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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
Published March 4, 2026
3366 people are currently reading
1327 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Monroe
91 books1,476 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
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!!
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 ⭐️
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.
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.
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.
March 13, 2026
currently reading at 37%. I probably am going to dnf this book.
another social media strikes again. so I keep seeing ads for this and it is definitely lacking. I noticed a lot of the social media blurbs for the book are all done within the first few chapters.
some things I noticed. this book is super repetitive and there's way too much internal dialogue. they're also is a lot of time skips well you're not really learning anything about either of the characters.
so FMC grew up in North Carolina with her parents being the typical rich tried life experience. like when she goes and visits her parents for their anniversary after 3 years of not being there her dad calls for her mom to fill his sweet tea and her mom plates up her brother's food and gives him the good part of the meat even though he is married and has kids and lives three houses down and her mom talks about her weight and only gives her a little bit of chicken and some green beans and no potato salad. but there's this drive about her where she doesn't want to stay home she wants to make money and when she was 17 she dated this guy Adam or Alex or something and he wanted to be a lawyer and told her that she could go to college but it had to be at the college he went to and then afterwards she would not work and have to be a tried wife and she was not having it but her parents I think she should have done that and when she told them that she wasn't and she was going to go to a different school they refused to cover her college but they covered her brothers. but anyways the story starts because he needs a travel assistant agent person who actually knows what they're doing and she helps him a couple times figure stuff out because he's a venture capitalist. she goes back and forth with him and he likes her and then they do some phone sex and then she goes to her parents in North Carolina for their anniversary party and she had blocked him because they were going back and forth and she was helping him some night and then she just wasn't for it so she ended up unblocking him and checking some of the messages while she was in North Carolina and he ended up calling her and her mom read some of the messages and grabbed the phone and talk to him and then the next day was their party and he ended up showing up because she blocked him again then they go back and forth a whole bunch of internal dialogue they end up having sex at the anniversary party and then she decides that she will work with him for 6 months but her rule is that they will never do that again but this is like the 8th time she's gone back and forth like that so it gets kind of old and then I decided to stop reading cuz I was bored
another social media strikes again. so I keep seeing ads for this and it is definitely lacking. I noticed a lot of the social media blurbs for the book are all done within the first few chapters.
some things I noticed. this book is super repetitive and there's way too much internal dialogue. they're also is a lot of time skips well you're not really learning anything about either of the characters.
so FMC grew up in North Carolina with her parents being the typical rich tried life experience. like when she goes and visits her parents for their anniversary after 3 years of not being there her dad calls for her mom to fill his sweet tea and her mom plates up her brother's food and gives him the good part of the meat even though he is married and has kids and lives three houses down and her mom talks about her weight and only gives her a little bit of chicken and some green beans and no potato salad. but there's this drive about her where she doesn't want to stay home she wants to make money and when she was 17 she dated this guy Adam or Alex or something and he wanted to be a lawyer and told her that she could go to college but it had to be at the college he went to and then afterwards she would not work and have to be a tried wife and she was not having it but her parents I think she should have done that and when she told them that she wasn't and she was going to go to a different school they refused to cover her college but they covered her brothers. but anyways the story starts because he needs a travel assistant agent person who actually knows what they're doing and she helps him a couple times figure stuff out because he's a venture capitalist. she goes back and forth with him and he likes her and then they do some phone sex and then she goes to her parents in North Carolina for their anniversary party and she had blocked him because they were going back and forth and she was helping him some night and then she just wasn't for it so she ended up unblocking him and checking some of the messages while she was in North Carolina and he ended up calling her and her mom read some of the messages and grabbed the phone and talk to him and then the next day was their party and he ended up showing up because she blocked him again then they go back and forth a whole bunch of internal dialogue they end up having sex at the anniversary party and then she decides that she will work with him for 6 months but her rule is that they will never do that again but this is like the 8th time she's gone back and forth like that so it gets kind of old and then I decided to stop reading cuz I was bored
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wish I could give half stars; this was a 4.5 star read, and I'm not typically one for the whole billionaire boss thing. However, Tempting Boss by Lilian Monroe was a nice surprise. In this stand-alone novel, Monroe gives us witty tension-filled banter, frustrating strong-willed characters, a smattering of emotional damage, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
All Plot (No Spoilers): Meet Deena –girl bossing her way up the travel consulting ladder. Independent to the core (and to a fault), she spent her whole life as the black sheep in her family because she wanted to be more than a housewife and mother.
Then there’s Callum (or Mr. Frost if you’re a good girl). He has a problem–a travel problem–and he’s hired Deena to fix it. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. Callum is a first-class hand-in-every-pot micromanager. Independence and control clash in tension so hot you can cut it with a knife.
Both Deena and Callum struggle with the need for control, but each needs to learn how to let go.
My take: I thought this book was well-written; it had a nice flow and held my attention. The spice was mild and well placed. It didn’t feel unnecessary or take away from the plot. Both Deena and Callum felt fully developed, and there were moments where I wanted to pull my hair out in frustration but also when my heart broke for them. There were emotional moments and childhood trauma that allowed for moments of vulnerability but also led to areas of conflict between the characters that felt as real as fiction can be.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐
(I might have given it 5 stars if it had made me cry.)
Spice: 3 out of 5 🌶️
Recommendability: 9/10
TROPES:
Billionaire boss
Workplace romance
Fake date
He falls first
Accidental pregnancy/surprise baby
Happily-ever-after
Dual POV
All Plot (No Spoilers): Meet Deena –girl bossing her way up the travel consulting ladder. Independent to the core (and to a fault), she spent her whole life as the black sheep in her family because she wanted to be more than a housewife and mother.
Then there’s Callum (or Mr. Frost if you’re a good girl). He has a problem–a travel problem–and he’s hired Deena to fix it. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. Callum is a first-class hand-in-every-pot micromanager. Independence and control clash in tension so hot you can cut it with a knife.
Both Deena and Callum struggle with the need for control, but each needs to learn how to let go.
My take: I thought this book was well-written; it had a nice flow and held my attention. The spice was mild and well placed. It didn’t feel unnecessary or take away from the plot. Both Deena and Callum felt fully developed, and there were moments where I wanted to pull my hair out in frustration but also when my heart broke for them. There were emotional moments and childhood trauma that allowed for moments of vulnerability but also led to areas of conflict between the characters that felt as real as fiction can be.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐
(I might have given it 5 stars if it had made me cry.)
Spice: 3 out of 5 🌶️
Recommendability: 9/10
TROPES:
Billionaire boss
Workplace romance
Fake date
He falls first
Accidental pregnancy/surprise baby
Happily-ever-after
Dual POV
March 13, 2026
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lilian Monroe
𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 334
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Standalone
𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲: HAE
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Dual POV
✈️Insta-Lust
💕Control Freak x 2
✈️He’s Her Boss
💕CC: All Oopsies 🙈
✈️He Falls First
💕Workplace Romance
✈️Independent MFC
💕Accidental Pregnancy
"𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨, 𝘿𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙖."
This was a quick and satisfying read. Cal and Deena are both control freaks of the highest order (something I would absolutely not know anything about or be able to relate to 👀), so it’s obvious pretty early on where the conflict is headed.
That said, I did not expect Cal to mess things up in quite such a spectacular fashion. I suppose when you overachieve in one area, you might as well overachieve across the board.
I really felt for Deena, though. The scenes at her parents’ house hit hard, especially watching how her perceived value shifted the moment Cal arrived. When they’re leaving and her mom tells her she’s proud of her, I won’t lie — I got emotional. Not in a good way. (Trust me, when you read it, you’ll understand.)
Despite their serious butting of heads and mutual need for control, these two really were perfect for each other. And when Cal isn’t trying to micromanage every aspect of life, he’s actually the definition of a caring, romantic MMC. He just… doesn’t always know when to stop.
Overall, this was a quick read with a couple you can’t help rooting for and conflict that stays engaging without making your nervous system want to combust.
Find more Reviews and Bookish Things at:📝I’m Literary Anxious Blog📝 or my 📖📚Bookstagram📚📖
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lilian Monroe
𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 334
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Standalone
𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲: HAE
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Dual POV
✈️Insta-Lust
💕Control Freak x 2
✈️He’s Her Boss
💕CC: All Oopsies 🙈
✈️He Falls First
💕Workplace Romance
✈️Independent MFC
💕Accidental Pregnancy
"𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨, 𝘿𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙖."
This was a quick and satisfying read. Cal and Deena are both control freaks of the highest order (something I would absolutely not know anything about or be able to relate to 👀), so it’s obvious pretty early on where the conflict is headed.
That said, I did not expect Cal to mess things up in quite such a spectacular fashion. I suppose when you overachieve in one area, you might as well overachieve across the board.
I really felt for Deena, though. The scenes at her parents’ house hit hard, especially watching how her perceived value shifted the moment Cal arrived. When they’re leaving and her mom tells her she’s proud of her, I won’t lie — I got emotional. Not in a good way. (Trust me, when you read it, you’ll understand.)
Despite their serious butting of heads and mutual need for control, these two really were perfect for each other. And when Cal isn’t trying to micromanage every aspect of life, he’s actually the definition of a caring, romantic MMC. He just… doesn’t always know when to stop.
Overall, this was a quick read with a couple you can’t help rooting for and conflict that stays engaging without making your nervous system want to combust.
Find more Reviews and Bookish Things at:📝I’m Literary Anxious Blog📝 or my 📖📚Bookstagram📚📖
March 25, 2026
Tempting the Boss
This book gave me everything—strong personalities, tension, chemistry… and a whole lot of frustration.
Our FMC is a bold, no-nonsense businesswoman who built her success from absolutely nothing. When the MMC’s company hits a rough patch, she steps in, fixes the problem, and walks away like it’s just another day—leaving him completely intrigued and, honestly, a little obsessed. She presents herself as a challenge, and he absolutely takes that personally.
The MMC comes from wealth, power, and control—and once he sets his sights on her, he doesn’t back down. Following her home and inserting himself into her world? Total alpha move. From there, their dynamic is intense, fiery, and packed with chemistry. The spice is definitely there, but so is the emotional push and pull.
Their relationship takes a turn with an accidental pregnancy, and from that point on, it’s a constant uphill battle. These two are so alike—strong, stubborn, driven—that they spend most of the book butting heads. Neither wants to bend, neither wants to compromise, and it makes for a very tense, sometimes exhausting journey.
I’ll be honest: I don’t think I’ve ever been this frustrated with two characters before. The level of immaturity and selfishness from both the MMC and FMC was a bit much at times. There were moments I just wanted to shake them and say, “Please just communicate.”
That said, their growth—and eventual HEA—felt earned. They worked for it, and I appreciated that it wasn’t easy or unrealistic.
This book gave me everything—strong personalities, tension, chemistry… and a whole lot of frustration.
Our FMC is a bold, no-nonsense businesswoman who built her success from absolutely nothing. When the MMC’s company hits a rough patch, she steps in, fixes the problem, and walks away like it’s just another day—leaving him completely intrigued and, honestly, a little obsessed. She presents herself as a challenge, and he absolutely takes that personally.
The MMC comes from wealth, power, and control—and once he sets his sights on her, he doesn’t back down. Following her home and inserting himself into her world? Total alpha move. From there, their dynamic is intense, fiery, and packed with chemistry. The spice is definitely there, but so is the emotional push and pull.
Their relationship takes a turn with an accidental pregnancy, and from that point on, it’s a constant uphill battle. These two are so alike—strong, stubborn, driven—that they spend most of the book butting heads. Neither wants to bend, neither wants to compromise, and it makes for a very tense, sometimes exhausting journey.
I’ll be honest: I don’t think I’ve ever been this frustrated with two characters before. The level of immaturity and selfishness from both the MMC and FMC was a bit much at times. There were moments I just wanted to shake them and say, “Please just communicate.”
That said, their growth—and eventual HEA—felt earned. They worked for it, and I appreciated that it wasn’t easy or unrealistic.
March 4, 2026
An absolute masterpiece!
This book is phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! The story of Callum and Deena is filled with love, laughter, tears, and a few ups and downs and is an absolute must read! They meet when he needs someone to help fix a travel mix up that could cost his company an important deal. Deena started her own travel business years ago and is an absolute genius at it! She will fix the problem and get his employee right where he needs to go but the tension between her and Callum is off the charts. Deena is fighting to keep her independence after growing up being overlooked and expected to find a good man to marry and walk in his shadow. Callum is a bit of a control freak and has trouble letting go. The two will bring out the best and sometimes the worst in each other in their journey to a happily ever after, though it is not without a few hurdles along the way. Callum’s past will haunt him and it will take an intervention by his sister to set him straight and help him move past it. Deena will have a moment that will bring her clarity and make her realize that she can have her career and Callum too. I love how their story ends and their journey to get to their forever together!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is phenomenal and I absolutely loved it! The story of Callum and Deena is filled with love, laughter, tears, and a few ups and downs and is an absolute must read! They meet when he needs someone to help fix a travel mix up that could cost his company an important deal. Deena started her own travel business years ago and is an absolute genius at it! She will fix the problem and get his employee right where he needs to go but the tension between her and Callum is off the charts. Deena is fighting to keep her independence after growing up being overlooked and expected to find a good man to marry and walk in his shadow. Callum is a bit of a control freak and has trouble letting go. The two will bring out the best and sometimes the worst in each other in their journey to a happily ever after, though it is not without a few hurdles along the way. Callum’s past will haunt him and it will take an intervention by his sister to set him straight and help him move past it. Deena will have a moment that will bring her clarity and make her realize that she can have her career and Callum too. I love how their story ends and their journey to get to their forever together!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
March 6, 2026
This book was alright. Everyone has different tastes but I could not get over how immature the FMC was. She drove me insane - in her approximate 30s and yet still so wrapped up in her family’s opinions of her, even tho she left her southern junior league town to go to college and then to a city to start her own business. She hasn’t been home in three years and the minute she is, she has to constantly remind herself to be an adult. What the heck?? You cannot be fr rn.
The MMC is a billionaire control freak who can apparently take care of everyone in his vicinity (that he cares about) but never takes the time to visit a therapist to get through his childhood trauma. I can excuse this for the FMC as her financial situation is MUCH different. He took steps much sooner than she did, which made me like him more than her. I wanted to yell at them both so many times. And then to have clarity of thought during the most intense pain?! I cannot here.
Fully developed frontal lobes, friends. I admit I cried during one part so I can’t say it was emotionless or lacked depth. The FMC did not allow the MMC to push her around which I did like. The book wasn’t for me, overall.
I did love the first four books of this series, though.
The MMC is a billionaire control freak who can apparently take care of everyone in his vicinity (that he cares about) but never takes the time to visit a therapist to get through his childhood trauma. I can excuse this for the FMC as her financial situation is MUCH different. He took steps much sooner than she did, which made me like him more than her. I wanted to yell at them both so many times. And then to have clarity of thought during the most intense pain?! I cannot here.
Fully developed frontal lobes, friends. I admit I cried during one part so I can’t say it was emotionless or lacked depth. The FMC did not allow the MMC to push her around which I did like. The book wasn’t for me, overall.
I did love the first four books of this series, though.
April 11, 2026
So Callum and Deena were two peas in a pod. Both had over the top control issues. Callum's was his self imposed guilt over his baby sisters death and Deena's was caused by her family. She got no support and was expected to tow the line when it came to appearances. Apparently when you come from money you have to forgo your independence. But there comes a time when you have to let go of all that pent up animosity. Callum believed it was his duty and responsibility to take care and protect all those he loved can we say smothering. Deena felt if she asked for help or leaned on someone it prove she was weak. Kind of messed up thinking but that's how she was. Again in this read the author had the heroine getting pregnant and realizes she needs support which started with her brother and making amends. Then during one of her Drs visits something was going wrong and they had to induce her labor. Obviously this freaked her out because she had everything planned for the delivery. Little did she know you can't plan to the tee what's to happen. When she realized she couldn't do it on her own and needed support she finally broke down and called Cal. Of course he came running because he loved her. Yes they got their HEA and even more kids added to the mix.
April 14, 2026
2 Stars
Tropes:
Business MMC and FMC
Hard exterior, soft inside MMC
Unexpected pregnancy
Review:
This is one of those stories where you love the beginning, kind of tolerate the mid-end, but have to get through to see what happens. Initially, Deena comes into Callum's company and fixes an emergency that leaves Callum wanting more, so he pursues her casually despite her repeated "no"s. Then, they slowly begin to get closer, with Callum even showing up at her parent's party while she is visiting home. For awhile, everything is great, Deena has the life of luxury, and things go well. Deena gets unexpectedly pregnant, and they keep the baby. However, Callum becomes INSUFFERABLE throughout the middle to end of the story. He has major control issues due to past family trauma and wants to control Deena's every action, which becomes angering to read. They really only make-up at the end because Deena has a birth complication and calls him for support, where they confess how much they've changes and yada yada yada (sorry Callum, I cannot like you).
Recommend?
I would not recommend this book. It simply was just not for me even though the beginning was so good. Insufferable MMC does not do it for me.
Tropes:
Business MMC and FMC
Hard exterior, soft inside MMC
Unexpected pregnancy
Review:
This is one of those stories where you love the beginning, kind of tolerate the mid-end, but have to get through to see what happens. Initially, Deena comes into Callum's company and fixes an emergency that leaves Callum wanting more, so he pursues her casually despite her repeated "no"s. Then, they slowly begin to get closer, with Callum even showing up at her parent's party while she is visiting home. For awhile, everything is great, Deena has the life of luxury, and things go well. Deena gets unexpectedly pregnant, and they keep the baby. However, Callum becomes INSUFFERABLE throughout the middle to end of the story. He has major control issues due to past family trauma and wants to control Deena's every action, which becomes angering to read. They really only make-up at the end because Deena has a birth complication and calls him for support, where they confess how much they've changes and yada yada yada (sorry Callum, I cannot like you).
Recommend?
I would not recommend this book. It simply was just not for me even though the beginning was so good. Insufferable MMC does not do it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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