book. I kept wishing that they had come up with a different bargain or a different way to explore what was between them, because I do actually feel like they are really great together.
April 23, 2025
great start
I have been a fan of this author for a while. As an Ohio native seeing characters move through my home town has been such a delight. I love seeing folks out and about in Cincinnati. This seems like it’s going to be a great series. This author does friend group stories really well. Shiver is one of my favorite. This series seems similar minus the suspense. I’m not complaining at all cause what a great series.
Sabastian is such a golden retriever. Which is refreshing in this troupe. I love how this couple fell in love with each other and got to know each other better. Meeting the friends was great I’m excited to see them get their HEA. The writing was great the smexy was great I really really hope we get some diversity in this series this time. Black/Brown and other POC ARE in Cincinnati. I grew up there I should know.
For future me:
Dual POV
No cheating/sharing
No om/ow drama
On page roles
Relationship before smexy
Hoping for diversity in this group of friends
I have been a fan of this author for a while. As an Ohio native seeing characters move through my home town has been such a delight. I love seeing folks out and about in Cincinnati. This seems like it’s going to be a great series. This author does friend group stories really well. Shiver is one of my favorite. This series seems similar minus the suspense. I’m not complaining at all cause what a great series.
Sabastian is such a golden retriever. Which is refreshing in this troupe. I love how this couple fell in love with each other and got to know each other better. Meeting the friends was great I’m excited to see them get their HEA. The writing was great the smexy was great I really really hope we get some diversity in this series this time. Black/Brown and other POC ARE in Cincinnati. I grew up there I should know.
For future me:
Dual POV
No cheating/sharing
No om/ow drama
On page roles
Relationship before smexy
Hoping for diversity in this group of friends
September 12, 2025
It was a quick, easy read that was kind of cute, but also kind of concerning. I mean, I understand getting distracted by love, but the way Byron just threw all caution to the wind was not the way this character was portrayed. He's described as insanely responsible, professional and efficient and yet he so easily drops his responsibilities for a possibility of a relationship? If this was going to be a relationship on even footing, the minute Sebastian decided to pursue him, he should've been ready to move him over to Declan, let him be his assistant.
Also....not a fan of the billboard and loudspeaker apology. It's like those Kiss-Cam proposals at sports venues: it's like the person proposing (or in Sebastian's case, apologizing) is setting up a situation where it's almost impossible for the person to say no without looking like a jerk. Those proposals always seemed manipulative and icky to me and the apology in this came off in a similar way.
Also....not a fan of the billboard and loudspeaker apology. It's like those Kiss-Cam proposals at sports venues: it's like the person proposing (or in Sebastian's case, apologizing) is setting up a situation where it's almost impossible for the person to say no without looking like a jerk. Those proposals always seemed manipulative and icky to me and the apology in this came off in a similar way.
April 9, 2025
This story was good. My only problem is that Sebastian is a bit too cavalier with the possible consequences of him and Byron dating. They really are perfect together but he should have been a bit more aware of what could happen to Byron. Byron isn’t without fault either but Sebastian is used to throwing money at things to fix it. You can’t do that with everything. Sebastian is a total sweetheart but he is a bit clueless about life sometimes. Byron deserves all the good things. I want to smack Sebastian’s dad around a little but I kinda get where he was coming from. I would love a glimpse of them a little further into the future. I also can’t wait to see the other men in Sebastian’s little band of brothers find their HEA’s.
April 23, 2025
This one was cute, you could clearly see the attraction between the couple. I thought they did a great job of ignoring things for 3 years before anything happened. Interesting how Bryon knew so much 0f Sebastian's life, but he had not clue about Bryon's. Between that and the whole company policy I knew when things blew up (and they would) it would be ugly and it was. I felt for Bryon. He had so much riding on his shoulders and he too the brunt of all the bad things to come out.
It took a bit, but things did change for Bryon and with a bit of time and thinking of things, along with actions by Sebastian, Bryon knew where he stood. It was nice to see the two of them happy at the end and looks like they will thrive in their jobs, now that they aren't so connected.
It took a bit, but things did change for Bryon and with a bit of time and thinking of things, along with actions by Sebastian, Bryon knew where he stood. It was nice to see the two of them happy at the end and looks like they will thrive in their jobs, now that they aren't so connected.
April 17, 2025
3.5 stars. An uneven read, like the author didn't know what kind of book to write. Sometimes it felt like a romantic comedy and the next a serious emotional story. It gave me a bit of whiplash sometimes. Sebastian was an absolute sweetheart, but I couldn't get a good grip on Byron's character.
I'm curious about Declan's book and I realise now that Kaylan's story is in the last Heart2Heart book.
I'm curious about Declan's book and I realise now that Kaylan's story is in the last Heart2Heart book.
June 28, 2025
A gorgeous book to read. A great story that is told over 2 months with them finding love with turbulence but they find their HEA ending. I loved both characters in this as well as their friends. As we all know secrets have a way of coming out too soon as Seb and Bryon find out.
my full blog review
my full blog review
July 31, 2025
Sigh
This type of plot aren't really my thing tbh, but I love Drake's books and I hate to read series or trilogies skipping a book so I read it. Sadly, it wasn't really for me.
The condition at the beginning of the relationship, the obvious drama/twist it was headed for and the sorry I knew was going to happen are not really those I personally enjoy.
I'll read the other two books bc as I've said, I love Drake's writing, and hope the others are more my cuppa.
Happy reading!
This type of plot aren't really my thing tbh, but I love Drake's books and I hate to read series or trilogies skipping a book so I read it. Sadly, it wasn't really for me.
The condition at the beginning of the relationship, the obvious drama/twist it was headed for and the sorry I knew was going to happen are not really those I personally enjoy.
I'll read the other two books bc as I've said, I love Drake's writing, and hope the others are more my cuppa.
Happy reading!
May 21, 2025
Enjoyable
Fun characters and swooniness abound as four friends find new love in Cincinnati.
Book 1 CEO Sebastián + his executive assistant, Byron, take their working relationship to a whole 'nother level. A little predictable but also some lovely surprises.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, standalone, boss/employee
Fun characters and swooniness abound as four friends find new love in Cincinnati.
Book 1 CEO Sebastián + his executive assistant, Byron, take their working relationship to a whole 'nother level. A little predictable but also some lovely surprises.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, standalone, boss/employee
May 6, 2025
Byron and Sebastian ❤️
✅ Boss/ Employee
✅ Sweet
✅ Sexy
so much fun!! Adorable couple!!! This is a super sincere relationship build, honestly I loved every thing about this book. I recommend!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
✅ Boss/ Employee
✅ Sweet
✅ Sexy
so much fun!! Adorable couple!!! This is a super sincere relationship build, honestly I loved every thing about this book. I recommend!!
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
July 19, 2025
2.5
meh. just an ok read, not much characters development, not a shred of originality in the plot.
meh. just an ok read, not much characters development, not a shred of originality in the plot.
December 16, 2025
I want very interested in most of this. I mostly skimmed it honestly
May 25, 2025
Loved it!
Sebastian has had a crush on his assistant for over three years, but because of company policy, he can't date him. Byron, in turn, has had a crush on Sebastian for the same time. They break the policy by secretly dating, but they are caught, and all hell breaks loose. As a result, Byron is fired but another door will open for him.
Sebastian has had a crush on his assistant for over three years, but because of company policy, he can't date him. Byron, in turn, has had a crush on Sebastian for the same time. They break the policy by secretly dating, but they are caught, and all hell breaks loose. As a result, Byron is fired but another door will open for him.
April 17, 2025
Really Enjoyed This ❤️
I really enjoyed this book. It’s been a while since I have read a Jocelynn Drake book and it was so good to be back. She was one of my most read authors and I adored the Unbreakable Bonds series written with Rinda Elliott as well as the Ward Security series and Exit Strategy but as I’m not into dragons and fantasy I found other authors but after reading this book and remembering how well she writes, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I adored Sebastian. So full of excitable energy, funny and hard working, the CEO of the family business and a billionaire. He relied so much on his assistant Byron to keep him in line and steer him around glass doors!
Byron was dependable, hard working and loyal and very good at his job and Sebastian
had a massive crush on him which he had managed to keep under wraps, except to his closest friends, for 3 years. What he didn’t know was that the professional Byron had been crushing on him for 3 years as well.
The day they dropped their professionalism their chemistry was off the charts and there was no going back. It was also the day Sebastian made Byron an offer he couldn’t possibly refuse. Sebastian adored him and tried so hard to be everything Byron needed but with his enthusiasm he didn’t always get it right and after promising Byron over and over that he would always look after him, Byron’s world falls apart the day their relationship becomes public knowledge and he suffers the consequences.
Byron has the weight of the world on his shoulders, his dysfunctional family, an alcoholic mother who hates him and his brother needing round the clock care after an accident left him brain damaged, and he looks after them both, takes his anger and disappointment out on Sebastian and lets his pride get in the way, but love always finds a way and these two deserve a HEA.
The supporting characters are interesting and shaping up to be exciting for the next books in the series.
A beautifully written book with great characters and a forbidden romance, and I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s been a while since I have read a Jocelynn Drake book and it was so good to be back. She was one of my most read authors and I adored the Unbreakable Bonds series written with Rinda Elliott as well as the Ward Security series and Exit Strategy but as I’m not into dragons and fantasy I found other authors but after reading this book and remembering how well she writes, I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I adored Sebastian. So full of excitable energy, funny and hard working, the CEO of the family business and a billionaire. He relied so much on his assistant Byron to keep him in line and steer him around glass doors!
Byron was dependable, hard working and loyal and very good at his job and Sebastian
had a massive crush on him which he had managed to keep under wraps, except to his closest friends, for 3 years. What he didn’t know was that the professional Byron had been crushing on him for 3 years as well.
The day they dropped their professionalism their chemistry was off the charts and there was no going back. It was also the day Sebastian made Byron an offer he couldn’t possibly refuse. Sebastian adored him and tried so hard to be everything Byron needed but with his enthusiasm he didn’t always get it right and after promising Byron over and over that he would always look after him, Byron’s world falls apart the day their relationship becomes public knowledge and he suffers the consequences.
Byron has the weight of the world on his shoulders, his dysfunctional family, an alcoholic mother who hates him and his brother needing round the clock care after an accident left him brain damaged, and he looks after them both, takes his anger and disappointment out on Sebastian and lets his pride get in the way, but love always finds a way and these two deserve a HEA.
The supporting characters are interesting and shaping up to be exciting for the next books in the series.
A beautifully written book with great characters and a forbidden romance, and I highly recommend it.
August 26, 2025
Le Sigh or Why Rugs To Riches Stories Don’t Work Like They Used To In The Year of Our Lord 2025
You don’t have to have read the Communist Manifesto to know what’s wrong with this particular story, you just have to exist on planet Earth for more than a week. I read romance books to escape not to do critical discourse analysis but alas this book brought me to my knees despite my original intentions to just go with the flow. See, I don’t want to be a hypocrite, I do read and sometimes enjoy the trope but in this day and age such is the state of the world that the author must work extra hard to sell it to me and most just don’t. Let’s break this down.
First and foremost, let’s be honest with ourselves for a minute here. There are no ethical billionaires. Again, for those in the back. There.are.no.ethical.billionaires. To put things in perspective here, one million seconds is about 12 days while one billion seconds is about 32 years, one million minutes ago was approximately 2 years ago while one billion minutes ago was the year 114 AD! You get the gist… In order to make billions of dollars you haven’t just worked hard. You have exploited workers and resources so forgive me if I don’t buy the golden retriever billionaire schtick…
Case in point. Byron is the direct subordinate to the CEO of a multibillion company, he works insane hours and has immense responsibility within said company. Yet he barely affords to live while taking care of his disabled brother and alcoholic mother. He lives in a shoebox, sleeping on a futon and has a cardboard box for a table! No, just no! For this story to work, for me to suspend disbelief and truly buy that despite my knowledge of the corporate world this one company is the ethical paradise that the author wants me to believe it is, Byron should afford at least to live in dignity!
So, already from the start I am reminded constantly of the grave injustices in our society and then comes… The Bargain. Oh boy! Trading years of your brother’s quality healthcare for dates with your boss… It’s ok guys, the boss is sexy, nothing to see here! Nothing dystopian about this, nothing unethical, everything is honkey dory, again the boss is sexy, we actually want him to cajole us in a relationship, don’t we?
Which gets me to my next point that Sebastian is an irresponsible manchild with absolutely no grasp on reality and a Peter Pan like attitude. Putting the bargain for a moment aside, dating within the workplace is a tale as old as time. And yes dating your direct subordinate is a bit iffy but let’s put that aside for a moment too and accept the premise of this book as true, that this was a 100% consensual relationship. Sebastian did have a responsibility to protect Byron! But he didn’t! Why? Because he is a selfish manchild!
And pray tell what happens next… Does Byron get canned from his job with a “generous” severance package of two months’ pay and Sebastian, the golden boy, gets a slap on the wrist? Yes, you say? And does Byron blame himself and considers the possibility of suing the company unethical and his firing justified while his boss got away with an apology? What, is that a yes again? What on God’s Green Earth is this serf mentality!? What. How. Why. I am at a loss for words. That it is not questioned for even a minute how deeply unjustified and unethical it is for a company to just fire an employee for having a relationship in the workplace without even considering other options while their boss, the one with all the power and responsibility just takes a vacation for a week. What are we doing here? Are we trying to radicalize the masses?
And of course, of f*ching course, everything in the end is tied with a golden bow because after six dates and some decent sex these guys love each other. And Sebastian’s mother gave a job to Byron which again move on, nothing to see here! At this point I got a headache from trying not to start a workers’ revolution all on my own. I don’t read romance to be reminded that the world is shit, I read romance to forget it!
So to all the authors out there here’s my unsolicited advice. Please, if you want to write books with power and economic disparities between the protagonists, do a better job! We are not in the 90’s anymore Toto.
You don’t have to have read the Communist Manifesto to know what’s wrong with this particular story, you just have to exist on planet Earth for more than a week. I read romance books to escape not to do critical discourse analysis but alas this book brought me to my knees despite my original intentions to just go with the flow. See, I don’t want to be a hypocrite, I do read and sometimes enjoy the trope but in this day and age such is the state of the world that the author must work extra hard to sell it to me and most just don’t. Let’s break this down.
First and foremost, let’s be honest with ourselves for a minute here. There are no ethical billionaires. Again, for those in the back. There.are.no.ethical.billionaires. To put things in perspective here, one million seconds is about 12 days while one billion seconds is about 32 years, one million minutes ago was approximately 2 years ago while one billion minutes ago was the year 114 AD! You get the gist… In order to make billions of dollars you haven’t just worked hard. You have exploited workers and resources so forgive me if I don’t buy the golden retriever billionaire schtick…
Case in point. Byron is the direct subordinate to the CEO of a multibillion company, he works insane hours and has immense responsibility within said company. Yet he barely affords to live while taking care of his disabled brother and alcoholic mother. He lives in a shoebox, sleeping on a futon and has a cardboard box for a table! No, just no! For this story to work, for me to suspend disbelief and truly buy that despite my knowledge of the corporate world this one company is the ethical paradise that the author wants me to believe it is, Byron should afford at least to live in dignity!
So, already from the start I am reminded constantly of the grave injustices in our society and then comes… The Bargain. Oh boy! Trading years of your brother’s quality healthcare for dates with your boss… It’s ok guys, the boss is sexy, nothing to see here! Nothing dystopian about this, nothing unethical, everything is honkey dory, again the boss is sexy, we actually want him to cajole us in a relationship, don’t we?
Which gets me to my next point that Sebastian is an irresponsible manchild with absolutely no grasp on reality and a Peter Pan like attitude. Putting the bargain for a moment aside, dating within the workplace is a tale as old as time. And yes dating your direct subordinate is a bit iffy but let’s put that aside for a moment too and accept the premise of this book as true, that this was a 100% consensual relationship. Sebastian did have a responsibility to protect Byron! But he didn’t! Why? Because he is a selfish manchild!
And pray tell what happens next… Does Byron get canned from his job with a “generous” severance package of two months’ pay and Sebastian, the golden boy, gets a slap on the wrist? Yes, you say? And does Byron blame himself and considers the possibility of suing the company unethical and his firing justified while his boss got away with an apology? What, is that a yes again? What on God’s Green Earth is this serf mentality!? What. How. Why. I am at a loss for words. That it is not questioned for even a minute how deeply unjustified and unethical it is for a company to just fire an employee for having a relationship in the workplace without even considering other options while their boss, the one with all the power and responsibility just takes a vacation for a week. What are we doing here? Are we trying to radicalize the masses?
And of course, of f*ching course, everything in the end is tied with a golden bow because after six dates and some decent sex these guys love each other. And Sebastian’s mother gave a job to Byron which again move on, nothing to see here! At this point I got a headache from trying not to start a workers’ revolution all on my own. I don’t read romance to be reminded that the world is shit, I read romance to forget it!
So to all the authors out there here’s my unsolicited advice. Please, if you want to write books with power and economic disparities between the protagonists, do a better job! We are not in the 90’s anymore Toto.
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