Temp

Milford College #5

by Noelle Adams

The last thing Polly wants is to take on a temp job as assistant to the grumpiest VP at Milford College, but she needs to make some extra money for graduate school, and it's the only job available. She'll just have to put up with him for the summer, even after she starts to want him as a lot more than her boss.

Temp is the fifth book in the Milford College series, novellas about the faculty and staff of a small liberal arts college.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn, College, Fiction

198 pages, ebook

First published March 11, 2020

About the author

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Reviews

[Naksed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Goddamn sick and tired of "romances" where heroines have to swallow the shovelful of shit that the reason the "hero" is acting like an ASSHOLE is that he is.... scared of his feelings. He wasn't scared when he was so inappropriately banging you, his convenient temporary personal assistant, on his desk at work after hours, but he was scared the minute he zipped up his pants and sent you home on your walk of shame? Puh-leeze When people show you who they are, believe them. Sometimes an asshole is just an asshole! This fantasy that he dumped you because he is scared of his feelings and he has been suffering miserably ever since and you should go fight for your man is a CROCK :(

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

God bless Noelle Adams, helping me through my reading slump. This just hit the spot for me- loved the workplace romance, loved the grouchy hero, loved it all. Totally worked for me

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread review:
I had forgotten what a wonderfully grumpy hero Liam was. He’s a real bear one moment and then the next he has the sweetest look in his eyes for Polly. Finding that in a growly hero is exactly why I love them. It’s interesting that I really didn’t realize exactly how much I enjoyed this book until I reread it.


Original review:
What a wonderful down to earth romance with real characters and a plot that kept hold of me til the very end.


’And he’s my boss.

My boss.

I’m not supposed to be doing this. I’m not supposed to be feeling this way.

And I have no idea what I’m supposed to do about it.’


When Polly returns to Milford to help care for her mother, she takes a job at the college as a temporary administrative assistant. Learning that her boss is a grumpy, terse man should make her nervous, but she rises to the challenge and meets him head on.





I really connected with Polly, which is something this author is often able to make me do. She’s just been waiting for life to get started, to find a home, somewhere to belong. Although she tends to be the person standing in the corner during social functions, she doesn’t have a problem standing up to Liam. And doing so with a smile on her face.





While I prefer to have the hero’s point of view, this author always manages to convey what he’s experiencing without even a little peek into his mind. It’s a talent that is rarely found, in my opinion. Even though Liam had some alpha tendencies, which I loved, his vulnerabilities were clearly visible even as he grumbled his way through a few irritated words. There was a moment or two I wanted to give him a smack, but he more than made up for it.


’I squeeze him, and his arms tighten around me. He’s big and strong and warm and just a little grumpy. He feels like mine.’






This is one of those books that you read when you have a few hours and want to just sit back and enjoy. The angst is relatively low, the chemistry believable, and the hero and heroine extremely likable. I love a boss/employee troupe and this one did not disappoint.

Heroine POV
Safe h not a virgin; H not a manwhore - wife died 4 yrs ago, uncertain if celibate that whole time but it is known that it’s been a long time since he’s been with anyone - no comparison made between h and deceased wife - no statement that he loves h more than he did wife
Triggers no apparent triggers

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Temp was a quick office romance with a side of forbidden since Polly (h) is temporarily hired to be Liam's (H) assistant. Both Polly and Liam were a bit lonely, Polly because she hadn't quite found her "home" and Liam because he's been a widower for a few years and buried himself in work. Written in first person, single POV of Polly. No ow/om drama (H is not pining for his deceased wife, he does feel some guilt, but there's no drama about that aspect) and neither were virgins (it was implied that both have been celibate for a while; I think H may not have been with anyone since his wife, but he just says it's been a long time).

I liked the attraction between Liam and Polly that grew as they worked together and opened up. I think each made the other one better, which is something I really enjoy in my romance. I did wish that they communicated more, even if part of Liam's personality was being grumpy and part of Polly's was being shy. They were able to share well with each other except when it came to their potential relationship, until they *had* to. Polly sometimes rubbed me the wrong way and Liam had some hang-ups because of his fears of losing someone else, which were understandable. The spiciness level worked for me with it coming more later in the story since they weren't supposed to be together while she was working for him.

Both of their moms appear in the story and made for cute side characters who supported their "kids". There was also a prior heroine in the series who ends up being a friend for Polly who seemed really nice (I haven't read the other books). Most of the story though focuses on Polly and Liam with the side characters just part of the setting. The writing was a bit awkward at times with details included that felt a bit random.

The climax had me frustrated, but the resolution was quick and I'm really happy that there was a chapter showing them together post-her temp job ending before the epilogue. Then the epilogue was a year later with their HEA and was all the sweetness and satisfaction.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 Sterne (= sehr gut, sehr sweet, ein bisschen slowburn-y, knackig erzählt)
Re-Read 08.01.21

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sad this series is over! These novellas have been such delightful morsels. Polly temps for grump Liam while his admin is on maternity leave. I really enjoyed how things developed between them, though I was surprised by how quickly it escalated, especially given the fact that she was still working for him. But it made for some great tension while they waited for her job to end. I wish more attention had been paid to his grief—based on his reactions, therapy would have gone a long way—but all’s well that ends well. (This was a cishet white story.)

Characters: Liam is a 36 year old white college vice president. Polly is a 28 year old white temp and PhD student (ABD in 19th century French literature). This is set in Milford, VA.

Content notes: past death of MMC’s wife (brain embolism 4 years ago), MMC’s wife was unable to have kids, family planning discussion, pregnancy epilogue, FMC’s mother broke her leg (full cast), discussion of workplace sexual harassment, MMC’s assistant is on maternity leave, on page sex, office sex, “female parts” as euphemism, gender essentialism, ableist language, reference to the past death of FMC’s father and stepfather (heart attack)

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Milford College series has showcased a number of romance tropes and with Temp we get a workplace romance. Polly has taken a temp job at the college as an executive assistant to a VP while assisting her mother who is recovering from an injury. She's put her own PhD studies on hold and has never done a job like this before but it's only for a few weeks during a maternity leave for the regular assistant. She gets warnings from other staff that Liam is a bit gruff so she's prepared for his attitude, but understanding why he is that way, having lost his wife a few years earlier, makes it easier for her to be compassionate while still standing up for herself when needed. They develop a good working relationship but there are some sparks between them too, that leads to some kissing and then a sexy night together. Workplace ethics make them both hesitant to continue forward while she still works for him, but they get closer as friends during that time and before you know it, there are decisions to be made about both of their futures when Polly's time as Liam's temp is up. Some sexy scenes, likable and relatable characters and a really lovely romance characterize all of Noelle Adam's books and this is no exception. I've enjoyed the whole series and look forward to whatever the author has coming next!

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.

[Gebby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars~

Pertama kali baca buku Noelle Adams. Cerita yang unik. Suka sama hero yang awal-awal agak pemalu dan di ujung beringas (nah loh). Slow burn banget ceritanya. Tentang hero yang duda ditinggal mati istri yang sakit. Dan dia melarikan diri dengan kerja terus menerus sampai lupa diri, ketemu heroine sebagai asistennya (temporary). Hero yang suka marah-marah dan workaholic parah. Untung heroinenya bisa menghadapi heronya dengan lapang dada (soaonya tampan heronya).

Heronya yang denial banget, dan heroinenya yang tll membatasi diri juga. Happily ever after. Sweet cerita ttg mereka yang pure deh. Absolutely hanya tentang mereka berdua, tak ada jealous, tak ada wanita atau pria lainnya sebagai saingan. Bagaimana mereka mengenali satu sama lain.

[Anne Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polly und Liam begleiten zu können, hat mir viel Spaß gemacht.
Besonders den Schlagabtausch mochte ich sehr.
Die beiden haben die ganze Serie zu einen schönen Ende geführt.
Auch war die Geschichte wieder sehr spannend erzählt und so leicht geschrieben, das man nicht merkt, das man gerade ein Buch auf englisch liest.

Alles in allem kann ich 4 Sterne vergeben.
Die ganze Reihe um das Milford College kommt definitiv für einen Reread infrage.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I’ve only read 2 other books from this series, but they are all stand alone novels. I really want to read the other two. I love how characters from the other books pop up in this one. Noelle creates these cozy little worlds where her characters’ lives intersect. I loved the slow burn relationship between Polly and Liam. They have great chemistry that makes their relationship seem like a natural evolution.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. So, her writing is a bit . . . simplistic at at times, but Adams usually works for me. This time, the “Temp” title was a bit too on the nose, and there’s some squicky boss/employee sex that I don’t think was well plotted. Polly’s mom has some wise words near the end, and I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t live up to earlier books in the series.

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, but a weak showing. The characters were inconsistent and weirdly developed, like they were ad-libbed or something.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I love office romances, and I've read so many boss and assistant romances that I know what kind of character dynamics that work (and do not work) for me. There's an issue of power inbalance that needs to be acknowledged and addressed. In a lot of stories, the hero is usually not-so-kind to the heroine at first. A grumpy asshole who is blunt and direct is okay, but not one who is unprofessional, unreasonable, and manipulative is not. I thought this book handled the characters' dynamics really well. Polly and Liam had hate-to-love vibes because they got into arguments, but their conversations were professional and centered around work; there were no personal verbal attacks and the characters were quick to talk things out.

I was pleased to find that I could relate to a lot of aspects of the heroine's personality, which made it easy to become invested in their relationship. Polly had a good head on her shoulders, and was self-aware and empathetic. Liam was reasonable as a boss and didn't have bad intentions, even though he was rude at times. There was a bit of insta love in the first two chapters, which made me side eye a little, but I was hooked after chapter 3. And I had some issues with some of the things the characters said to one another as a resolution to the climax/their problems, but for the most part, I thought that the book addressed the characters' differences well.

The writing was easy-to-read and the pacing was good. The story is told from Polly's first person present POV. The ending of this book was longer than that of other books by the author that I've read (I've only read like three others) and I really appreciated seeing the characters plan for the future together. I also loved that there was an epilogue (there wasn't one in the other three stories that I've read). I was satisfied with the amount of closure I got.

Overly, I thoroughly enjoyed this. I think it's hard to get a workplace romance right and this got it right. This my favorite Noella Adams novella that I've read so far!

[thewolfisreading]

"Temp" is a quick, wholesome, romantic read.

The hero is a purportedly "abrupt" VP of financial matters at Milford College.

The heroine, a PhD candidate, takes a job as his temporary assistant.

They have an instant attraction (what's a little insta-lust between colleagues?) But they hold themselves back because of their working relationship and their fears of being emotionally vulnerable.

Highlights:
* Hero can be described as "deliciously grouchy" at a time or two.
* Sexy times. “You better hold on to the headboard. You’re going to need extra support for this.”
* “You sure about this, Polly?”; "Okay, honey?" Getting consent = A+
* Punny, thematic tie-ins with the word "temp" at various moments in the story. Noun, adjective, then add a "t" and it becomes the verb "tempt". Points for linguistic creativity.

Oopsies:
* There were a few small things that could use a little editing. For example, the following line could have been really hot:
""I think you probably know." He sounds thick. Amused. Like he’s really enjoying what he’s doing."
His voice should have sounded thick. Or he could have said it thickly. The alternative is sad.
* Sometimes these books can just be a tad too... sweet if you'll excuse the pun. Cf. the time when Liam calls his mom to bring his temp apology cupcakes. And then he carries the darn things to her car for her. Too much.
* "my pretty, poised Polly"
* Over-use of "sh*t" as a curse word. Not an attractive quality in a romance character, in my opinion. What's wrong with a good f-word?

If you haven't yet read a Noelle Adams, rather start where I did with "Carpool". It's also part of the Milford College series and it has that whole enemies-to-lovers thing going for it.

[Vonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will die on The Noelle Adams Hill forever because even for short novellas, she gives us so much story and still can give a good sexy burn. Plus, I've never met a more consistent, quality writer who writes better stories even when they aren't all sweeping me off my feet. I think this doesn't get said enough nor does Noelle get the recognition she deserves!!...dying...on...this...hill...

A nice little comfy book-end to finish off this 5-book series. Basically, Polly takes on a temporary job to a CEO of the College, Liam. Her mom injures her leg, so she comes down to take care of her during the night but work during the day when someone else can watch her. The man she will work for is kind of a tyrant, is a bit off-putting and has literally chased away several temp workers before. His usual Personal Assistant has taken maternity leave and will be back in, like, a month and a half. He's gone through quite a few temps already so she is the office's last resort. Liam's a constant workaholic and is kind of a gruff person when he wants stuff done but he is by no means and outright asshole. He lost his wife about 4yrs ago, so he took this job at Milford College to kind of start a new life after her death.

Polly and Liam start a physical relationship but almost right away, HE has instant regrets, especially since she only has weeks until she no longer works for him. This makes Polly wonder if she should make a permanent move to live and work at Milford or should she return to finish her schooling and just stay there. Of course there are a few rough patches where they've tried to stay away, but still have sex and he messes it up by saying words he didn't mean to say to her, basically rejecting her and breaking her heart at the same time. They do manage to get a decent HEA, but this did feel rushed even for a short novella.

[Ana Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book of the Milford College and it is bittersweet since it is so good that is sad to say goodbye to them.
Polly is a grad student at UVA but must returno to Milford to take care of her mother for some time. In the meantime, she needs work and finds as job as a "temp" for the Finantial VP, Liam Cunningham. He is broody, temperamental and workaholic. She is a mild tempered person and manages him just well. However, what they did not predict is for the attraction that grows each day. Liam has suffered a lot and has a lot of feelings that even he could not understand. At the same time, he and Polly are super aware of their work relationship and protect themselves as they can. The book is delicate which is a characterist of Noelle Adams's writing style. Their relationship is so emotional and restraint at the same time because of the work relationship. The writing is wonderful and the book is so good that you will not put it away.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read.

Now we have Polly and Liam; he works at the university, and she’s the new temporary assistant. No many can’t stand his harsh ways, until Polly puts him in his place, lol.

I loved Polly, such a lovely character. She was content in her life, but after spending time in town, with her mom and her new job and friends, she really realized she wasn’t really happy with her life. I really liked her, she’s very much like me in terms of personality and avoiding confrontation and what not, lol. But I loved how that doesn’t mean she’s a pushover, she just takes her time.

Liam what quite the character, he was hard to get to know. But deep down he was just great: thoughtful and caring. I was glad he opened up and was able to find happiness after his super sad past.

It was also lovely to see the girls from the other books and check what they were up to.

*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*

[Jessica CW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is the grouchy boss that no one really is a fan to work for. He's already gone through too many temp fill in assistants while his permanent one is on mat leave.

Polly is only here to help her mom and earn some money while working on her PhD. She's not setting down roots and will not settle for a mean boss-except....

I really enjoyed reading this. Noelle has a way of making her characters vunerable, sweet and in need of loving. They are strong, independent,but with depth.

I laughed and cried and loved the steamy chemistry. I had the great opportunity to read each Milford college book which was spun off another great collection which was a spin off another set and another. Noelle connects her books but also gives you seperation. Like a six degrees of separation.

Looking forward to what's next.

*Arc received from the author directly in exchange for my honest opinion which I gladly give.

[Felita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give two thumbs for the author for create a H who is totally my favorite. He is guarded but sweet. He need a slow time for knew to h character but when he fall in love to her, he is loyal. He can't say a sweet words but he always tell a honest feeling. He need h for guide him to love again after he was mourning for his deceased wife.

For h, I like the character development of her. She don't really like her temp job. But she tried her best because the money. She is also a logic person. I like how she don't ask immediately to H about their relationship in her last day tempt. I mean it's true when she thought if H really love her, he would be contacted her. Also I like how she make the first attempt to see him whether he accepted her or not. I got a feeling, if he rejected her, she would accepted without regrets.

In the end, their romance is slow burn and sweet. The drama is quite simple with a adequte problem solving.

4 stars

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly is twenty eight and has moved in with her mum in Milford as her mum has had an accident and broken her leg and needed help so Polly has taken a temp job at Milford college. Liam is the vice president of finances at Milford college but he is not the friendliest of people and comes across rude. When Polly meets Liam she is shocked at her reaction to him as he is so hot but Liam keeps himself at arms length since his wife died. There connection and chemistry between them is so strong but will it all work out for them or will there be heartbreak. I love this book so much, there were so many emotions that you felt it coming of the both of them. Noelle is an incredible author and amazing writer and her books are so addictive. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite cute. It had a surprising amount of depth given its length, and I liked how it approached Liam’s grief over his first wife. That was done nicely and wasn’t overblown. As with all of Noelle Adams’ books, the writing is crisp, flowing very nicely, making it very easy to read.

The chemistry between Lim and Polly was good; they had a very nice, gentle relationship once it got into it and I liked their dynamic. The sex scenes were decent, though I found a couple a little clunky and hard to follow in parts.

Overall it was a nice read – easy and entertaining, and passed the time enjoyably.

Content Notes: Workplace, boss/employee, personal assistant, grumpy MC, forced proximity.

Warnings: Death of a spouse (in past), death of a parent (in past), sexism in the workplace, grief.

Other: On-page sex, widowed MMC..

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Polly and Liam! Polly needed a temporary job to pay her bills while she was helping her mom recover. Polly didn't know what to expect when she took the job as temporary administrative assistant. Polly's first reaction to Liam was interesting. She heard he was difficult and she was not going to let him scare her away. Polly was a good person and she really brought out the best in Liam. Polly started realizing she could tell Liam's moods by the way he said things and his eyes. This book was really good! I liked how Polly became friends with May and the rest of the girls from the Milford College series. The ending was so sweet!

[Mary L]

dnf
I have 3 different types of DNF, one where I didn't like it but it was because of me, one because it was really bad and one because it didn't feel right at the moment but I would probably pick it up later in life.
This one is in the first category.
I couldn't connect with either character nor with the plot.
it felt to rush and dull and i have read novellas with a slow burn romance so i dont think im misjudging

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect ending for the Milford College Series!

I ❤ the grumpy, awkward Liam. I felt like Noelle knew me personally when she was writing Polly's character! This was a nice short read that gave you all you'd expect out of a romance read. I love that I can go into one of Noelle Adam's books and know that I will end it with a smile.

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home

Loved the characters! I've enjoyed each book in the series but sweet Polly and grumpy Liam made me chuckle. The inner as well as outer dialogue is just right to set the atmosphere for their sometimes hard yet sweet romance.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically all the books in the series are 100-150 pages of two characters totally failing to communicate with each other, then at some point the hero is like 'Of course I'm in love with you, how did you not know? 🙄 But overall I enjoyed the series.

[shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

This was cute. Out of all the books in the series, I think I was craving a dual POV in this one the most. Still, I kind of liked the ‘third act breakup’: it actually worked for the story!!

[Melissa Hultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

Loved this book!! Romance with a little hit of angst! Noelle Adams never disappoints! She has another winner on her hands!

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely swept up in this book. I loved the characters. The story was very romantic and left me smiling.

[Stacie Marquart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. Loved this book.