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Mergers & Matrimony #1
Hostile Takeover
Kitty Biedermann has three rules for a layover in a bar she already hates:
Don't stare at the gorgeous cowboy across the room
Don't go home with him
Never, ever see him again.
She breaks all three.
It doesn't matter. He's a stranger in a state she's sworn off for good, and by morning she'll never see him again.
Except two months later, the CEO of FMJ walks into her boardroom to buy out her family's failing jewelry empire. And he's the cowboy from the bar.
Ford Langley isn't broke. He isn't a stranger. And he's not going anywhere.
The only problem?
She's carrying his baby. She can't read a word of the contract he wants her to sign. And according to the tabloids, she's already a gold-digging disaster who can't run her own company.
Ford's job is to fix things that are broken and then move on. Kitty is the first thing he's ever wanted to keep.
Too bad "hostile takeover" was supposed to mean her company. Not her heart.
Don't stare at the gorgeous cowboy across the room
Don't go home with him
Never, ever see him again.
She breaks all three.
It doesn't matter. He's a stranger in a state she's sworn off for good, and by morning she'll never see him again.
Except two months later, the CEO of FMJ walks into her boardroom to buy out her family's failing jewelry empire. And he's the cowboy from the bar.
Ford Langley isn't broke. He isn't a stranger. And he's not going anywhere.
The only problem?
She's carrying his baby. She can't read a word of the contract he wants her to sign. And according to the tabloids, she's already a gold-digging disaster who can't run her own company.
Ford's job is to fix things that are broken and then move on. Kitty is the first thing he's ever wanted to keep.
Too bad "hostile takeover" was supposed to mean her company. Not her heart.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 17, 2026
4🌟 | 3🌶️
A one-night stand turning into a workplace complication is exactly the kind of chaos I’m here for.
The mistaken cowboy identity, forced proximity, and instant tension between Kitty and Ford made this a quick, fun read, with their banter adding plenty of personality.
Kitty really grew on me as more of her story came to light. Beneath the prickly exterior was someone carrying a lot of pressure while fighting to protect her family’s legacy. Ford’s protective nature and quiet determination balanced her well, and watching both of them slowly lower their defenses gave their relationship more depth.
The pregnancy and family-business drama kept the story moving, while the chemistry between these two made it easy to stay invested. There were definitely moments where their stubbornness made things more complicated than necessary, but the humor, emotional reveals, and romantic payoff worked well together.
A fun, entertaining workplace romance with plenty of sparks and personality.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Emma Lee Jayne and The Author Agency for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
A one-night stand turning into a workplace complication is exactly the kind of chaos I’m here for.
The mistaken cowboy identity, forced proximity, and instant tension between Kitty and Ford made this a quick, fun read, with their banter adding plenty of personality.
Kitty really grew on me as more of her story came to light. Beneath the prickly exterior was someone carrying a lot of pressure while fighting to protect her family’s legacy. Ford’s protective nature and quiet determination balanced her well, and watching both of them slowly lower their defenses gave their relationship more depth.
The pregnancy and family-business drama kept the story moving, while the chemistry between these two made it easy to stay invested. There were definitely moments where their stubbornness made things more complicated than necessary, but the humor, emotional reveals, and romantic payoff worked well together.
A fun, entertaining workplace romance with plenty of sparks and personality.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Emma Lee Jayne and The Author Agency for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
September 17, 2026
This is the fourth book in this impressive series, and this is Kitty and Ford’s story.
Kitty comes across as hard to like, but by word, when her past and present become known, there is a reason she acts the way she does. Kitty is stranded in Texas, when she comes across a cowboy in a bar, and they share a 1-night stand. A few months later, Ford, who is the CEO of FMJ, walks into her boardroom, and he is her mysterious cowboy, and there are consequences to their 1-night stand.
This is a well written, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, secrets, trust, opposites attract, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Kitty comes across as hard to like, but by word, when her past and present become known, there is a reason she acts the way she does. Kitty is stranded in Texas, when she comes across a cowboy in a bar, and they share a 1-night stand. A few months later, Ford, who is the CEO of FMJ, walks into her boardroom, and he is her mysterious cowboy, and there are consequences to their 1-night stand.
This is a well written, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, secrets, trust, opposites attract, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
September 10, 2026
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute workplace romance. Kitty has been misjudged her whole life. As the ceo of her family’s jewelry company she knows everyone is expecting her to fail. But she wants her family legacy to live on. She just needs a rich husband to do it.
While on a trip she meets Ford and let’s go for one night of fun. But when he walks into her life ready to buy and help fix her company she cannot lift her mask to show who she really is.
But Ford hasn’t let hard work stop him before and he won’t now. He feels a draw to Kitty and he will not let her go without a fight.
#hostiletakeover #emmaleejayneauthor #risareads221reviews
September 14, 2026
Kitty and Ford are absolutely electrifying together. This book is a page turner. Hostile Takeover has just the right amount of heat for the storyline. This is a beautiful love story with great backstory dropped at all the right places. Easy to follow along with, making it a book you dont want to put down. I’ve loved this whole series by Emma Lee Jayne.
September 16, 2026
When I started reading Hostile Takeover and realized it was Kitty Biedermann’s story, my first thought was, “You’ve got to be kidding me, author Emma Lee Jayne. I know Kitty and I don’t like her. At all. So how do you expect me to like a story with her at the center of it?”
Kitty was a significant minor character in Jayne’s My Worst Mistake, her release right before this one. Kitty was vain, shallow, rude, insensitive, selfish. Beautiful but not too bright. Spoiled rich little Daddy’s girl, always demanding she be the center of attention and get her way. Pick any bad personality trait and Kitty has it. But you know the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover (or a character by the limited time you had with them)?” Well, apparently author Jayne has heard that saying, too. At the beginning of Hostile Takeover Kitty is the same old Kitty we’ve come to know and dislike – same behavior and same critical, snobby inner dialogue - but as we learn more about Kitty’s actual life and past that hostility becomes harder and harder to hang onto.
Kitty was raised to be just who she is: Daddy’s little rich girl. No demands, no competition, private tutors, limitless spending. Her sole purpose in life was to find a suitable man to marry to take over Biedermann Jewelry from her father one day, and her life would continue to consist of hosting parties, dining out, shopping, looking good . . . but her father unexpectedly died and Kitty is now the CEO of the family business. She has no experience in the business, there is no one to help her except the opinionated, judgmental man who worked for her father for years, her fiancé in My Worst Mistake called it off, and now she has no prospects and the business is failing rapidly.
On the way home from yet another fruitless meeting, her plane is diverted to Texas. Ugh, she hates Texas. Maybe a drink or two in the bar will settle her nerves before she has to go to her awful motel. When a tall, lanky, handsome man walks into the bar (sounds like a joke, doesn’t it?) she thinks maybe Texas isn’t all bad. He’s wearing a cowboy hat so she makes a lot of assumptions: yep, he’s a cowboy, rough and tumble rancher or something, works with his hands, not his mind, jeans, t-shirt, scuffed work boots. So very not her usual type but there’s something about him (beside that handsome, handsome face and tantalizing body) so maybe the night isn’t a total loss. She’ll never see him again so what’s the harm? Famous last words. After a brief (fantastic, breathtaking) interlude in his pickup truck (see, he’s definitely a cowboy) she heads home to face the music: a meeting with a small company that works miracles buying failing companies and making them healthy again. Kitty desperately wants to keep the company in the family, but obviously she’s not qualified to run it and she’s out of options. She can’t get the one-night-cowboy out of her mind, but life must go on.
And it only gets worse. Mr. Working Man Cowboy is actually one of the three millionaire? billionaire? Brilliant partners of the company that is going to take Biedermann Jewelry from her. Sure, she’ll still have a role but it will be as a figurehead. And this guy she thought was the ‘common man’ is the schmoozer, the manipulator who convinces people selling is the right choice.
And then it only gets . . . worser?? If that were a word it would perfectly describe what comes next, because that little attraction between them is growing by the second – and there are complications. And things we learn about Kitty that make us realize author Jayne knew what she was doing all along. Hostile Takeover is funny, hilarious actually. Kitty and Ford are like oil and water, if oil and water had a magnetic pull between them. Their attraction is scorching hot, and something else she hasn’t figured out yet. But Kitty has a huge secret she can’t bear to be found out, and another huge secret that is out in the wild before she can make a move to stop it. On top of all that it seems someone, possibly within the company, is leaking information, usually false and always damaging, to a local gossip columnist with the objective of taking Biedermann Jewelry down once and for all.
I received an advance copy of Hostile Takeover from The Author Agency. It’s full of humor, romance and heat and makes you think about why some people are who they are, or seem to be. It’s delightful, well-written, smoothly plotted with twists, turns and interesting characters; I recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Kitty was a significant minor character in Jayne’s My Worst Mistake, her release right before this one. Kitty was vain, shallow, rude, insensitive, selfish. Beautiful but not too bright. Spoiled rich little Daddy’s girl, always demanding she be the center of attention and get her way. Pick any bad personality trait and Kitty has it. But you know the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover (or a character by the limited time you had with them)?” Well, apparently author Jayne has heard that saying, too. At the beginning of Hostile Takeover Kitty is the same old Kitty we’ve come to know and dislike – same behavior and same critical, snobby inner dialogue - but as we learn more about Kitty’s actual life and past that hostility becomes harder and harder to hang onto.
Kitty was raised to be just who she is: Daddy’s little rich girl. No demands, no competition, private tutors, limitless spending. Her sole purpose in life was to find a suitable man to marry to take over Biedermann Jewelry from her father one day, and her life would continue to consist of hosting parties, dining out, shopping, looking good . . . but her father unexpectedly died and Kitty is now the CEO of the family business. She has no experience in the business, there is no one to help her except the opinionated, judgmental man who worked for her father for years, her fiancé in My Worst Mistake called it off, and now she has no prospects and the business is failing rapidly.
On the way home from yet another fruitless meeting, her plane is diverted to Texas. Ugh, she hates Texas. Maybe a drink or two in the bar will settle her nerves before she has to go to her awful motel. When a tall, lanky, handsome man walks into the bar (sounds like a joke, doesn’t it?) she thinks maybe Texas isn’t all bad. He’s wearing a cowboy hat so she makes a lot of assumptions: yep, he’s a cowboy, rough and tumble rancher or something, works with his hands, not his mind, jeans, t-shirt, scuffed work boots. So very not her usual type but there’s something about him (beside that handsome, handsome face and tantalizing body) so maybe the night isn’t a total loss. She’ll never see him again so what’s the harm? Famous last words. After a brief (fantastic, breathtaking) interlude in his pickup truck (see, he’s definitely a cowboy) she heads home to face the music: a meeting with a small company that works miracles buying failing companies and making them healthy again. Kitty desperately wants to keep the company in the family, but obviously she’s not qualified to run it and she’s out of options. She can’t get the one-night-cowboy out of her mind, but life must go on.
And it only gets worse. Mr. Working Man Cowboy is actually one of the three millionaire? billionaire? Brilliant partners of the company that is going to take Biedermann Jewelry from her. Sure, she’ll still have a role but it will be as a figurehead. And this guy she thought was the ‘common man’ is the schmoozer, the manipulator who convinces people selling is the right choice.
And then it only gets . . . worser?? If that were a word it would perfectly describe what comes next, because that little attraction between them is growing by the second – and there are complications. And things we learn about Kitty that make us realize author Jayne knew what she was doing all along. Hostile Takeover is funny, hilarious actually. Kitty and Ford are like oil and water, if oil and water had a magnetic pull between them. Their attraction is scorching hot, and something else she hasn’t figured out yet. But Kitty has a huge secret she can’t bear to be found out, and another huge secret that is out in the wild before she can make a move to stop it. On top of all that it seems someone, possibly within the company, is leaking information, usually false and always damaging, to a local gossip columnist with the objective of taking Biedermann Jewelry down once and for all.
I received an advance copy of Hostile Takeover from The Author Agency. It’s full of humor, romance and heat and makes you think about why some people are who they are, or seem to be. It’s delightful, well-written, smoothly plotted with twists, turns and interesting characters; I recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
September 26, 2026
💎🤠 She Was Never the Woman Everyone Thought She Was 🤠💎
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
A one-night stand turning into a workplace complication is exactly the kind of chaos I’m here for. 😂
Hostile Takeover was such a fun surprise for me because Kitty was actually a character I didn't think I was going to like. After meeting her in My Worst Mistake, I thought I had her figured out. She came across as vain, spoiled, rude, selfish, and completely wrapped up in herself. So when I realized this book was HER story, I was definitely wondering how Emma Lee Jayne was going to make me care about her.
Well... apparently I didn't know Kitty nearly as well as I thought I did.
As more of her story comes out, you start to understand why she is the way she is. Kitty was raised to be the perfect wife, not the CEO of her family's jewelry company. She was never prepared to run the business, and after her father's unexpected death, she's suddenly left trying to keep the family legacy alive while everyone around her expects her to fail.
I really loved watching her find workarounds for the things she had been told were weaknesses. She isn't suddenly a completely different person. Instead, you get to see that some of the qualities people judged her for could actually become strengths when she learned how to use them.
And then there is Ford.
THIS MAN. ❤️
Kitty meets him during a layover in Texas, where she has absolutely no intention of staying any longer than necessary. She sees the cowboy hat and makes some assumptions about this gorgeous stranger, they have one very memorable night together, and she sneaks away afterward thinking she'll never see him again.
Famous last words. 😂
Two months later, Ford walks into her boardroom as the CEO of the company trying to save her family's failing business.
Kitty is basically thinking, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
And Ford has been thinking about her ever since that night.
Their chemistry is absolutely electric. The banter and sass between these two alone had me flying through the pages, and I loved how stubborn they both were even when I wanted to shake them and yell, JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
Because these two are terrible at admitting what they're actually feeling.
Kitty has spent so much of her life being underestimated that she has a hard time trusting people, asking for help, or letting anyone see what's underneath the mask. Ford isn't much better when it comes to showing emotion, and his own past and family issues help explain why he's spent so much time keeping people at a distance.
But once Ford decides he wants Kitty, he is ALL IN.
I especially loved his protective and nurturing side. He doesn't just want to take over her company and walk away. He genuinely wants to help Kitty keep her family's legacy alive, and watching him stand beside her instead of simply taking over was one of my favorite parts of their relationship.
And Kitty's pregnancy adds another layer to everything. She's already trying to hold together her company, her reputation, and her carefully constructed walls, and now she's carrying Ford's baby.
Because apparently one complicated situation wasn't enough. 😂
I also really enjoyed the business side of the story. The company is struggling, there are people questioning Kitty's ability to run it, and someone is leaking information that keeps making things worse. There are enough twists and reveals to keep the story moving without making it difficult to follow.
My only real wish was that we had gotten a little more of the aftermath with Biedermann Jewelry. I wanted to see how Kitty's new ideas affected the stores and whether the company started turning things around. I also would have loved seeing Kitty meet Ford's family because, after everything she's lost, I think that would have been such a sweet addition.
But overall? I had SO much fun with this book.
It's quick-paced, funny, spicy, and full of banter, and I really enjoyed watching my opinion of Kitty completely change. What I thought was going to be a story about a character I couldn't stand turned into a story about a woman who had been misunderstood and underestimated for a very long time.
And Ford? He was the perfect person to see the woman underneath all of that.
I’ve loved this whole series by Emma Lee Jayne, and this was such a great start to the Mergers & Matrimony series. Kitty and Ford's chemistry, stubbornness, humor, and emotional connection made this one I genuinely didn't want to put down. ❤️
Thank you to Emma Lee Jayne and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
A one-night stand turning into a workplace complication is exactly the kind of chaos I’m here for. 😂
Hostile Takeover was such a fun surprise for me because Kitty was actually a character I didn't think I was going to like. After meeting her in My Worst Mistake, I thought I had her figured out. She came across as vain, spoiled, rude, selfish, and completely wrapped up in herself. So when I realized this book was HER story, I was definitely wondering how Emma Lee Jayne was going to make me care about her.
Well... apparently I didn't know Kitty nearly as well as I thought I did.
As more of her story comes out, you start to understand why she is the way she is. Kitty was raised to be the perfect wife, not the CEO of her family's jewelry company. She was never prepared to run the business, and after her father's unexpected death, she's suddenly left trying to keep the family legacy alive while everyone around her expects her to fail.
I really loved watching her find workarounds for the things she had been told were weaknesses. She isn't suddenly a completely different person. Instead, you get to see that some of the qualities people judged her for could actually become strengths when she learned how to use them.
And then there is Ford.
THIS MAN. ❤️
Kitty meets him during a layover in Texas, where she has absolutely no intention of staying any longer than necessary. She sees the cowboy hat and makes some assumptions about this gorgeous stranger, they have one very memorable night together, and she sneaks away afterward thinking she'll never see him again.
Famous last words. 😂
Two months later, Ford walks into her boardroom as the CEO of the company trying to save her family's failing business.
Kitty is basically thinking, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
And Ford has been thinking about her ever since that night.
Their chemistry is absolutely electric. The banter and sass between these two alone had me flying through the pages, and I loved how stubborn they both were even when I wanted to shake them and yell, JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
Because these two are terrible at admitting what they're actually feeling.
Kitty has spent so much of her life being underestimated that she has a hard time trusting people, asking for help, or letting anyone see what's underneath the mask. Ford isn't much better when it comes to showing emotion, and his own past and family issues help explain why he's spent so much time keeping people at a distance.
But once Ford decides he wants Kitty, he is ALL IN.
I especially loved his protective and nurturing side. He doesn't just want to take over her company and walk away. He genuinely wants to help Kitty keep her family's legacy alive, and watching him stand beside her instead of simply taking over was one of my favorite parts of their relationship.
And Kitty's pregnancy adds another layer to everything. She's already trying to hold together her company, her reputation, and her carefully constructed walls, and now she's carrying Ford's baby.
Because apparently one complicated situation wasn't enough. 😂
I also really enjoyed the business side of the story. The company is struggling, there are people questioning Kitty's ability to run it, and someone is leaking information that keeps making things worse. There are enough twists and reveals to keep the story moving without making it difficult to follow.
My only real wish was that we had gotten a little more of the aftermath with Biedermann Jewelry. I wanted to see how Kitty's new ideas affected the stores and whether the company started turning things around. I also would have loved seeing Kitty meet Ford's family because, after everything she's lost, I think that would have been such a sweet addition.
But overall? I had SO much fun with this book.
It's quick-paced, funny, spicy, and full of banter, and I really enjoyed watching my opinion of Kitty completely change. What I thought was going to be a story about a character I couldn't stand turned into a story about a woman who had been misunderstood and underestimated for a very long time.
And Ford? He was the perfect person to see the woman underneath all of that.
I’ve loved this whole series by Emma Lee Jayne, and this was such a great start to the Mergers & Matrimony series. Kitty and Ford's chemistry, stubbornness, humor, and emotional connection made this one I genuinely didn't want to put down. ❤️
Thank you to Emma Lee Jayne and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2026
Hostile Takeover was such a fun, tropey romance—and honestly, sometimes you just want a book that gives you instant chemistry, forced proximity, a surprise pregnancy, a billionaire/cowboy hero and a whole lot of emotional tension. 😂
Kitty has three very clear rules after a one-night encounter with a gorgeous cowboy during a layover: don’t stare at him, don’t go home with him, and definitely don’t see him again. Naturally, she breaks all three. And because apparently the universe has a sense of humour, two months later that same cowboy walks into her boardroom as the CEO attempting to buy her family’s struggling jewelry empire.
Oh, and she’s pregnant with his baby. 👀
I really enjoyed the setup because it immediately throws Kitty and Ford into an impossible situation. Kitty is trying to save a company tied to her family while dealing with public scrutiny and being underestimated, while Ford walks in intending to fix a failing business and move on. Neither expects the attraction from that night to turn into something much more complicated.
The chemistry between Kitty and Ford was definitely one of my favourite parts. Their relationship has that classic “this is a terrible idea but I can’t stay away from you” energy, and the pregnancy adds another layer to their already complicated situation. Ford’s protective side also made for plenty of swoony moments, especially as his initial business agenda starts to clash with how strongly he feels about Kitty.
I also liked Kitty as a heroine because she isn’t simply waiting around for Ford to rescue her. She’s trying to prove herself in an environment where people have already decided she’s incapable of running the family business. Watching her navigate the takeover, the media attention and her own insecurities gave the story more substance than just the romance.
The writing is light, fast-paced and easy to fly through, and the story leans heavily into the fun, escapist side of contemporary romance. There are plenty of familiar romance tropes here, but they’re used in a way that makes the book incredibly easy to binge.
Was everything perfectly realistic? Probably not. 😂 But I don’t think that’s what Hostile Takeover is trying to be. It’s a fun, dramatic, sexy romance designed to give you chemistry, emotional angst and plenty of swoony moments.
And that ending? Exactly the kind of satisfying payoff I wanted.
If you enjoy surprise pregnancy, one-night stands that turn into something more, billionaire/cowboy heroes, workplace conflict, forced proximity and “I’ll protect you even though I’m pretending I don’t care” energy, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Kitty has three very clear rules after a one-night encounter with a gorgeous cowboy during a layover: don’t stare at him, don’t go home with him, and definitely don’t see him again. Naturally, she breaks all three. And because apparently the universe has a sense of humour, two months later that same cowboy walks into her boardroom as the CEO attempting to buy her family’s struggling jewelry empire.
Oh, and she’s pregnant with his baby. 👀
I really enjoyed the setup because it immediately throws Kitty and Ford into an impossible situation. Kitty is trying to save a company tied to her family while dealing with public scrutiny and being underestimated, while Ford walks in intending to fix a failing business and move on. Neither expects the attraction from that night to turn into something much more complicated.
The chemistry between Kitty and Ford was definitely one of my favourite parts. Their relationship has that classic “this is a terrible idea but I can’t stay away from you” energy, and the pregnancy adds another layer to their already complicated situation. Ford’s protective side also made for plenty of swoony moments, especially as his initial business agenda starts to clash with how strongly he feels about Kitty.
I also liked Kitty as a heroine because she isn’t simply waiting around for Ford to rescue her. She’s trying to prove herself in an environment where people have already decided she’s incapable of running the family business. Watching her navigate the takeover, the media attention and her own insecurities gave the story more substance than just the romance.
The writing is light, fast-paced and easy to fly through, and the story leans heavily into the fun, escapist side of contemporary romance. There are plenty of familiar romance tropes here, but they’re used in a way that makes the book incredibly easy to binge.
Was everything perfectly realistic? Probably not. 😂 But I don’t think that’s what Hostile Takeover is trying to be. It’s a fun, dramatic, sexy romance designed to give you chemistry, emotional angst and plenty of swoony moments.
And that ending? Exactly the kind of satisfying payoff I wanted.
If you enjoy surprise pregnancy, one-night stands that turn into something more, billionaire/cowboy heroes, workplace conflict, forced proximity and “I’ll protect you even though I’m pretending I don’t care” energy, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Emma Lee Jayne and the Author Agency for the opportunity to do an ARC Review for this book.
This was a cute fast paced forced proximity workplace romance story.
Kitty was raised to be the perfect wife she was never meant to take over her family's jewelry business. Her job was to find a suitable husband so that they could manage the business. After a failed engagement and the family business in danger of bankruptcy, the stress is getting to her.
After finding herself stranded in Texas she runs into who she thinks is just your typical blue collar cowboy and decides to have some fun with him in the backseat of his truck just one night of fun. Little does she know that the cowboy is Ford CEO of a multimillion dollar company.
After returning back home Ford can't get Kitty out of his mind and proceeds to have his assistant figure out who she is, not realizing she thinks he wants to acquire her company and not because he can't stop thinking about her. Months pass and soon his company decides to buy Kitty jewelry business.
Meanwhile Kitty realizes that she's pregnant with Ford's baby, and she has no way of finding him and is not sure she wants too. After realizing she has no choice but to listen FJM offer to help secure the company future she agrees to a meeting not expecting Ford of all people to walk in. Ford is trying to get a reaction out of Kitty and see if she's still the same girl he meet back in Texas and understand why he can't stop thinking about her. Meanwhile Kitty is trying to hold it together and not let him see past her mask.
Forced to work together they can't help but fall into bed with each other, convinced the second time shouldn't have happened Kitty is determined to keep Ford at an arms length and try to keep it as professional as possible. Ford doesn't like that especially once he finds out about the baby can he convince Kitty that he can be there for her and the baby? That his interest is in her and not just her company?
Find out when this book comes out on 9/16!
This was a cute fast paced forced proximity workplace romance story.
Kitty was raised to be the perfect wife she was never meant to take over her family's jewelry business. Her job was to find a suitable husband so that they could manage the business. After a failed engagement and the family business in danger of bankruptcy, the stress is getting to her.
After finding herself stranded in Texas she runs into who she thinks is just your typical blue collar cowboy and decides to have some fun with him in the backseat of his truck just one night of fun. Little does she know that the cowboy is Ford CEO of a multimillion dollar company.
After returning back home Ford can't get Kitty out of his mind and proceeds to have his assistant figure out who she is, not realizing she thinks he wants to acquire her company and not because he can't stop thinking about her. Months pass and soon his company decides to buy Kitty jewelry business.
Meanwhile Kitty realizes that she's pregnant with Ford's baby, and she has no way of finding him and is not sure she wants too. After realizing she has no choice but to listen FJM offer to help secure the company future she agrees to a meeting not expecting Ford of all people to walk in. Ford is trying to get a reaction out of Kitty and see if she's still the same girl he meet back in Texas and understand why he can't stop thinking about her. Meanwhile Kitty is trying to hold it together and not let him see past her mask.
Forced to work together they can't help but fall into bed with each other, convinced the second time shouldn't have happened Kitty is determined to keep Ford at an arms length and try to keep it as professional as possible. Ford doesn't like that especially once he finds out about the baby can he convince Kitty that he can be there for her and the baby? That his interest is in her and not just her company?
Find out when this book comes out on 9/16!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would rate this story a 3.5⭐️
This story followed Kitty, a CEO of a failing family Jewellery store and Ford, a self appointed “fixer” who buys out companies, helps increase revenue and moves on. Kitty and Ford meet one night at a random bar in Texas, Kitty had flight issues and Ford was in town for business. One thing lead to another and they ended up getting jiggy with it in Ford’s car. 2 months later, Ford and his business partners are looking into the next company to takeover, this is when they decide to approach Kitty to try and help save her family’s legacy. And so begins the tumultuous relationship between Kitty and Ford.
Kitty was an interesting character. She had so many walls up and she came across as someone who struggled to let people in and help because in her word showing weakness and admitting you need help is enough for the sharks to pounce and for you to be eaten alive. For this reason she was very prickly and distrusting of Ford and his friends and the help they were offering. She never let anyone see her softer side, the one who poured literal blood and souls into a company and was still watching it crumble around her.
Ford was also interesting. He was a very detached character, struggling to show and feel affection and love for most people. He seemed to struggle to make heads and tales of his own emotions often explaining away his behaviour and want to Kitty as nothing.
I liked the story line, surprise pregnancy is one of my favourite tropes and then you also have forced proximity, billionaires, all the makings of a great book! Kitty and Ford were slightly toxic together, they did a lot of fighting and manipulating each other. There was also something Ford did when he was “winning” Kitty back that just really irked me. Overall it was a pretty good story, apart from some conflicts with the characters I had a good time reading it.
I would rate this story a 3.5⭐️
This story followed Kitty, a CEO of a failing family Jewellery store and Ford, a self appointed “fixer” who buys out companies, helps increase revenue and moves on. Kitty and Ford meet one night at a random bar in Texas, Kitty had flight issues and Ford was in town for business. One thing lead to another and they ended up getting jiggy with it in Ford’s car. 2 months later, Ford and his business partners are looking into the next company to takeover, this is when they decide to approach Kitty to try and help save her family’s legacy. And so begins the tumultuous relationship between Kitty and Ford.
Kitty was an interesting character. She had so many walls up and she came across as someone who struggled to let people in and help because in her word showing weakness and admitting you need help is enough for the sharks to pounce and for you to be eaten alive. For this reason she was very prickly and distrusting of Ford and his friends and the help they were offering. She never let anyone see her softer side, the one who poured literal blood and souls into a company and was still watching it crumble around her.
Ford was also interesting. He was a very detached character, struggling to show and feel affection and love for most people. He seemed to struggle to make heads and tales of his own emotions often explaining away his behaviour and want to Kitty as nothing.
I liked the story line, surprise pregnancy is one of my favourite tropes and then you also have forced proximity, billionaires, all the makings of a great book! Kitty and Ford were slightly toxic together, they did a lot of fighting and manipulating each other. There was also something Ford did when he was “winning” Kitty back that just really irked me. Overall it was a pretty good story, apart from some conflicts with the characters I had a good time reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had high hopes for this book, as I already read something else from this author. I did enjoy the book in some parts, but it wasn't as good as I had anticipated.
I enjoyed the banter mostly, but sometimes it felt like Kitty was being harsh for no reason to Ford. I did get where she was coming from with her background, but still at times the harshness towards him felt a bit over the top.
What caught me the most, that was mostly absent in the author's other work, was some weird sentences or sentences being repeated half a page after they were already used. For example, Kitty mentions her fingers tingling to touch Ford's stubble and half a page later the exact same sentence is used again, which felt so weird. On another occasion, Kitty is thankful Ford "can't hear the pounding of my heart or the hardening of my n*pples", but like that doesn't make a sound. So it feels as if a verb is missing in that second part...
Also the passage of time was at times very unclear. Especially near the end, the passage of 4 months is mentioned since they met and then all of a sudden it's just 2 months again. However, it seems unlikely for some of the developments taking place to be arranged so fast. Plus Ford was mentioned to stay for a specific amount of time in New York, but again with the developments taking place, it is impossible that all of that happens in that allotted time. The confusion about the passing time made it difficult to follow the book at that point, because I had to go back a see what was mentioned about the time earlier and it didn't really get any clearer...
I did enjoy the storyline, but the story itself has some shortcomings that made the overall reading experience less nice than it could have been.
I enjoyed the banter mostly, but sometimes it felt like Kitty was being harsh for no reason to Ford. I did get where she was coming from with her background, but still at times the harshness towards him felt a bit over the top.
What caught me the most, that was mostly absent in the author's other work, was some weird sentences or sentences being repeated half a page after they were already used. For example, Kitty mentions her fingers tingling to touch Ford's stubble and half a page later the exact same sentence is used again, which felt so weird. On another occasion, Kitty is thankful Ford "can't hear the pounding of my heart or the hardening of my n*pples", but like that doesn't make a sound. So it feels as if a verb is missing in that second part...
Also the passage of time was at times very unclear. Especially near the end, the passage of 4 months is mentioned since they met and then all of a sudden it's just 2 months again. However, it seems unlikely for some of the developments taking place to be arranged so fast. Plus Ford was mentioned to stay for a specific amount of time in New York, but again with the developments taking place, it is impossible that all of that happens in that allotted time. The confusion about the passing time made it difficult to follow the book at that point, because I had to go back a see what was mentioned about the time earlier and it didn't really get any clearer...
I did enjoy the storyline, but the story itself has some shortcomings that made the overall reading experience less nice than it could have been.
Review of advance copy
This was cute but also showed how stubborn people can be.
Kitty and Ford met when she was stranded in Texas, and he was passing through his favorite little bar and had a one ight stand. It's now a couple of months later, and Ford's a bit obsessed with that night, and due to that and him looking into her and her company, his company is set to make an offer to buy out her company. Kitty needs the help; she just never thought it would come in the form of seeing Ford again, especially after she found out she's pregnant with his child. Both of them are stubborn people and refuse to ask for help or show emotions to others, so breaking down what's actually going on outside the bedroom is a bit hard. So what happens when Kitty finally tells Ford the truth and she thinks he only proposed out of pity?
Ford and Kitty get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two! I loved how much Kitty found workarounds for what she saw as her flaws and were told made her weak in business, but really made her stronger. I do wonder how much Ford fostered Kitty's love for designing over the rest of her pregnancy and worked to make them available in her stores. I would have loved to have had an update on how the jewelry stores were doing at the end with the new ideas and if that drew more people in, or if the company was still struggling and working its way back up. Though I do wonder if the board was some of the problem all along and not Kitty. I also would have loved to have seen Kitty meet Ford's family, just to have Kitty have family again.
I received an advance review copy from The Author Agency, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kitty and Ford met when she was stranded in Texas, and he was passing through his favorite little bar and had a one ight stand. It's now a couple of months later, and Ford's a bit obsessed with that night, and due to that and him looking into her and her company, his company is set to make an offer to buy out her company. Kitty needs the help; she just never thought it would come in the form of seeing Ford again, especially after she found out she's pregnant with his child. Both of them are stubborn people and refuse to ask for help or show emotions to others, so breaking down what's actually going on outside the bedroom is a bit hard. So what happens when Kitty finally tells Ford the truth and she thinks he only proposed out of pity?
Ford and Kitty get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two! I loved how much Kitty found workarounds for what she saw as her flaws and were told made her weak in business, but really made her stronger. I do wonder how much Ford fostered Kitty's love for designing over the rest of her pregnancy and worked to make them available in her stores. I would have loved to have had an update on how the jewelry stores were doing at the end with the new ideas and if that drew more people in, or if the company was still struggling and working its way back up. Though I do wonder if the board was some of the problem all along and not Kitty. I also would have loved to have seen Kitty meet Ford's family, just to have Kitty have family again.
I received an advance review copy from The Author Agency, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
My rating is 4.5 out of 5.
Oh, this was such a fun read! Kitty is a strong, independent businesswoman who happens to be on a layover in a state she’s completely sworn off. During her layover she decides to go to a bar, probably to help her forget where she is. As a guy she’s not interested in tries to hit on her, she happens to notice a handsome cowboy entering the bar. That handsome guy’s name is Ford Langley, and he ends up saving her from a potential dispute with the guy trying to hit on her. They dance, and one thing leads to another. 🤭
When she sneaks out of the hotel room like a ninja, she never thinks their paths will cross again. Unfortunately, she finds him standing right in front of her in her office, looking to buy out her failing family business. Unbeknownst to her, Ford is a billionaire CEO. What Ford doesn’t know is that there’s more going on than just a failing family business. 👀
I loved the story, even though Kitty was a bit rough around the edges at times. I really enjoyed reading along to see how everything played out. I loved Ford and his protective, nurturing nature. This book felt light and fun to read. I was entertained throughout!
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh, this was such a fun read! Kitty is a strong, independent businesswoman who happens to be on a layover in a state she’s completely sworn off. During her layover she decides to go to a bar, probably to help her forget where she is. As a guy she’s not interested in tries to hit on her, she happens to notice a handsome cowboy entering the bar. That handsome guy’s name is Ford Langley, and he ends up saving her from a potential dispute with the guy trying to hit on her. They dance, and one thing leads to another. 🤭
When she sneaks out of the hotel room like a ninja, she never thinks their paths will cross again. Unfortunately, she finds him standing right in front of her in her office, looking to buy out her failing family business. Unbeknownst to her, Ford is a billionaire CEO. What Ford doesn’t know is that there’s more going on than just a failing family business. 👀
I loved the story, even though Kitty was a bit rough around the edges at times. I really enjoyed reading along to see how everything played out. I loved Ford and his protective, nurturing nature. This book felt light and fun to read. I was entertained throughout!
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Imagine you end up in Texas while life is ruff and decide to let loose… you find a hunky man yall hook up and in your head … that’s that! Lmao buttt your job is going under and when you least expect it a company comes to buy your company ….. and said company is 3 men and one of them…. Well yep he’s the one night stand you can’t seem to forget 😂 and you don’t know it but he can’t forget you either 😁 this was a good read. Kitty was a woman tryna prove that she could when people said she couldn’t and I loved that. I felt for her when it was revealed what she was holding back. And I hated her father made it though it was a problem when she really just needed a Ford 😄. And Ford 😍 he saw and he listeneddddd ! And I love how he just kept showing up. 😍 He didn’t give up even when he couldn’t admit his feelings. Emma did so good with the characters! I wish we saw more of them like maybe meeting his family, them in love after the reveal but I will say this was a good read ! Well written flowed well .. oh and I can’t forget Marty 🤯😒 I should have known when he was giving he didn’t like her vibes and I still feel she should have did something to him lol but yes I enjoyed this book! And the sneak peak at the end 👀 sign me up ! Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2026
💕Tropes: 🤠 Cowboy MMC • 💍 Heiress/Family Business • 🤰 Accidental Pregnancy • 💼 Hostile Takeover • One-Night Stand • Forced Proximity • He Falls First • Protective MMC • Workplace/Business Romance
Kitty and Ford were such a fun, unexpected pairing! I loved the whole “one night with a stranger, only to find out he’s the man trying to take over your family business” setup. And then add an accidental pregnancy? 👀 I was definitely hooked and invested in the romance.
FMC ( Kitty) was easy to root for, especially with everything she was dealing with trying to save her family’s jewelry empire while being underestimated by everyone around her. MMC (Ford) had that strong, take-charge cowboy energy, but I really liked seeing his softer side with Kitty and the baby.
The chemistry between them was definitely one of my favorite parts, and I enjoyed watching their relationship go from a one-night mistake to something neither of them expected. There were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth and development, but overall, this was a fun, emotional read with plenty of drama, romance, and tension.
I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.
Kitty and Ford were such a fun, unexpected pairing! I loved the whole “one night with a stranger, only to find out he’s the man trying to take over your family business” setup. And then add an accidental pregnancy? 👀 I was definitely hooked and invested in the romance.
FMC ( Kitty) was easy to root for, especially with everything she was dealing with trying to save her family’s jewelry empire while being underestimated by everyone around her. MMC (Ford) had that strong, take-charge cowboy energy, but I really liked seeing his softer side with Kitty and the baby.
The chemistry between them was definitely one of my favorite parts, and I enjoyed watching their relationship go from a one-night mistake to something neither of them expected. There were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth and development, but overall, this was a fun, emotional read with plenty of drama, romance, and tension.
I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.
September 17, 2026
This was a quick, fun romance filled with witty banter and a cast of wonderful characters.
Kitty was a spitfire with quick wit, and on the surface she looks like she has it all together, but that could be further from the truth. She struggles to show vulnerability, but I loved that she let Ford see a side of her others do not.
Ford is a successful businessman who avoids relationships to stay unattached, and he has his reasons, a lot to do with his past and family life. All it takes is one intriguing woman and a fling to set him on a different path he never saw coming. Ford made us fall hard and fast for his character the moment he chose to put everything on the line to help a woman keep her dreams alive, and his gestures in the name of love couldn't be more heartfelt.
All in all, this was a wonderful read that made you smile and laugh, with a little snark and characters that were easy to fall in love with. You have to be envious of the friendships Ford has with his partners spanning twenty years; they are still going strong and always have your back, even when it comes to getting the girl and money is on the line, yet love and happiness take priority.
Kitty was a spitfire with quick wit, and on the surface she looks like she has it all together, but that could be further from the truth. She struggles to show vulnerability, but I loved that she let Ford see a side of her others do not.
Ford is a successful businessman who avoids relationships to stay unattached, and he has his reasons, a lot to do with his past and family life. All it takes is one intriguing woman and a fling to set him on a different path he never saw coming. Ford made us fall hard and fast for his character the moment he chose to put everything on the line to help a woman keep her dreams alive, and his gestures in the name of love couldn't be more heartfelt.
All in all, this was a wonderful read that made you smile and laugh, with a little snark and characters that were easy to fall in love with. You have to be envious of the friendships Ford has with his partners spanning twenty years; they are still going strong and always have your back, even when it comes to getting the girl and money is on the line, yet love and happiness take priority.
September 25, 2026
Hostile Takeover? More Like a Full-Heart Takeover! 😍
One night. One unexpected surprise. One billionaire who apparently decided he was ALL IN. 😍
Hostile Takeover gave me all the fun, swoony romance vibes with a one-night stand, surprise pregnancy, workplace romance, billionaire hero, and a hero who falls first. And honestly? Give me a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after her! 🙌🏻
I absolutely loved the contrast between the golden retriever energy of the hero and his sassypants heroine. Their chemistry, banter, and push-and-pull made this such a fun read!
And watching him fall first? 🥹 YES PLEASE.
If you love your billionaire romances with a little workplace tension, plenty of chemistry, a surprise pregnancy, and a hero who's completely gone for his woman, add this one to your TBR! 💕📚
You should read this if you love:
💼 Workplace romance
💰 Billionaire heroes
🔥 One-night stands
👶 Surprise pregnancy
🥰 He falls first
🐶 Golden retriever heroes
💋 Sassy heroines
One night. One unexpected surprise. One billionaire who apparently decided he was ALL IN. 😍
Hostile Takeover gave me all the fun, swoony romance vibes with a one-night stand, surprise pregnancy, workplace romance, billionaire hero, and a hero who falls first. And honestly? Give me a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after her! 🙌🏻
I absolutely loved the contrast between the golden retriever energy of the hero and his sassypants heroine. Their chemistry, banter, and push-and-pull made this such a fun read!
And watching him fall first? 🥹 YES PLEASE.
If you love your billionaire romances with a little workplace tension, plenty of chemistry, a surprise pregnancy, and a hero who's completely gone for his woman, add this one to your TBR! 💕📚
You should read this if you love:
💼 Workplace romance
💰 Billionaire heroes
🔥 One-night stands
👶 Surprise pregnancy
🥰 He falls first
🐶 Golden retriever heroes
💋 Sassy heroines
September 17, 2026
This book may have hostile in the name but oh man was it a cute story. I’m an addict for workplace romance and this one did it so wonderfully. Kitty and Ford had me so invested in them. I truly felt for Kitty and how she’s constantly misjudged and underestimated. I thought I didn’t like her but as I read her story I came to realize everything I thought was wrong. And I soon fell in love with her. Ford is utterly captivating. He doesn’t shy away from hard work and it’s so endearing. This man is so much more than what we get on the surface. Much like Kitty. Their chemistry was electrifying. And their connection felt very genuine. They have their ups and downs, but from their first interaction I wanted them together. Their pull toward one another is undeniable. And getting to see Ford come to her aide and stand beside her was so heartwarming. This book gave us an intriguing story that I just couldn’t put down.
September 17, 2026
I knew after reading the blurb for this book I wanted to read it. It had some tropes that I love and just sounded like a book I would like. I didn't realize how much I was going to like this book!
I love Kitty and Ford! Their dynamic is electric. The banter and sass alone between these two was five stars but add in the tension between these two and you get a book you don't want to put down!
These two are too stubborn for their own good. They both refuse to show emotions or ask for help. Kitty is struggling with a lot and doesn't really trust anyone. When she finally lets Ford in and she tells him the truth he then proposes and she thinks it's out of pity. It takes a little bit for them to get their act together but eventually they do.
I loved these characters and the world the Emma Lee Jayne created. With this only being book one in this series I cannot wait for the rest!
I received this book as an arc in exchange for my honest review.
I love Kitty and Ford! Their dynamic is electric. The banter and sass alone between these two was five stars but add in the tension between these two and you get a book you don't want to put down!
These two are too stubborn for their own good. They both refuse to show emotions or ask for help. Kitty is struggling with a lot and doesn't really trust anyone. When she finally lets Ford in and she tells him the truth he then proposes and she thinks it's out of pity. It takes a little bit for them to get their act together but eventually they do.
I loved these characters and the world the Emma Lee Jayne created. With this only being book one in this series I cannot wait for the rest!
I received this book as an arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2026
I love a good messy, complicated, workplace romance, and Hostile Takeover delivered.
Kitty has been misunderstood/misjudged all her life. She is a spoiled, trust fund, daughter. She has been raised by her father to be daddy’s little rich girl. She was to marry a man worthy enough to step in her father’s place at Biedermann Jewelry. All this changed when her father passes away unexpectedly. She is now the CEO and has no experience.
A disastrous detour in Texas has her getting a drink in a bar before headed to her equally disastrous hotel. A handsome cowboy, catches her eye, and she will not see him again…right?
Things get worse from here. If you are looking for a hilarious storyline, opposites attract, secrets, attraction and heat, gossip, take a chance. There is plenty of assumptions, twists, colorful side characters. I found myself laughing and not really wanting to put this book down.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
Kitty has been misunderstood/misjudged all her life. She is a spoiled, trust fund, daughter. She has been raised by her father to be daddy’s little rich girl. She was to marry a man worthy enough to step in her father’s place at Biedermann Jewelry. All this changed when her father passes away unexpectedly. She is now the CEO and has no experience.
A disastrous detour in Texas has her getting a drink in a bar before headed to her equally disastrous hotel. A handsome cowboy, catches her eye, and she will not see him again…right?
Things get worse from here. If you are looking for a hilarious storyline, opposites attract, secrets, attraction and heat, gossip, take a chance. There is plenty of assumptions, twists, colorful side characters. I found myself laughing and not really wanting to put this book down.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book one in the Mergers & Matrimony series which follows Kitty and Ford. Who have a one night stand while she is in Texas only for him to show up in her conference room two months later trying to take over her company or at least that's what she thinks he is there to do. In his mind he is trying to save it, in hers he is trying to take it from her and just feels sorry for her.
There was no doubt in my mind that this was a 5 star read for me. The banter alone did that. You add in the tension between these two and the struggles Kitty deals with on a daily basis, and in my book you get a very well written 5 star read.
I cant tell you how many times I was laughing, wanting to fight my kindle because it would not let me turn the page fast enough to see what kitty yelled at ford for next.
Congrats Emma on another fantastic book!!
There was no doubt in my mind that this was a 5 star read for me. The banter alone did that. You add in the tension between these two and the struggles Kitty deals with on a daily basis, and in my book you get a very well written 5 star read.
I cant tell you how many times I was laughing, wanting to fight my kindle because it would not let me turn the page fast enough to see what kitty yelled at ford for next.
Congrats Emma on another fantastic book!!
Review of advance copy
Rating: 2.5 rounded to 3 stars
I really wanted to enjoy this book more, but I'm very in the middle when it comes to my thoughts.
I love the city girl from New York meets cowboy idea. I like it when we get a strong and complex FMC. I love when MMC falls hard. But that's just about it here.
I had hard time enjoying their banter (it was more rude or annoying if anything). It felt like there was not actual connection between them besides the physical one. And it just doesn't sell me a love story.
Also, it was just weird that Ford, previously avoiding attachment and relationships, changes his mind so suddenly. I'm not sure, if their first meeting was that convincing for such a change (and it was even before their ONS).
It made me struggle to finish the book at times.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I really wanted to enjoy this book more, but I'm very in the middle when it comes to my thoughts.
I love the city girl from New York meets cowboy idea. I like it when we get a strong and complex FMC. I love when MMC falls hard. But that's just about it here.
I had hard time enjoying their banter (it was more rude or annoying if anything). It felt like there was not actual connection between them besides the physical one. And it just doesn't sell me a love story.
Also, it was just weird that Ford, previously avoiding attachment and relationships, changes his mind so suddenly. I'm not sure, if their first meeting was that convincing for such a change (and it was even before their ONS).
It made me struggle to finish the book at times.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
September 21, 2026
Review of advance copy received from the author and the author agency
Hostile Takeover by Emma Lee Jayne
Book 1 in the Mergers & Matrimony series
Tropes
Black cat / Golden retriever
One night stand
Forced proximity
Surprise pregnancy
He falls first
Billionaire romance
Kitty meets a cowboy named Ford at a bar when she is stranded in Texas. They have an amazing one night stand and go their separate ways. Kitty’s family business is in trouble when she is in the boardroom and in walks the cowboy. Ford is the CEO of FMJ and is looking at buying her business. That is not the biggest surprise in the rom though. Kitty is pregnant from that one night stand. As more of the story unfolds you understand why Kitty is so prickly and Ford wants to stand by her but she has trust issues. The banter, chemistry and deep love that forms make this a wonderful story by Emma Lee Jayne.
Hostile Takeover by Emma Lee Jayne
Book 1 in the Mergers & Matrimony series
Tropes
Black cat / Golden retriever
One night stand
Forced proximity
Surprise pregnancy
He falls first
Billionaire romance
Kitty meets a cowboy named Ford at a bar when she is stranded in Texas. They have an amazing one night stand and go their separate ways. Kitty’s family business is in trouble when she is in the boardroom and in walks the cowboy. Ford is the CEO of FMJ and is looking at buying her business. That is not the biggest surprise in the rom though. Kitty is pregnant from that one night stand. As more of the story unfolds you understand why Kitty is so prickly and Ford wants to stand by her but she has trust issues. The banter, chemistry and deep love that forms make this a wonderful story by Emma Lee Jayne.
September 24, 2026
This was such a cute and enjoyable workplace romance with a great mix of chemistry, emotion, and heart. I really enjoyed Kitty and Ford’s story, especially the Black Cat/Golden Retriever dynamic between them.
Kitty has spent her life being underestimated and misjudged, and I loved watching her fight to preserve her family’s legacy while trying to prove that she is more capable than everyone assumes. Ford was the perfect counterpart to her—determined, hardworking, and completely unwilling to walk away once he realized how much Kitty meant to him.
The surprise pregnancy, one-night stand, billionaire romance, and workplace dynamics all came together nicely without overwhelming the story. I especially loved Ford’s determination to see the real Kitty beneath the walls she had built around herself.
A sweet romance! Thank you to the author for the ARC. This review is only my opinion.
Kitty has spent her life being underestimated and misjudged, and I loved watching her fight to preserve her family’s legacy while trying to prove that she is more capable than everyone assumes. Ford was the perfect counterpart to her—determined, hardworking, and completely unwilling to walk away once he realized how much Kitty meant to him.
The surprise pregnancy, one-night stand, billionaire romance, and workplace dynamics all came together nicely without overwhelming the story. I especially loved Ford’s determination to see the real Kitty beneath the walls she had built around herself.
A sweet romance! Thank you to the author for the ARC. This review is only my opinion.
Read
September 6, 2026Kitty es una heredera que solo quiere olvidarse por una noche de los problemas que carga sobre sus hombros. Una escapada inesperada la lleva a conocer a Ford, un hombre con quien la química es imposible de ignorar y con quien decide compartir una noche sin pensar en las consecuencias.
Lo que Kitty no imagina es que aquel desconocido volverá a aparecer en su vida mucho antes de lo que quisiera. Ford no solo está relacionado con el futuro de su empresa, sino que pronto se convertirá en alguien con quien tendrá que compartir sus secretos. Cuando Kitty descubre que aquella noche dejó algo más que recuerdos, mantener las distancias será mucho más complicado.
____
No fue para mi. La idea me gusto, pero no como se llevo a cabo el desarrollo.
Gracias por el ARC.
Lo que Kitty no imagina es que aquel desconocido volverá a aparecer en su vida mucho antes de lo que quisiera. Ford no solo está relacionado con el futuro de su empresa, sino que pronto se convertirá en alguien con quien tendrá que compartir sus secretos. Cuando Kitty descubre que aquella noche dejó algo más que recuerdos, mantener las distancias será mucho más complicado.
____
No fue para mi. La idea me gusto, pero no como se llevo a cabo el desarrollo.
Gracias por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hostile Takeover is the first book in Emma Lee Jayne's new Mergers & Matrimony series. It's an opposites attract (city girl/country boy), one-night stand, accidental pregnancy, contemporary romance. It's the first book I've ever read by this author, and I really liked it. The whole premise of the story was really good, and I loved the writing, which is a big thing to me.
Kitty and Ford were everything! I loved their whole dynamic, and their chemistry was off the charts. Kitty came across as stubborn and tough, but deep inside, she was just a misunderstood, softhearted teddy bear. I loved her and Ford together, and I can't wait to read more stories from this author. I would definitely recommend this one!
Kitty and Ford were everything! I loved their whole dynamic, and their chemistry was off the charts. Kitty came across as stubborn and tough, but deep inside, she was just a misunderstood, softhearted teddy bear. I loved her and Ford together, and I can't wait to read more stories from this author. I would definitely recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wanted to love this book and I just couldn’t 😭 I felt SO bad for Ford. He was such a sweetheart. He showed up for Kitty repeatedly. Between keeping her earring and looking up how to help relieve morning sickness, I was so close to begging him to have my babies because seriously, what a man he is! He was waaaaay too good for Kitty. The banter in this book was nonexistent. It was more along the lines of rudeness and treating someone so poorly. Ford did not deserve it. Kitty was described as a high class CEO who is always dolled up and she was nothing but a snob. Unfortunately I don’t like people like her and they don’t deserve nice things like Ford. Like I said, I wish I could have loved this. I tried, I really did!
I wanted to love this book and I just couldn’t 😭 I felt SO bad for Ford. He was such a sweetheart. He showed up for Kitty repeatedly. Between keeping her earring and looking up how to help relieve morning sickness, I was so close to begging him to have my babies because seriously, what a man he is! He was waaaaay too good for Kitty. The banter in this book was nonexistent. It was more along the lines of rudeness and treating someone so poorly. Ford did not deserve it. Kitty was described as a high class CEO who is always dolled up and she was nothing but a snob. Unfortunately I don’t like people like her and they don’t deserve nice things like Ford. Like I said, I wish I could have loved this. I tried, I really did!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ford Langley and Kitty Biedermann have a one night stand in the parking lot of a bar. Kitty leaves quite an impression on Ford, as well as one of her beloved earrings. And well Ford leaves something with Kitty too, but it takes a bit longer to show up.
Unable to forget Kitty, Ford has his assistant research her, but his partners mistake the research for a potential business acquisition.
Fast forward two months when FMJ shows up to begin the acquisition process and Ford and Kitty face off. Now there’s her business on the line, her pregnancy on the line, her dignity on the line, and Ford doesn’t. Know how to fight for what he really wants.
There is an eventual happy ending, but not without the last act breakup ritual. But it’s worth it for the happy ending.
Unable to forget Kitty, Ford has his assistant research her, but his partners mistake the research for a potential business acquisition.
Fast forward two months when FMJ shows up to begin the acquisition process and Ford and Kitty face off. Now there’s her business on the line, her pregnancy on the line, her dignity on the line, and Ford doesn’t. Know how to fight for what he really wants.
There is an eventual happy ending, but not without the last act breakup ritual. But it’s worth it for the happy ending.
September 16, 2026
I read Hostile Takeover as an ARC, and I have to admit… I HATED Kitty from the previous book (Derek’s book) LOL
I always thought she was only after his money, and well, I wasn’t wrong. But there was SO much more underneath it all that I never saw coming. Her story ended up being much more layered than I expected, and I loved being proven wrong.
And Ford… 👀
I LOVE an emotionally unavailable man from page one. Please give me more of this type of man. (Which, if I’m right, is exactly what we’re getting with Matt’s story. And I cannot wait to read it!)
Overall, this was such a comforting, well-paced, and absorbing read. I finished it in one sitting because, honestly, I could not put it down.
And then he gave her orchids. 🌸 That’s it. That did it for me. I was sold.
I always thought she was only after his money, and well, I wasn’t wrong. But there was SO much more underneath it all that I never saw coming. Her story ended up being much more layered than I expected, and I loved being proven wrong.
And Ford… 👀
I LOVE an emotionally unavailable man from page one. Please give me more of this type of man. (Which, if I’m right, is exactly what we’re getting with Matt’s story. And I cannot wait to read it!)
Overall, this was such a comforting, well-paced, and absorbing read. I finished it in one sitting because, honestly, I could not put it down.
And then he gave her orchids. 🌸 That’s it. That did it for me. I was sold.
September 21, 2026
This was an absolutely amazing book. This is book one in the Mergers & Matrimony Series.
This is a newer author to me I read their first book called the dress and fell in love with the writing style of this author. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to advance read this book because let me tell you something it was absolutely amazing.
Kitty and Ford we're absolutely amazing characters I could not get enough of this book.
I deep dived into this book head first, and could not put it down to save my life. I love that the chemistry and the banter between the two I thought it was just absolutely amazing.
I look forward to reading many more that this author has published and are to come in the future.
This is a newer author to me I read their first book called the dress and fell in love with the writing style of this author. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to advance read this book because let me tell you something it was absolutely amazing.
Kitty and Ford we're absolutely amazing characters I could not get enough of this book.
I deep dived into this book head first, and could not put it down to save my life. I love that the chemistry and the banter between the two I thought it was just absolutely amazing.
I look forward to reading many more that this author has published and are to come in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This was a first time reading as well as book 1 in a new series for. An enemies to lovers workplace romance. Kitty is a CEO a failing family jewelry company who meets ford in Texas as she finds a way to save her company. Ford part owner of the company that wants to buy into her company. They butt heads tring to work together but also trying to fight feelings toward each after sleeping together. I like that ford tries to figure kitty out but also wants to help keep her company. Kitty is a person guarding her dyslexia and has a hard time trusting anyone due to how everyone see her. I would definitely read this author again.
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