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Manhattan Billionaires #8
Tempting Boss
He's a control freak CEO. She values independence above all else.
When he hires her on a six-month contract, they clash...and sparks fly.
bossWorkplace romanceAccidental pregnancy/surprise babyHe falls firstFake dateSpicy/steamyHappily-ever-after guaranteedStand-alone
When he hires her on a six-month contract, they clash...and sparks fly.
bossWorkplace romanceAccidental pregnancy/surprise babyHe falls firstFake dateSpicy/steamyHappily-ever-after guaranteedStand-alone
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2026
About the author
Lilian Monroe
93 books1,518 followersLilian Monroe lives in a luxurious jungle treehouse surrounded by lush greenery, with an army of scantily-clad men with rippling abdominal muscles ready to attend to her every need.
No, wait. That's not true.
Lilian Monroe spends her days dangling her feet into her pool, while a scantily-clad pool boy with rippling abdominal muscles feeds her chocolate-covered strawberries and massages her back.
Okay, okay. You got me. That's not true, either. Let's try again.
Lilian Monroe lives at home with her two children, three dogs, and twelve chickens. Her husband likes to work shirtless in the back yard. His sweaty, gleaming abdominal muscles ripple with every movement and he—
I'm sorry. I have to stop. Fine, I'll admit it. That one isn't true either.
How about this: Lilian Monroe loves thinking about men with rippling abdominal muscles serving her hand and foot, and she wants you to think about them too! She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things romance.
She loves everything from bad boys to billionaires. Her books are packed with sizzling-hot heat, action, suspense, and everything from second chances to single dads. She hates cheating and loves a good happily ever after (and rippling abs).
No, wait. That's not true.
Lilian Monroe spends her days dangling her feet into her pool, while a scantily-clad pool boy with rippling abdominal muscles feeds her chocolate-covered strawberries and massages her back.
Okay, okay. You got me. That's not true, either. Let's try again.
Lilian Monroe lives at home with her two children, three dogs, and twelve chickens. Her husband likes to work shirtless in the back yard. His sweaty, gleaming abdominal muscles ripple with every movement and he—
I'm sorry. I have to stop. Fine, I'll admit it. That one isn't true either.
How about this: Lilian Monroe loves thinking about men with rippling abdominal muscles serving her hand and foot, and she wants you to think about them too! She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things romance.
She loves everything from bad boys to billionaires. Her books are packed with sizzling-hot heat, action, suspense, and everything from second chances to single dads. She hates cheating and loves a good happily ever after (and rippling abs).
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June 20, 2026
Tempting Boss is book eight in the Manhattan Billionaires series by Lilian Monroe. This is my first book by this author. I kept seeing ads for it and couldn’t resist. It was well written and fast moving. I will admit, though, that after reading the blurb, I thought it would be a little lighter. It was actually quite emotionally packed.
Callum Frost owns his own Venture Capital firm in Manhattan. His business is a success and Callum is a workaholic who thrives on control. He micromanages everything. His business requires a lot of travel and he’s been having trouble getting travel itineraries planned. When he is in the middle of a particular travel crisis, in walked the specialist he hired and with just a few clicks, she had it all perfectly worked out. And then she left.
Deena Brand is thirty three years old. Deena spent her childhood in North Carolina being made to feel less than. Her parents wanted her to get married, be a stay at home mom, and serve her husband. But Deena wanted to go to college. She wanted to open her own business. So, she did it all on her own. For the last eight years, she has spent every waking moment building her business in Manhattan. She works independently, handling travel plans for companies. She’s very good at her job. Which she proved the day she walked into Callum Frost’s business.
The one thing that Deena thrives on, requires to breathe, is her independence. Perhaps from being stifled all her life by her family. Being able to do for herself means everything to her and she is proud of what she’s accomplished. She has a mountain of debt but she’s working her way through it, slowly. On the flip side, Callum is a control freak. His life revolves around control. These two are complete opposites. But the sparks are flying, the chemistry between them is like an electrical current.
Callum wants Deena to work for him, and he wants her in his life. Deena says no but Callum doesn’t accept the word no. And he’ll do whatever is necessary to convince her of his way of thinking. The more time these two are together, the harder it is to deny the connection they share. But those two differences are still lurking, Deena’s need to be independent, and Callum’s overwhelming need to control everything.
“She’d come to me. She was mine now. I wouldn’t let her go again.”
These two were so wonderful together. They needed each other. But they were both so stuck in their own way of thinking, of protecting themselves, that they let it get in the way of their own happiness. The ending was very sweet and left me feeling happy for them. This is the eighth book in the series and can be read as a complete stand alone as I have not read any of the other books in the series.
Callum Frost owns his own Venture Capital firm in Manhattan. His business is a success and Callum is a workaholic who thrives on control. He micromanages everything. His business requires a lot of travel and he’s been having trouble getting travel itineraries planned. When he is in the middle of a particular travel crisis, in walked the specialist he hired and with just a few clicks, she had it all perfectly worked out. And then she left.
Deena Brand is thirty three years old. Deena spent her childhood in North Carolina being made to feel less than. Her parents wanted her to get married, be a stay at home mom, and serve her husband. But Deena wanted to go to college. She wanted to open her own business. So, she did it all on her own. For the last eight years, she has spent every waking moment building her business in Manhattan. She works independently, handling travel plans for companies. She’s very good at her job. Which she proved the day she walked into Callum Frost’s business.
The one thing that Deena thrives on, requires to breathe, is her independence. Perhaps from being stifled all her life by her family. Being able to do for herself means everything to her and she is proud of what she’s accomplished. She has a mountain of debt but she’s working her way through it, slowly. On the flip side, Callum is a control freak. His life revolves around control. These two are complete opposites. But the sparks are flying, the chemistry between them is like an electrical current.
Callum wants Deena to work for him, and he wants her in his life. Deena says no but Callum doesn’t accept the word no. And he’ll do whatever is necessary to convince her of his way of thinking. The more time these two are together, the harder it is to deny the connection they share. But those two differences are still lurking, Deena’s need to be independent, and Callum’s overwhelming need to control everything.
“She’d come to me. She was mine now. I wouldn’t let her go again.”
These two were so wonderful together. They needed each other. But they were both so stuck in their own way of thinking, of protecting themselves, that they let it get in the way of their own happiness. The ending was very sweet and left me feeling happy for them. This is the eighth book in the series and can be read as a complete stand alone as I have not read any of the other books in the series.
March 5, 2026
It was alright. (Possible spoilers ahead)
There is WAY TOO MUCH inner dialogue in this book.
The inner dialogue was so repetitive. I was yelling GET THERAPY. Ffs
h had 💩 parents who wanted her to be a trophy wife. She forged her own path and became a business woman aka something that sounds like a travel agent 🤷♀️
She doesn’t want any man controlling her.
H, when he was a child, went swimming with his 4 year old sister. He was getting pool toys while the sister drowned. He was blamed. Also, now his other sister is battling breast cancer. He likes control.
So these two battle for control.
They embark on a smexual relationship. h gets pregnant. H starts to get super controlling and wants her to stay at home. Nah! Not happening. h leaves.
h goes into labor early (preeclampsia) and she finally calls H. They both make up. 🙄.
7 years later, they have 3 kids.
There is WAY TOO MUCH inner dialogue in this book.
The inner dialogue was so repetitive. I was yelling GET THERAPY. Ffs
h had 💩 parents who wanted her to be a trophy wife. She forged her own path and became a business woman aka something that sounds like a travel agent 🤷♀️
She doesn’t want any man controlling her.
H, when he was a child, went swimming with his 4 year old sister. He was getting pool toys while the sister drowned. He was blamed. Also, now his other sister is battling breast cancer. He likes control.
So these two battle for control.
They embark on a smexual relationship. h gets pregnant. H starts to get super controlling and wants her to stay at home. Nah! Not happening. h leaves.
h goes into labor early (preeclampsia) and she finally calls H. They both make up. 🙄.
7 years later, they have 3 kids.
April 1, 2026
Rating: 2
Spice: 3
Tropes: insta-love (him) / billionaire / workplace (boss x employee) / boy obsessed / he pursues her / accidental pregnancy (50%) / dominant alpha / he falls first / fake dating(ish)
This was my first Lilian Monroe book and I wasn’t remotely impressed by it. I had high hopes, because, how bad could it be? The premise sounded promising and I enjoyed the writing style. However, the book was a hot mess and waste of time.
Firstly, I feel like we skipped the beginning and the story started in the middle. Where was the build up? The tension? The anticipation? I get that it’s an office romance, but throw us a f***ing bone. She kept referencing information as if we’re privy to it. Spoiler alert, we weren’t. There’s also way too much inner dialogue, which was incredibly repetitive, and for a short book – it felt very long.
Most importantly, the characters were insufferable and incredibly surface level. Especially the FMC. MY GAWD. Do you know what my second most-hated fmc is after a spineless one? An unnecessarily stubborn one! Girl was EXHAUSTING. Truly, so f***ing exhausting. She’s building her business (as a travel coordinator – one would think she’s building a new Tesla). She has no money and in significant debt, and yet, she continuously turns down his job offers because….???? That was her attitude toward literally everything. All throughout. It was exhausting.
Him, too. Yes, he was alpha and domineering. But, it wasn’t enough. I also failed to understand the whole cancer storyline with his sister. It added nothing to the story. These people had zero substance to them and they were both in their 30s. HOW?! They felt like a poorly made cocktail that was completely watered down. You sip on it because it’s in front of you, but in no way is it enjoyable.
As for the side characters, they added genuinely nothing. Not to primary plot nor the secondary ones. It literally felt like the author threw in all of these tropes into a pot, whirled it around a little and hoped for the best.
This was a total and complete waste of time. Yet, still not the worst thing I’ve read so for that I’ve given it an extra star (I literally read it in a day).
[As a sidenote, I should have DNFd once I found out her name was Deena. No shade no anyone with that name, all my love and respect to you. A beloved friend’s mum’s name is Deena! And that’s exactly my point. All I could picture was a woman in her late 50s akin to the kind you’d find on a Real Housewives Franchise, and that should have been my sign to depart early.]
Spice: 3
Tropes: insta-love (him) / billionaire / workplace (boss x employee) / boy obsessed / he pursues her / accidental pregnancy (50%) / dominant alpha / he falls first / fake dating(ish)
This was my first Lilian Monroe book and I wasn’t remotely impressed by it. I had high hopes, because, how bad could it be? The premise sounded promising and I enjoyed the writing style. However, the book was a hot mess and waste of time.
Firstly, I feel like we skipped the beginning and the story started in the middle. Where was the build up? The tension? The anticipation? I get that it’s an office romance, but throw us a f***ing bone. She kept referencing information as if we’re privy to it. Spoiler alert, we weren’t. There’s also way too much inner dialogue, which was incredibly repetitive, and for a short book – it felt very long.
Most importantly, the characters were insufferable and incredibly surface level. Especially the FMC. MY GAWD. Do you know what my second most-hated fmc is after a spineless one? An unnecessarily stubborn one! Girl was EXHAUSTING. Truly, so f***ing exhausting. She’s building her business (as a travel coordinator – one would think she’s building a new Tesla). She has no money and in significant debt, and yet, she continuously turns down his job offers because….???? That was her attitude toward literally everything. All throughout. It was exhausting.
Him, too. Yes, he was alpha and domineering. But, it wasn’t enough. I also failed to understand the whole cancer storyline with his sister. It added nothing to the story. These people had zero substance to them and they were both in their 30s. HOW?! They felt like a poorly made cocktail that was completely watered down. You sip on it because it’s in front of you, but in no way is it enjoyable.
As for the side characters, they added genuinely nothing. Not to primary plot nor the secondary ones. It literally felt like the author threw in all of these tropes into a pot, whirled it around a little and hoped for the best.
This was a total and complete waste of time. Yet, still not the worst thing I’ve read so for that I’ve given it an extra star (I literally read it in a day).
[As a sidenote, I should have DNFd once I found out her name was Deena. No shade no anyone with that name, all my love and respect to you. A beloved friend’s mum’s name is Deena! And that’s exactly my point. All I could picture was a woman in her late 50s akin to the kind you’d find on a Real Housewives Franchise, and that should have been my sign to depart early.]
March 5, 2026
I love Lilian Monroe books—Always a great storyline, great cast of characters, and have ALWAYS had the steamiest of love scenes. Watching Cal and Deena stumble, fumble, gripe, and groan their way to their happily ever after is worth every turn of the page. *** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Callum
FMC:
✨Deena
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Manhattan Billionaires
Tropes:
👉workplace romance
👉boss x employee
👉he falls first
👉fake date
👉accidental pregnancy
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
MMC:
✨Callum
FMC:
✨Deena
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Manhattan Billionaires
Tropes:
👉workplace romance
👉boss x employee
👉he falls first
👉fake date
👉accidental pregnancy
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2026
If you’re looking for emotionally repressed main characters who argue brilliantly, combust spectacularly, fall out, fall hard, and have off-the-charts chemistry… Tempting Boss might just be your next binge read.
This was my first book by Lilian Monroe and it absolutely won’t be my last.
I absolutely flew through this in two sittings because I had to know how it would all unravel. The pacing keeps you hooked, the characters are genuinely likeable (even when they’re being infuriating), and their journey from guarded to open felt earned.
Callum Frost is your classic millionaire boss on the surface — controlled, commanding, and completely allergic to vulnerability.
But peel back the layers (and there are many), and there’s a softer, fiercely loyal man underneath, especially when it comes to his family.
Cal guards his heart like it’s Fort Knox, and honestly? Given his past, you can’t entirely blame him.
Then there’s Deena — fiercely independent, sharp, and completely unimpressed by powerful men.
When Mr Frost needs emergency travel arrangements sorted or risks losing a major client, in she walks.
Sassy, capable, and far too perceptive for his liking.
She reads him instantly. She’s known men like him before.
But Deena has built her life on her own terms, and she has zero intention of surrendering that independence now.
Mrs Independent meets Mr Controlling, and sparks absolutely fly.
What I loved most was the emotional development. Yes, there are moments where you’ll want to shake both of them and shout, “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!” — but that frustration is part of the journey.
Watching them try (and fail, and try again) to find a balance between control and compromise felt real. Messy. Human.
And the chemistry? So, so hot. This is definitely a steamy read — the tension simmers for ages before it explodes, and when it does… wow.
Monroe knows how to write heat without losing the emotional stakes behind it.
Four stars from me — angsty, sexy, layered, and completely addictive.
With thanks to the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Lilian Monroe and it absolutely won’t be my last.
I absolutely flew through this in two sittings because I had to know how it would all unravel. The pacing keeps you hooked, the characters are genuinely likeable (even when they’re being infuriating), and their journey from guarded to open felt earned.
Callum Frost is your classic millionaire boss on the surface — controlled, commanding, and completely allergic to vulnerability.
But peel back the layers (and there are many), and there’s a softer, fiercely loyal man underneath, especially when it comes to his family.
Cal guards his heart like it’s Fort Knox, and honestly? Given his past, you can’t entirely blame him.
Then there’s Deena — fiercely independent, sharp, and completely unimpressed by powerful men.
When Mr Frost needs emergency travel arrangements sorted or risks losing a major client, in she walks.
Sassy, capable, and far too perceptive for his liking.
She reads him instantly. She’s known men like him before.
But Deena has built her life on her own terms, and she has zero intention of surrendering that independence now.
Mrs Independent meets Mr Controlling, and sparks absolutely fly.
What I loved most was the emotional development. Yes, there are moments where you’ll want to shake both of them and shout, “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!” — but that frustration is part of the journey.
Watching them try (and fail, and try again) to find a balance between control and compromise felt real. Messy. Human.
And the chemistry? So, so hot. This is definitely a steamy read — the tension simmers for ages before it explodes, and when it does… wow.
Monroe knows how to write heat without losing the emotional stakes behind it.
Four stars from me — angsty, sexy, layered, and completely addictive.
With thanks to the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
do I love a billionaire romance oh yes I do. this book did not let me down. cal was my perfect guy. he was of course a billionaire with lots of baggage to unpack. this author unpacked the baggage well. lots of past trauma and lots of alpha billionaire boss vibes. it's my jam. I love a book with the alphahole who's got a huge back story. I knew there was something that caused this control freak to be a freak! and to say I was shocked when you learned the real truth was an understatement. she totally kept his past hidden.
deena was your every day female who had the typical background of parents who thought less of her because she needed to be home and subservient. but she was not. she was hard working get her business off the ground type of gal. it was there and for you to unpack. I found she was a little to predictable for me but I think to meet Cal I the middle she had to bend.
this book did have a third act break up. but sometimes it's needed to bring two stubborn people together. this author gave her reader just what they needed to enjoy the dreaded third act break up.
I'm so happy the author gave me a chance to read her baby before it hit the shelves. it was very enjoyable!
deena was your every day female who had the typical background of parents who thought less of her because she needed to be home and subservient. but she was not. she was hard working get her business off the ground type of gal. it was there and for you to unpack. I found she was a little to predictable for me but I think to meet Cal I the middle she had to bend.
this book did have a third act break up. but sometimes it's needed to bring two stubborn people together. this author gave her reader just what they needed to enjoy the dreaded third act break up.
I'm so happy the author gave me a chance to read her baby before it hit the shelves. it was very enjoyable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2026
Audiobook read
Overall: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Plot: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Characters: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Ending: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Narration: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
It was okay. The 3rd act break up was annoying. Can’t believe there was not even one decent convo between the two once she left. But I am also not the hugest fan of the miscommunication trope especially when you have adults that are suppose to be so all about their businesses but such deep seated insecurities that they can’t think like a moderately functioning adult.
TROPES:
Billionaire boss
Workplace romance
Accidental pregnancy/surprise baby
He falls first
Fake date
Spicy/steamy
Happily-ever-after guaranteed
Stand-alone
Overall: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Plot: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Characters: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Ending: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Narration: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
It was okay. The 3rd act break up was annoying. Can’t believe there was not even one decent convo between the two once she left. But I am also not the hugest fan of the miscommunication trope especially when you have adults that are suppose to be so all about their businesses but such deep seated insecurities that they can’t think like a moderately functioning adult.
TROPES:
Billionaire boss
Workplace romance
Accidental pregnancy/surprise baby
He falls first
Fake date
Spicy/steamy
Happily-ever-after guaranteed
Stand-alone
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tempting Boss has everything you want in a satisfying romance. Cal is a control‑obsessed, overprotective hottie with childhood wounds he’s never quite outrun, always ready to take care of the few he loves, yet terrified to loosen his grip on anything. Deena, on the other hand, is fierce, focused, and absolutely unwilling to dim her shine for anyone. I love a strong, fiery FMC, and she delivers. It’s so easy to fall for these characters, and the spice hits exactly where it should. The tension, both the delicious kind and the frustrating kind, crackles from the start, and it’s clear they’ll both have to grow if they want to make it work. The story flows beautifully, making it genuinely hard to put down.
March 2, 2026
Tempting Boss is book eight of the Manhattan Billionaires Series.
Cal is used to getting his way and he wants Deena as his assistant and is willing to pay anything to get this to happen. They are both stubborn and independent and this causes some conflict between them. We do see them at odds some of the time, but this just adds to the chemistry that will inevitably combust between them. When she needs some help with her family, he is there quickly to save the day. Along the way you see them work better together, but Cal is more stubborn and causes some drama between them. Great story.
Cal is used to getting his way and he wants Deena as his assistant and is willing to pay anything to get this to happen. They are both stubborn and independent and this causes some conflict between them. We do see them at odds some of the time, but this just adds to the chemistry that will inevitably combust between them. When she needs some help with her family, he is there quickly to save the day. Along the way you see them work better together, but Cal is more stubborn and causes some drama between them. Great story.
March 18, 2026
I inhaled this book in one day!LOVED IT! It was everything i needed in a billionaire romance.Instalust since the first chapter but was also a bit of a slow burn but the great kind..and the FMC was such a badass!!I loved the banter and chemistry between the characters so much I was giggling and swooning so hard!definitely a great pick of the month for me🤗
My first Lilian book and definitely won’t be the last!!
My first Lilian book and definitely won’t be the last!!
June 19, 2026
3.25⭐️’s
I hated the MMC by the 80% mark and he just couldn’t be redeemed in my eyes. I don’t even think there was an apology for how he acted or what he said. The FMC wasn’t my favourite either but I was enjoying the book until I wasn’t.
🌻billionaire romance
🌻workplace
🌻office romance (kind of)
🌻close/forced proximity
🌻surprise pregnancy (second part of the book)
I hated the MMC by the 80% mark and he just couldn’t be redeemed in my eyes. I don’t even think there was an apology for how he acted or what he said. The FMC wasn’t my favourite either but I was enjoying the book until I wasn’t.
🌻billionaire romance
🌻workplace
🌻office romance (kind of)
🌻close/forced proximity
🌻surprise pregnancy (second part of the book)
March 4, 2026
Tempting Boss is a wonderful story. The main characters are strong and independent. Deena meets Callum, when she does some work for him. Deena runs a travel business. Deena is not looking for love or a man. Deena's business is everything to her. She doesn't want to end up like her mom, with no career and constantly waiting on her husband. Callum is over protective and has strong opinions on just about everything. Despite their differences, their love grows. At times, it's an emotional story, where I laughed or cried. It's, oh, so good. Tempting Boss is a delightful story that I enjoyed immensely.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2026
Wow! Such a fantastic read! Absolutely loved it!!!!
March 7, 2026
Had potential
April 5, 2026
2.5 stars both MCs needed therapy more than a relationship.
April 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
April 29, 2026
A very hot, heavy and intense read! I love a surprise baby book and though it’s part of the story it’s only minor compared to their full journey!
April 29, 2026
3.75/5
But shoutout twin @katherine for getting me out of a reading slump
But shoutout twin @katherine for getting me out of a reading slump
May 3, 2026
Overall Rating - 3.75⭐️
I knew what I was signing up for when I chose to read this. It was exactly what I was looking for. Two people who need to be in control experiencing things outside of their control. Learning that relying on others is okay. Learning that allowing yourself aid is okay. Learning that you can’t prevent everything. I do think the story went on a little too long but I still ate it up.
I knew what I was signing up for when I chose to read this. It was exactly what I was looking for. Two people who need to be in control experiencing things outside of their control. Learning that relying on others is okay. Learning that allowing yourself aid is okay. Learning that you can’t prevent everything. I do think the story went on a little too long but I still ate it up.
May 26, 2026
3.5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a ride!! I think I felt every emotion reading this book. I laughed, I cried, I got super angry and I cheered. Callum and Deena are probably two of the most stubborn characters I've ever read about but when they cave into their wants and desires oh boy is it sweet. I am a BIG fan of accidental pregnancy trope and it was very well written into this story. HUGE bonus that both main characters were able to remain true to themselves and get thay HEA. Also, for a side character, I absolutely LOVED Erica
March 20, 2026
When author chose to mention (chapter 2) the H was white with privileges and she grew up with a father and brother the same. This was not for me. No interest to continue the book.
April 21, 2026
I think I need to accept this is going in the DNF pile, at around 50%. Too much instalust for me. Maybe if I'd started it a different week, it would have stuck, but as it is, I don't really mind that I won't finish.
Will check out the author's other books at some point to see if this was a one-off or if she just isn't for me.
Will check out the author's other books at some point to see if this was a one-off or if she just isn't for me.
June 14, 2026
3.75⭐️
March 23, 2026
I have thoughts...
This is a 2.5 I rounded up. This was so good until Deena became pregnant. Cal wasn't a controlling but only the bedroom type of person but someone who needed to control everything. I understand if stems from trauma but he doesn't actually do anything to change. I couldn't believe the epilogue and that they were still together. It wasn't a love story but a victim going back to an ab*ser. Cal didn't change anything about himself to make me believe he wouldn't do it again. I was so disappointed with the ending that it ruined the rest of the book for me. Deena didn't want to change and wanted to keep her independent but I genuinely do not believe that's what happened in this book. I was so disappointed with this ending and it really made me upset.
This is a 2.5 I rounded up. This was so good until Deena became pregnant. Cal wasn't a controlling but only the bedroom type of person but someone who needed to control everything. I understand if stems from trauma but he doesn't actually do anything to change. I couldn't believe the epilogue and that they were still together. It wasn't a love story but a victim going back to an ab*ser. Cal didn't change anything about himself to make me believe he wouldn't do it again. I was so disappointed with the ending that it ruined the rest of the book for me. Deena didn't want to change and wanted to keep her independent but I genuinely do not believe that's what happened in this book. I was so disappointed with this ending and it really made me upset.
March 23, 2026
I love a good billionaire romance, and this book did not disappoint. Cal was the ideal alpha billionaire with a complex past, and the author skillfully revealed his background. Deena was a hardworking woman who had to overcome predictable obstacles, but their chemistry was undeniable. The third act breakup added necessary drama, making the reconciliation more satisfying. Lilian Monroe delivers another entertaining story—once you start her books, you’ll want the whole series. Highly enjoyable!
March 20, 2026
Wow! Deena is a hardworking single woman trying to make her way, proving herself in the cutthroat business world. She end up getting a job for a specific business opportunity, the CEO, is a very demanding client, she proves her worth, as a travel mgmt. company. The attraction between this particular person, is growing, so she does what she feels she must, blocks said business, as not to mix work/ personal. Join in this story as it's full of drama, exciting potential, and absolutely emotional storyline. Will leave you wanting more, hopefully getting more, and seeing how people mature. Beautifully written story ❤️, loved it.
April 12, 2026
3 stars
It feels like a read two different books in here…
Part 1 - the chase. Two characters that were attracted to one another for the way they challenged each other. Great chemistry, great relationship.
Part 2 - baby on its way. Toxic relationship at its finest. Controlling, unrelenting.
After a while it got pretty tiring reading about their whiplash of emotions. From “He’s suffocating me, making choices about my life” to “He was only trying to protect me, I was the one in the wrong.”
By the end, you are pissed. And have lost all connection you had previously built with the characters.
It feels like a read two different books in here…
Part 1 - the chase. Two characters that were attracted to one another for the way they challenged each other. Great chemistry, great relationship.
Part 2 - baby on its way. Toxic relationship at its finest. Controlling, unrelenting.
After a while it got pretty tiring reading about their whiplash of emotions. From “He’s suffocating me, making choices about my life” to “He was only trying to protect me, I was the one in the wrong.”
By the end, you are pissed. And have lost all connection you had previously built with the characters.
Review of advance copy
I devoured this book like it personally offended me and I needed revenge.
Tempting Boss by Lilian Monroe has officially cemented Cal and Deena in my “I will think about them at random times of the day” hall of fame.
Control freak billionaire CEO? Yes.
Fiercely independent woman who does not care about his money, power, or perfectly tailored suits? ALSO yes.
Combustible arguments that feel like foreplay? Absolutely.
Callum Frost walks in thinking he runs the world. Structured. Controlled. Emotionally sealed tighter than a vault. He hires Deena on a six month contract expecting efficiency and professionalism. What he does not expect is her reading him like a financial report and refusing to be impressed.
And Deena? I adored her. She values her independence like oxygen. She has worked too hard to build a life on her terms to let some commanding CEO bulldoze his way in. She is sharp, capable, and not remotely intimidated. Watching her push back at Cal every single time he tried to assert control was chef’s kiss perfection.
The tension between them is not subtle. It simmers. It crackles. It builds until you are practically chanting for them to either kiss or throttle each other.
And the best part? He falls first.
Watching Cal unravel emotionally was DELICIOUS. Underneath all that polish and control is a man who loves fiercely but is terrified of being hurt. His loyalty, especially to his family, made him so much more than just another billionaire stereotype. When his walls start to crumble, it is not neat. It is messy and stubborn and painfully real.
Yes, there are moments where you want to yell at both of them to communicate like functioning adults. But that frustration feels earned. They are two emotionally repressed people who argue brilliantly, combust spectacularly, fall apart, and then fall even harder. The growth is gradual. It is layered. It feels human.
And the chemistry? Off. The. Charts. This is definitely a steamy read. The spice is confident, intense, and perfectly balanced with emotional weight. It never feels thrown in. It feels like the natural explosion of all that built up tension.
The accidental pregnancy twist could have felt dramatic for drama’s sake, but it actually deepens everything. It forces them to confront what they want instead of hiding behind contracts and pride. Watching Mr Control learn that love does not follow a spreadsheet was deeply satisfying.
I flew through this in two sittings because I physically could not put it down. The pacing is tight, the banter is sharp, the emotional payoff is worth every frustrating misstep.
This was my first Lilian Monroe book and it absolutely will not be my last. If you love billionaire boss romance with heat, heart, brilliant arguments, and a guaranteed happily ever after, do not hesitate.
Cal and Deena own a piece of my heart now. And honestly? They can keep it.
Tempting Boss by Lilian Monroe has officially cemented Cal and Deena in my “I will think about them at random times of the day” hall of fame.
Control freak billionaire CEO? Yes.
Fiercely independent woman who does not care about his money, power, or perfectly tailored suits? ALSO yes.
Combustible arguments that feel like foreplay? Absolutely.
Callum Frost walks in thinking he runs the world. Structured. Controlled. Emotionally sealed tighter than a vault. He hires Deena on a six month contract expecting efficiency and professionalism. What he does not expect is her reading him like a financial report and refusing to be impressed.
And Deena? I adored her. She values her independence like oxygen. She has worked too hard to build a life on her terms to let some commanding CEO bulldoze his way in. She is sharp, capable, and not remotely intimidated. Watching her push back at Cal every single time he tried to assert control was chef’s kiss perfection.
The tension between them is not subtle. It simmers. It crackles. It builds until you are practically chanting for them to either kiss or throttle each other.
And the best part? He falls first.
Watching Cal unravel emotionally was DELICIOUS. Underneath all that polish and control is a man who loves fiercely but is terrified of being hurt. His loyalty, especially to his family, made him so much more than just another billionaire stereotype. When his walls start to crumble, it is not neat. It is messy and stubborn and painfully real.
Yes, there are moments where you want to yell at both of them to communicate like functioning adults. But that frustration feels earned. They are two emotionally repressed people who argue brilliantly, combust spectacularly, fall apart, and then fall even harder. The growth is gradual. It is layered. It feels human.
And the chemistry? Off. The. Charts. This is definitely a steamy read. The spice is confident, intense, and perfectly balanced with emotional weight. It never feels thrown in. It feels like the natural explosion of all that built up tension.
The accidental pregnancy twist could have felt dramatic for drama’s sake, but it actually deepens everything. It forces them to confront what they want instead of hiding behind contracts and pride. Watching Mr Control learn that love does not follow a spreadsheet was deeply satisfying.
I flew through this in two sittings because I physically could not put it down. The pacing is tight, the banter is sharp, the emotional payoff is worth every frustrating misstep.
This was my first Lilian Monroe book and it absolutely will not be my last. If you love billionaire boss romance with heat, heart, brilliant arguments, and a guaranteed happily ever after, do not hesitate.
Cal and Deena own a piece of my heart now. And honestly? They can keep it.
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