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Sterling House #1
At His Command: Una romance prohibida con un jefe multimillonario mayor (Sterling House
I’d never been with a man when I walked into his office high above Manhattan.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
My sister is dying, and the only thing standing between her and a new miracle medication is money I don’t have.
When Sterling House offers me a full-service “executive assistant” job with a salary that could save her life, I don’t hesitate—no matter what the job requires.
They have no idea how innocent I am.
If they did, they never would’ve offered me the position.
Lucas Crawford is obscenely wealthy, unapologetically dominant and infuriating in the way only a man who never doubts himself can be.
My “interview” with him began with the “Bend over my desk, Miss Brooks.”
Working for Crawford has turned into a problem I never saw coming; I needed his money, but I never meant to need his praise, his body, his touch.
I keep reminding myself this is just a job. But when he tells me to look at him, in that deep commanding voice I love so much, I forget every line I swore I’d never cross.
He said he’d never let another woman in again. I promised myself I’d never belong to anyone. We’re both about to break our word.
At His Command is a super spicy billionaire romance featuring a dominant hero, a first-time heroine, and a taboo "full service" executive assistant arrangement.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
My sister is dying, and the only thing standing between her and a new miracle medication is money I don’t have.
When Sterling House offers me a full-service “executive assistant” job with a salary that could save her life, I don’t hesitate—no matter what the job requires.
They have no idea how innocent I am.
If they did, they never would’ve offered me the position.
Lucas Crawford is obscenely wealthy, unapologetically dominant and infuriating in the way only a man who never doubts himself can be.
My “interview” with him began with the “Bend over my desk, Miss Brooks.”
Working for Crawford has turned into a problem I never saw coming; I needed his money, but I never meant to need his praise, his body, his touch.
I keep reminding myself this is just a job. But when he tells me to look at him, in that deep commanding voice I love so much, I forget every line I swore I’d never cross.
He said he’d never let another woman in again. I promised myself I’d never belong to anyone. We’re both about to break our word.
At His Command is a super spicy billionaire romance featuring a dominant hero, a first-time heroine, and a taboo "full service" executive assistant arrangement.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 3, 2026
Strongly dislike
I am so mad at the author. I was really looking forward to reading this book. It's not at all what I thought it was going to be. So much lost potential in this book. The first scene was very uncomfortable the MFC went into his office and MMC had sex with her within immediately. She was a virgin and he just took her no angst no prep just wham bam thank you ma'am. One of the reasons I chose this book is because I do like the Virgin trope but in the sexual scenes even the first one there was no acknowledgment that she was a virgin, so why make her a virgin. The MFC went from Virgin to escort within a few hours. What really made me mad is that there was no trigger warnings about voyeurism with other men watching and a possible threesome I quit reading . I would have not read this book if there had been trigger warnings or a better description. You do your readers a disservice when you do not describe the book properly or give trigger warnings. That is why this book got such a low score and the author will be put on my do not read list.
I am so mad at the author. I was really looking forward to reading this book. It's not at all what I thought it was going to be. So much lost potential in this book. The first scene was very uncomfortable the MFC went into his office and MMC had sex with her within immediately. She was a virgin and he just took her no angst no prep just wham bam thank you ma'am. One of the reasons I chose this book is because I do like the Virgin trope but in the sexual scenes even the first one there was no acknowledgment that she was a virgin, so why make her a virgin. The MFC went from Virgin to escort within a few hours. What really made me mad is that there was no trigger warnings about voyeurism with other men watching and a possible threesome I quit reading . I would have not read this book if there had been trigger warnings or a better description. You do your readers a disservice when you do not describe the book properly or give trigger warnings. That is why this book got such a low score and the author will be put on my do not read list.
April 9, 2026
This was such a fun book to read.
This was my first book by Alix Vaughn, and I know I'll read more from her.
Amelia is in her early 20's living with her sister and parents. Her sister is living with leukemia, and is very sick, and her parents are both barely-functioning alcoholics. Amelia has 3 jobs to pay rent and feed herself and her sister. She's running on empty and is feeling hopeless. When she goes to her best friends bachelorette party (at her sisters insistence), she learns from a friend how lucrative being an escort can be. So she signs herself up through the escort company.
She is paired with Lucas, who is a hot nearly 40yo billionaire who buys companies and rebuilds them (basically what Richard Gere's character from Pretty Woman does). His ex-fiancée is a (normal) bitch who is now engaged to his cousin. So he's pretty bitter and has no desire for anything but sex. Amelia becomes his executive assistant (with sex included).
Yes, there are times you have to really suspend your belief (like the fact that she enjoyed her first time having sex with him considering she was a virgin, he had no idea she was, and he just went at it as if she was the pro she claimed to be...ouch). BUT, all of the characters were fully developed. Lucas comes across as icy and distant and a bit of an asshole at first, but he warms up and whenever he truly crosses the line of being an actual asshole he owns up to it and apologizes.
There is a 10 year age gap between Amelia and Lucas, but since Amelia has had to take care of her family for so long she is much more mature than a typical twenty-something. The age difference comes up a bit, but it's not icky at all (imo) and is done well. The chemistry between the two is fantastic, and sex scenes are plentiful but very hot. VERY hot. Lots of dirty talk.
But ultimately, I believed in this love story. I finished this book wanting to read the next one SO bad...but it hasn't been published yet. Boo....
2026 Bingo #30 FMC is a paramour
This was my first book by Alix Vaughn, and I know I'll read more from her.
Amelia is in her early 20's living with her sister and parents. Her sister is living with leukemia, and is very sick, and her parents are both barely-functioning alcoholics. Amelia has 3 jobs to pay rent and feed herself and her sister. She's running on empty and is feeling hopeless. When she goes to her best friends bachelorette party (at her sisters insistence), she learns from a friend how lucrative being an escort can be. So she signs herself up through the escort company.
She is paired with Lucas, who is a hot nearly 40yo billionaire who buys companies and rebuilds them (basically what Richard Gere's character from Pretty Woman does). His ex-fiancée is a (normal) bitch who is now engaged to his cousin. So he's pretty bitter and has no desire for anything but sex. Amelia becomes his executive assistant (with sex included).
Yes, there are times you have to really suspend your belief (like the fact that she enjoyed her first time having sex with him considering she was a virgin, he had no idea she was, and he just went at it as if she was the pro she claimed to be...ouch). BUT, all of the characters were fully developed. Lucas comes across as icy and distant and a bit of an asshole at first, but he warms up and whenever he truly crosses the line of being an actual asshole he owns up to it and apologizes.
There is a 10 year age gap between Amelia and Lucas, but since Amelia has had to take care of her family for so long she is much more mature than a typical twenty-something. The age difference comes up a bit, but it's not icky at all (imo) and is done well. The chemistry between the two is fantastic, and sex scenes are plentiful but very hot. VERY hot. Lots of dirty talk.
But ultimately, I believed in this love story. I finished this book wanting to read the next one SO bad...but it hasn't been published yet. Boo....
2026 Bingo #30 FMC is a paramour
February 6, 2026
This was such a good book. I finished it in 4 days.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 1, 2026
The fmc is a virgin who takes a job at an escort service that supplies full service personal assistants to billionaires. The first meet up he pops her cherry and doesn’t even realize it for most of the book. There were parts I liked but in the background is her teenaged sister struggling with leukemia….which throws a wrench in this type of book.
April 15, 2026
It was so good, hot and easy to read that I couldn’t stop reading even at 5am.
Lucas and Amelia’s story went so smooth and I wouldn’t change a thing there. From Amelia being a first time escort to Lucas and then his lover, they transitioned it pretty well. They had a little bumpy way even tho some people around them saw it first.
I just wish there was another epilogue that would be years after.
Lucas and Amelia’s story went so smooth and I wouldn’t change a thing there. From Amelia being a first time escort to Lucas and then his lover, they transitioned it pretty well. They had a little bumpy way even tho some people around them saw it first.
I just wish there was another epilogue that would be years after.
March 18, 2026
So good!
Wow, did I love this book! So good! One of the better bosses, secret romance books. I’ve read in a long time. Absolutely excellent and I highly recommend!
Wow, did I love this book! So good! One of the better bosses, secret romance books. I’ve read in a long time. Absolutely excellent and I highly recommend!
June 1, 2026
this is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. a good read if you like your romance full of sex and very little else. unfortunately Lucas as an MMC was just not totally working for me, he would have his moments but then he'd go and be a total asshole and there just wasn't enough emotional depth to this book for me to get on board with the asshole parts.
February 3, 2026
From virgin to prostitute, just gotta love the fifty shades.
April 20, 2026
This is a a unique premise for a book/series. I don't know that I've ever read a book with this trope before and I've read a lot of romance books. I'm not sure what trope the author would list this book as...I guess boss/employee, billionaire, virginal, grumpy, age gap...but I would add in the trope of "free use". And I kind of wonder if there should be a trigger warning because if you're not expecting the situation of their interactions, you'll be taken aback. Also, if you're thinking this is a fluffy, sweet, gentle virginal storyline...you'll be disappointed. How Amelia loses her virginity doesn't bother me. Some reviewers are up in arms because their first encounter is not gentle. It's not super rough or mean but it's not something they talk about before hand. I don't like reviewers faulting the author for not doing something that was never promised to them. Amelia goes into the situation with eyes wide open, knowing full well how her virginity is going to be taken. Of course, it's a little abrupt but she's literally taking on a job in which she provides sex at any given moment during work hours.
But let's talk about the free use/service component. She's getting paid for this service but ultimately, it's the FMC being available for spicy time at any time, whenever. I think this service is addressed tastefully and the MMC works to make sure the power is with Amelia at all times. Lucas is an alpha male that is wounded for some reason (the one given doesn't match the intensity of his pain/angst IMO). The scene with Ambrose fits in with the book but it's not something you see often outside of reverse harem books. And even then, this isn't a reverse harem situation.
It is a spicy book! But it's more the free use and talk that make it spicy. And, of course, the Ambrose scene.
I wish there was some more character development. I don't really understand Lucas's drive and angst. Usually there is some sort of "villain" origin but here we have a dude who likes to make money and whose ex dumped him for his cousin. Sounds like his parents and brothers are relatively well adjusted. Then you have Amelia who is living in squalor. I wasn't sure what she was waiting for to leave the house. Girl. Get out. You've literally been paid $20,000 at one time...you have plenty to leave. I felt like her family drama dragged out.
I liked this book. It will not be everyone's cup of team. It's got a very unique subset of tropes and you may not love those. But I will read the next book in the series.
But let's talk about the free use/service component. She's getting paid for this service but ultimately, it's the FMC being available for spicy time at any time, whenever. I think this service is addressed tastefully and the MMC works to make sure the power is with Amelia at all times. Lucas is an alpha male that is wounded for some reason (the one given doesn't match the intensity of his pain/angst IMO). The scene with Ambrose fits in with the book but it's not something you see often outside of reverse harem books. And even then, this isn't a reverse harem situation.
It is a spicy book! But it's more the free use and talk that make it spicy. And, of course, the Ambrose scene.
I wish there was some more character development. I don't really understand Lucas's drive and angst. Usually there is some sort of "villain" origin but here we have a dude who likes to make money and whose ex dumped him for his cousin. Sounds like his parents and brothers are relatively well adjusted. Then you have Amelia who is living in squalor. I wasn't sure what she was waiting for to leave the house. Girl. Get out. You've literally been paid $20,000 at one time...you have plenty to leave. I felt like her family drama dragged out.
I liked this book. It will not be everyone's cup of team. It's got a very unique subset of tropes and you may not love those. But I will read the next book in the series.
July 1, 2026
Meh. It was mostly fine, outside of one particular scene that was very hottt. I probably won’t think of it again.
April 25, 2026
New author, new series. I probably have maybe several series I’ve started but either haven’t finished or am still waiting for new ones to get released. This one had me a little unsure when I first came upon it in suggestions given by Kindle Unlimited. The plot spoke to me and seemed like it would be back to the usual ones I read. I was nervous when I saw that there was a couple lower ratings but then I saw there was more good than bad. One of the lower ratings talked about the sex happening almost immediately and in the office. I was intrigued, but thought it might not be what I was looking for. I enjoy the smutty books as much as the next one but with my current mood, I didn’t feel like a story that pretty much has just sex in it. In the end I let the high reviews be my guide and I decided to start it. I was pleasantly and happily surprised. This wasn’t at all what I thought it would be and now the immediate sex scene makes sense. I don’t however think it should be lower rated because of that but everyone has their opinions and limits. I can respect that and understand how certain things can make people uncomfortable. I’ve had my moments where I didn’t like where the book was going and I would visibly cringe from it. I’ve given lower ratings for that reason alone too. With this book though, I found it very interesting. I’ve read a lot of office and workplace romances but none of them thought to include a third party company for other means besides doing the work for the main company. Amelia is hired as an escort for Lucas while he’s at the office, to be there for his “needs” but also to have a woman around for last minute galas and parties to attend with, which still places Amelia to be there for his “needs.” It also takes away the stress of a relationship for Lucas who is still licking his wounds from the break up with his ex. I didn’t see the whole escort thing happening because the book starts with Amelia working three jobs to make ends meet and provide for her sister who has a chronic illness. Amelia is trying to save up for her treatment so with the way the book starts, I didn’t know how Lucas was going to play a factor in this. Amelia and him are from different worlds. With what she is doing compared to him, there is no way they could have bumped into each other unless she serves him at a restaurant or he happens to be at her workplace at the same time for a reason. There is no way they would have crossed paths so I was curious how he would be introduced. Keep in mind too that the series is called Sterling House so I also thought this would be the name of the company the hero works at which would find the heroine working there and it would be that type of story. Come to find it’s about how Amelia gets inserted into his world of wealth and importance because of Sterling House. As the story goes on, Amelia is thrusted into him and his life from mergers, to helping out his staff and encouraging a client to sell and work with Lucas to intimate moments Lucas and Amelia have with each other. I have no complaints about this book whatsoever. Sure, there’s a ton of sex in it but what did you expect? She’s an escort so of course there will be more of a presence of that in the story and I didn’t mind it at all. It didn’t feel oversaturated and too much. I wasn’t bored with their bedroom moments. It felt new and exciting. You didn’t even feel like she was an escort. When they sleep with each other it doesn’t feel transactional, it feels tender, caring and then other times so passionate and intense. Lucas knew when to be gentle and also when to go crazy. It also didn’t feel like he was holding her at arm’s length, not really, at least not in everything. I felt like he actually wanted to make it a good experience for her while also getting pleasure out of it for himself. He also told her things and they had good conversations. It seemed the only one who was truly holding back was Amelia, it could also be her nerves from the sexual activity she doesn’t know much about. Regardless, it felt alive between them and like they have this pent up electricity thrumming through their bodies. The chemistry was off the charts and you definitely felt like they wanted to rip each other’s clothes off which I felt has been missing in some books lately. Overall, I gave this a 5 for the pure entertainment, interest and steam that was written in the book. It kept me hooked and wanting more. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment.
February 4, 2026
Amelia was taking care of her sick sister, she works three jobs for medical bills,
She’ll do anything to take her out from her abusing parents house.
She had a weekend out with her best friend Hope bachelorette party
At the party she met a particular woman who is one of Hope’s friend she asked what she do with her living , when she tells her,she suggests that she could work with her but Hope doesn’t agree she tells her that she’s an adult and she can choose herself.she says that she works for an escort service but I got thousands of dollars and only one job , you don’t have to worry about money anymore.
Three weeks later she had the interview with Sterling house , she was with Hope on her phone and tells her about the first client , he’s a ruthless billionaire you have to becarefull because the man is ruthless.
When she entered his office and met the man
, it was different from she imagined how it went her first interview with him.
She’ll do anything to take her out from her abusing parents house.
She had a weekend out with her best friend Hope bachelorette party
At the party she met a particular woman who is one of Hope’s friend she asked what she do with her living , when she tells her,she suggests that she could work with her but Hope doesn’t agree she tells her that she’s an adult and she can choose herself.she says that she works for an escort service but I got thousands of dollars and only one job , you don’t have to worry about money anymore.
Three weeks later she had the interview with Sterling house , she was with Hope on her phone and tells her about the first client , he’s a ruthless billionaire you have to becarefull because the man is ruthless.
When she entered his office and met the man
, it was different from she imagined how it went her first interview with him.
June 17, 2026
Got boring quick
February 15, 2026
Holy hotness batman
If you’re in the mood for a morally wounded man getting absolutely wrecked (emotionally) by the one woman he thought he could keep at arm’s length… let me introduce you to At His Command.
Our heroine is a virgin who makes the kind of impossible choice that instantly grabs your heart....she agrees to work as an escort to pay for her sister’s cancer treatment.
She’s brave, selfless, and way stronger than she gives herself credit for. You go in thinking she’s going to be the vulnerable one… but oh no. She is the emotional bulldozer in this story.
And then there’s him.
Mr. “I’ve been burned before so now I’ll just pay for companionship and never risk my heart again.” Sir. Be serious.
He truly believes he’s found a safe arrangement. No feelings. No attachments. Just a contract. Controlled. Clean. Predictable.
HA! it was none of those things.
Because what he didn’t account for?
Her softness.
Her sincerity.
Her quiet strength.
The way she sees right through his armor and doesn’t flinch.
Watching him slowly unravel while trying to convince himself he’s still in control?
DELICIOUS.
And yes. Let’s talk about the spice.
This book was spicy with a capital S. The tension? Off the charts. The power dynamics? Intense. The emotional vulnerability woven into the heat? Chef’s kiss. It’s not just physical, it’s layered with longing, fear, and that delicious “this wasn’t supposed to mean anything” energy.
What I loved most is that beneath the arrangement and the heat, this story is about healing. About a man who thought love was a weakness learning that it might actually be the only thing that saves him. And about a woman who walks into a transactional situation and becomes the best thing that ever happened to him.
He thought he was hiring a service.
Instead, he accidentally ordered a full heart renovation.
I am already feral waiting for the next book in this series. If the rest of the men are about to fall this hard, I’m not emotionally prepared.
If you’re in the mood for a morally wounded man getting absolutely wrecked (emotionally) by the one woman he thought he could keep at arm’s length… let me introduce you to At His Command.
Our heroine is a virgin who makes the kind of impossible choice that instantly grabs your heart....she agrees to work as an escort to pay for her sister’s cancer treatment.
She’s brave, selfless, and way stronger than she gives herself credit for. You go in thinking she’s going to be the vulnerable one… but oh no. She is the emotional bulldozer in this story.
And then there’s him.
Mr. “I’ve been burned before so now I’ll just pay for companionship and never risk my heart again.” Sir. Be serious.
He truly believes he’s found a safe arrangement. No feelings. No attachments. Just a contract. Controlled. Clean. Predictable.
HA! it was none of those things.
Because what he didn’t account for?
Her softness.
Her sincerity.
Her quiet strength.
The way she sees right through his armor and doesn’t flinch.
Watching him slowly unravel while trying to convince himself he’s still in control?
DELICIOUS.
And yes. Let’s talk about the spice.
This book was spicy with a capital S. The tension? Off the charts. The power dynamics? Intense. The emotional vulnerability woven into the heat? Chef’s kiss. It’s not just physical, it’s layered with longing, fear, and that delicious “this wasn’t supposed to mean anything” energy.
What I loved most is that beneath the arrangement and the heat, this story is about healing. About a man who thought love was a weakness learning that it might actually be the only thing that saves him. And about a woman who walks into a transactional situation and becomes the best thing that ever happened to him.
He thought he was hiring a service.
Instead, he accidentally ordered a full heart renovation.
I am already feral waiting for the next book in this series. If the rest of the men are about to fall this hard, I’m not emotionally prepared.
Did Not Finish
April 3, 2026DNF @ 62% No romance or chemistry. Amelia is a virgin turned “ escort/ assistant.” Her first time having sex with Lucas is just sad. She catches feelings quickly for Lucas who just uses her like his personal on call prostitute. The fact that Amelia starts out as a virgin makes this even worse. Lucas is the type of guy who sees her parents by chance arguing outside a diner her Mom works at and calls them “white trash.” Meanwhile this guy hires women to screw all day because he can’t keep it in his pants when he is working. Just because he makes a lot of money doesn’t make him a better person. His arrogance, lack of manners and narcissism were too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
i hate him.
July 1, 2026
Interesting
This was my first book by this author, and overall I enjoyed it. It wasn't a bad read, but I do think it was a bit too long, and certain parts annoyed me.
I really admired Amelia. She had such a huge heart and would do anything for the people she loved, especially her sister. She worked incredibly hard to take care of her, and I respected that. I could relate to some of her struggles. I didn't grow up with parents like hers, but I did grow up in a big family that struggled financially, and my dad was sick, so I understand putting family first. That part of Amelia felt very real to me.
What irritated me was how much she let her parents walk all over her. She cooked, cleaned, paid all the bills, and took all of their abuse without ever standing up for herself. It got old fast, and I kept waiting for her to finally snap. What made it even stranger was that at work, she had no problem standing up for herself if someone crossed the line. I loved that side of her, which made it even more frustrating that she never had that same backbone with her parents.
When she finally stood up for herself, it was good—don't get me wrong—but it could have been so much more satisfying. The payoff just didn't feel worth the wait. I also wish that moment had happened under different circumstances because there was so much else going on that it took away from what should have been a really powerful scene. I wanted her to really let them have it instead of getting only a brief moment before her attention had to be pulled elsewhere.
I also felt like there wasn't enough emotional payoff when Luca finally learned what Amelia's home life was really like. The entire book builds up to him discovering everything she's been hiding, but instead he has one brief interaction with her dad, realizes what kind of person he is, and then... that's it. The story immediately moves on. I kept waiting for Luca to confront her dad, defend Amelia, or even have a heartfelt conversation with her afterward about everything she'd been through. It felt like a huge missed opportunity after all that buildup.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the book and liked the relationship between Amelia and Luca. It definitely could've done without the AmberRose part... lol, but overall I had a good time reading it.
This was my first book by this author, and overall I enjoyed it. It wasn't a bad read, but I do think it was a bit too long, and certain parts annoyed me.
I really admired Amelia. She had such a huge heart and would do anything for the people she loved, especially her sister. She worked incredibly hard to take care of her, and I respected that. I could relate to some of her struggles. I didn't grow up with parents like hers, but I did grow up in a big family that struggled financially, and my dad was sick, so I understand putting family first. That part of Amelia felt very real to me.
What irritated me was how much she let her parents walk all over her. She cooked, cleaned, paid all the bills, and took all of their abuse without ever standing up for herself. It got old fast, and I kept waiting for her to finally snap. What made it even stranger was that at work, she had no problem standing up for herself if someone crossed the line. I loved that side of her, which made it even more frustrating that she never had that same backbone with her parents.
When she finally stood up for herself, it was good—don't get me wrong—but it could have been so much more satisfying. The payoff just didn't feel worth the wait. I also wish that moment had happened under different circumstances because there was so much else going on that it took away from what should have been a really powerful scene. I wanted her to really let them have it instead of getting only a brief moment before her attention had to be pulled elsewhere.
I also felt like there wasn't enough emotional payoff when Luca finally learned what Amelia's home life was really like. The entire book builds up to him discovering everything she's been hiding, but instead he has one brief interaction with her dad, realizes what kind of person he is, and then... that's it. The story immediately moves on. I kept waiting for Luca to confront her dad, defend Amelia, or even have a heartfelt conversation with her afterward about everything she'd been through. It felt like a huge missed opportunity after all that buildup.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the book and liked the relationship between Amelia and Luca. It definitely could've done without the AmberRose part... lol, but overall I had a good time reading it.
March 29, 2026
What’s an innocent girl to do when her sister is sick, she needs money for her medication, and she’s offered a job she’d never consider taking, except for the fact it pays enough to save her sister? She takes it, that’s what.
Amelia is a strong character who finds herself figuratively backed into a corner, so does what she has to do. In the process, she learns a lot about herself…even some things that are surprising. Not the least of which was developing feelings for Lucas.
Lucas was in the dark about Amelia’s experience. Regardless, he still treated her with care and always checked in to make sure she was okay with whatever they were about to do, which was nice to see. After he learns her secret, however, he vacillates between moments of clarity about his feelings and having a conscious to doing a complete 180 into being kind of a jerk. I felt he acted a little childish during the last fourth of the book, but he did redeem himself in the end when he finally made the choice he did.
The side characters of Ambrose and Hope were entertaining and added some comic relief as well as support for Amelia (and Lucas on Ambrose’s part.)
All in all, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Amelia is a strong character who finds herself figuratively backed into a corner, so does what she has to do. In the process, she learns a lot about herself…even some things that are surprising. Not the least of which was developing feelings for Lucas.
Lucas was in the dark about Amelia’s experience. Regardless, he still treated her with care and always checked in to make sure she was okay with whatever they were about to do, which was nice to see. After he learns her secret, however, he vacillates between moments of clarity about his feelings and having a conscious to doing a complete 180 into being kind of a jerk. I felt he acted a little childish during the last fourth of the book, but he did redeem himself in the end when he finally made the choice he did.
The side characters of Ambrose and Hope were entertaining and added some comic relief as well as support for Amelia (and Lucas on Ambrose’s part.)
All in all, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
May 29, 2026
Amelia is a sweetheart
I enjoyed reading this book. I picked it up because of several reviews that said that they had a difficult time liking the main male character Lucas. Their comments were not derogatory but an opinion. They spoke about how Lucas took his feelings out on Amelia. No that was not fair, but that happens in real life too. So I took a chance. I agree with the reviewers, I too had a difficult time liking Lucas, but I appreciated that the author was honest in writing this storyline and writing the characters especially Lucas and he stayed true to his personality and upbringing.
Lucas is a wealthy businessman and he had his heart broken by Megan, his ex-girlfriend and gold digger.
Lucas struggles with the why, so he enlists The Sterling House Agency for a woman who he can be with without feelings or emotions. Enter Amelia, a young woman with a sister and BFF, Annalise, who is ill and needs some innovative medicine. Their parents are not good people; they are selfish, lazy, and drink excessively. Amelia is just a ray of sunshine and hope in everyone’s life. And even though Lucas is still Lucas, he does show growth through his relationship with Amelia. There is a happy ending. Read On!
I enjoyed reading this book. I picked it up because of several reviews that said that they had a difficult time liking the main male character Lucas. Their comments were not derogatory but an opinion. They spoke about how Lucas took his feelings out on Amelia. No that was not fair, but that happens in real life too. So I took a chance. I agree with the reviewers, I too had a difficult time liking Lucas, but I appreciated that the author was honest in writing this storyline and writing the characters especially Lucas and he stayed true to his personality and upbringing.
Lucas is a wealthy businessman and he had his heart broken by Megan, his ex-girlfriend and gold digger.
Lucas struggles with the why, so he enlists The Sterling House Agency for a woman who he can be with without feelings or emotions. Enter Amelia, a young woman with a sister and BFF, Annalise, who is ill and needs some innovative medicine. Their parents are not good people; they are selfish, lazy, and drink excessively. Amelia is just a ray of sunshine and hope in everyone’s life. And even though Lucas is still Lucas, he does show growth through his relationship with Amelia. There is a happy ending. Read On!
April 16, 2026
Really Enjoyable Read
This is my first time reading an Alix Vaughn work and I really enjoyed it! I was hooked from the beginning. I really admired Amelia and her strength and willingness to do whatever it took to care for her sister Annabelle and to get them out of their horrible living situation. She always led with kindness and she was no pushover. I enjoyed her coming into her own on an intimacy level despite the…unconventional beginning. I enjoy reading about an alpha male and Lucas was that, but his fast and furious jealousy quickly started to annoy me, especially when he would take it out on Amelia. He was insecure in his relationship with Amelia due to how it started, the age difference, and his past relationship, and when that insecurity flared he took it out on her. I appreciate an alpha male being vulnerable, but we didn’t really see that growth in Lucas until the story was almost over. I did love how Lucas listened to her and valued her opinion when it came to the office work she was doing. Overall, really good story and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Sterling House series.
This is my first time reading an Alix Vaughn work and I really enjoyed it! I was hooked from the beginning. I really admired Amelia and her strength and willingness to do whatever it took to care for her sister Annabelle and to get them out of their horrible living situation. She always led with kindness and she was no pushover. I enjoyed her coming into her own on an intimacy level despite the…unconventional beginning. I enjoy reading about an alpha male and Lucas was that, but his fast and furious jealousy quickly started to annoy me, especially when he would take it out on Amelia. He was insecure in his relationship with Amelia due to how it started, the age difference, and his past relationship, and when that insecurity flared he took it out on her. I appreciate an alpha male being vulnerable, but we didn’t really see that growth in Lucas until the story was almost over. I did love how Lucas listened to her and valued her opinion when it came to the office work she was doing. Overall, really good story and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Sterling House series.
Review of advance copy
At His Command is a very well-written age gap billionaire story. I could not put it down. I enjoyed the characters and the story.
Lucas is a driven business owner who loves control. He has suffered a painful breakup and does not want another relationship. He decides to hire executive assistants to give him what he needs and help him maintain control. Amelia is struggling financially. Her parents are no help to her or her sister. Her sister is very sick and needs medical treatment that Amelia cannot afford. She decides to apply for the job with Lucas so that she can make more money. Lucas is immediately attracted to Amelia and as they get to know each other he grows to respect her integrity and her knowledge. She helps him in so many ways with his business and his relationships. What happens when he starts to feel things for her?
I loved how strong Amelia was and how she cared for her sister and her family. She was a selfless and intelligent person. I loved the chemistry between her and Lucas. They were really good together. I look forward to more from this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucas is a driven business owner who loves control. He has suffered a painful breakup and does not want another relationship. He decides to hire executive assistants to give him what he needs and help him maintain control. Amelia is struggling financially. Her parents are no help to her or her sister. Her sister is very sick and needs medical treatment that Amelia cannot afford. She decides to apply for the job with Lucas so that she can make more money. Lucas is immediately attracted to Amelia and as they get to know each other he grows to respect her integrity and her knowledge. She helps him in so many ways with his business and his relationships. What happens when he starts to feel things for her?
I loved how strong Amelia was and how she cared for her sister and her family. She was a selfless and intelligent person. I loved the chemistry between her and Lucas. They were really good together. I look forward to more from this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2026
This is the story of Amelia and Lucas. Lucas is a successful businessman, and Amelia is from a poor working class family. Amelia has been charged with taking care of her very ill younger sister from the age of five because both her parents are alcoholics and cannot hold down a job.
When Amelia becomes desperate to pay for a treatment that might help her sister and is already working three jobs, a friend tells her about an assistant position with Sterling House where she would be not only an assistant but at the sexual whims of her boss. The pay is exorbitant and exactly what she needs to get them out of their parent’s shamble of a home and treatment for her sister, so she agrees and Lucas becomes her boss. What happens after, you’ll have to read to find out.
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it. I adored Lucas, and the author gave us quite a bit from his point of view. He was caring, and dominant but very sweet at the same time in his care of Amelia. Lots of sexual tension and very spicy. Five stars for sure🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
When Amelia becomes desperate to pay for a treatment that might help her sister and is already working three jobs, a friend tells her about an assistant position with Sterling House where she would be not only an assistant but at the sexual whims of her boss. The pay is exorbitant and exactly what she needs to get them out of their parent’s shamble of a home and treatment for her sister, so she agrees and Lucas becomes her boss. What happens after, you’ll have to read to find out.
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it. I adored Lucas, and the author gave us quite a bit from his point of view. He was caring, and dominant but very sweet at the same time in his care of Amelia. Lots of sexual tension and very spicy. Five stars for sure🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 5, 2026
3,5⭐️/5
Not my usual genre but I needed an easy story to get me out of my reading slump. I don’t have a lot of things to say seeing that the plot was quite simple.
The plot was interesting and surreal in the fact that, unfortunately, I don’t think a lot of es.ort have had as much chance regarding their customer as our FMC.
I liked the characters, but they could have been better regarding some things. At times the FMC was reallyyyy too obedient regarding the MMC demands even she was angry. But truthfully knowing her situation I can understand that someone wouldn’t want to lose their chance at happiness.
The MMC was better by the end of the book but was SUCH an a-hole at times !!! I don’t understand how the FMC never felt the want to punch him. Fortunately he did evolve a bit by the end but he really started from the bottom.
It was a good story, the writing was also good but a bit too descriptive about inconsequential things at times.
Not my usual genre but I needed an easy story to get me out of my reading slump. I don’t have a lot of things to say seeing that the plot was quite simple.
The plot was interesting and surreal in the fact that, unfortunately, I don’t think a lot of es.ort have had as much chance regarding their customer as our FMC.
I liked the characters, but they could have been better regarding some things. At times the FMC was reallyyyy too obedient regarding the MMC demands even she was angry. But truthfully knowing her situation I can understand that someone wouldn’t want to lose their chance at happiness.
The MMC was better by the end of the book but was SUCH an a-hole at times !!! I don’t understand how the FMC never felt the want to punch him. Fortunately he did evolve a bit by the end but he really started from the bottom.
It was a good story, the writing was also good but a bit too descriptive about inconsequential things at times.
February 20, 2026
At His Command is a spicy Contemporary romance that finds it’s MFC Amelia struggling with three jobs trying to keep the family household running while trying to scrape together the money for her ill sisters necessary medical treatment.
When she is given a heads up about the Sterling House, an agency who provides
Executive Assistants with “benefits” to Billionaire CEO’s, her path will lead into uncharted territory as it also provides the reader with a nicely written story.
From her surprising one of a kind interview with dominant CEO Lucas Crawford to the lines that shouldn’t be crossed but invariably are once feelings begin to enter the equation this was a read I enjoyed.
Family dynamics, work place drama, passion, and personal vulnerabilities combined in an entertaining narrative that found its HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When she is given a heads up about the Sterling House, an agency who provides
Executive Assistants with “benefits” to Billionaire CEO’s, her path will lead into uncharted territory as it also provides the reader with a nicely written story.
From her surprising one of a kind interview with dominant CEO Lucas Crawford to the lines that shouldn’t be crossed but invariably are once feelings begin to enter the equation this was a read I enjoyed.
Family dynamics, work place drama, passion, and personal vulnerabilities combined in an entertaining narrative that found its HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2026
This book is screaming with Pretty Woman vibes, but so much better!! I honestly struggled with having to put the book down to “adult” otherwise I would have liked to have read this in one sitting.
Right from the start I was invested in Lucas and Amelia’s story. At times I was certain that I knew how it would play out, but I was more often than not incorrect. It certainly made the overall reading experience so enjoyable.
Usually when I read romance novels I tend to like one of the main characters more than the other. But in this case, both were so incredibly written that I couldn’t separate them. They are completely different people but what they find together warmed my heart. With little drama towards the end, and believe me I very much enjoy that in my romance novels most of the time, it made me happy that they worked out any conflict so well.
This is not my first book by this author and after finishing this one I am definitely looking forward to reading more.
Right from the start I was invested in Lucas and Amelia’s story. At times I was certain that I knew how it would play out, but I was more often than not incorrect. It certainly made the overall reading experience so enjoyable.
Usually when I read romance novels I tend to like one of the main characters more than the other. But in this case, both were so incredibly written that I couldn’t separate them. They are completely different people but what they find together warmed my heart. With little drama towards the end, and believe me I very much enjoy that in my romance novels most of the time, it made me happy that they worked out any conflict so well.
This is not my first book by this author and after finishing this one I am definitely looking forward to reading more.
July 15, 2026
I find it somewhat difficult to rate this book. On the one hand, it had a great premise and I really liked the concept. On the other hand, I felt like it was missing… something.
Chemistry? Actual romance between the main characters? Some sort of character development? Following on previous scenes (such as with the ex, or the hostile EA)?
The ending also felt rather abrupt. As if the last 30% was just a desperate attempt to advance some sort of plot.
Sure, it was spicy, but it wasn’t really all that adventurous or captivating. I didn’t truly feel as though the MMC was possessive of the FMC and could not understand what caused them to fall in love with each other, other than the physical intimacy they shared.
I liked the book overall, which is why I gave it 3.5⭐️, but I cut back on the rating due to (at least in my opinion) some unfinished plot lines and lack of chemistry between the main characters.
Chemistry? Actual romance between the main characters? Some sort of character development? Following on previous scenes (such as with the ex, or the hostile EA)?
The ending also felt rather abrupt. As if the last 30% was just a desperate attempt to advance some sort of plot.
Sure, it was spicy, but it wasn’t really all that adventurous or captivating. I didn’t truly feel as though the MMC was possessive of the FMC and could not understand what caused them to fall in love with each other, other than the physical intimacy they shared.
I liked the book overall, which is why I gave it 3.5⭐️, but I cut back on the rating due to (at least in my opinion) some unfinished plot lines and lack of chemistry between the main characters.
Review of advance copy
At His Command by Alix Vaughn had me hooked quickly both by the story and characters.
The plot and storyline was interesting and well paced and was strengthened by the engaging characters of Lucas and Amelia.
Lucas Crawford, ruthless and dominant is looking for no strings at will satisfaction and hires Amelia Brooks via Sterling House as a full service executive assistant.
Amelia, financially struggling to care for her ill sister takes the plunge and over the course of her employment, both Lucas and Amelia face changes in their arrangement and flounder with unexpected developing feelings.
There was plenty of steam and spice as well as some endearing moments that kept me turning pages to see how their HEA would come about.
I look forward to reading the other titles in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot and storyline was interesting and well paced and was strengthened by the engaging characters of Lucas and Amelia.
Lucas Crawford, ruthless and dominant is looking for no strings at will satisfaction and hires Amelia Brooks via Sterling House as a full service executive assistant.
Amelia, financially struggling to care for her ill sister takes the plunge and over the course of her employment, both Lucas and Amelia face changes in their arrangement and flounder with unexpected developing feelings.
There was plenty of steam and spice as well as some endearing moments that kept me turning pages to see how their HEA would come about.
I look forward to reading the other titles in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2026
Loved, loved, loved this book. The story was exciting, interesting and very very steamy. The MCs although worlds apart in both experience and lifestyles just exuded fierce chemistry and attraction from the very beginning. I absolutely loved Amelia, she was such a selfless, kind and caring person and the sacrifices she made for her sister was amazing, her parents were total aholes. Loved Lucas although he seemed cold, aloof and so businesslike but slowly his personality changes and also his feelings for Amelia. I loved them together so much and it was such a pleasure to see them slowly fall in love. This book had humour, a beautiful sisterly bond, tearful moments, some good surrounding characters and the standard bitchy ex and the spice was just out of this world hot. This is a book I would read again for sure.
March 3, 2026
Bend & Snap
One of the more lighthearted escort service romances out on the market.
Tropes
- Boss x Employee (Escort)
- Age Gap (24-39)
- Virgin FMC
- Billionaire
- Sick Sibling
We love a gal who believes in working hard, no matter what kind of work she does. Becoming an escort for her sick sister is no easy task but the FMC does it with a smile and with a lot of nerves. While the premise is a bit heavy over all the story is written lightheartedly. The spice is plentiful and diverse. I am curious to see how this series will expand. I was worried that there was going to be miscommunication between the two MCs but those fears got quickly crushed. Thank goodness for them being fully functional adults that say what they want to say without letting egos be everything.
4/5 ✨ & 🌶️
One of the more lighthearted escort service romances out on the market.
Tropes
- Boss x Employee (Escort)
- Age Gap (24-39)
- Virgin FMC
- Billionaire
- Sick Sibling
We love a gal who believes in working hard, no matter what kind of work she does. Becoming an escort for her sick sister is no easy task but the FMC does it with a smile and with a lot of nerves. While the premise is a bit heavy over all the story is written lightheartedly. The spice is plentiful and diverse. I am curious to see how this series will expand. I was worried that there was going to be miscommunication between the two MCs but those fears got quickly crushed. Thank goodness for them being fully functional adults that say what they want to say without letting egos be everything.
4/5 ✨ & 🌶️
February 5, 2026
I enjoyed this age-gap, dominant-male romance. Amelia takes a job as an escort to earn the money she desperately needs to help her sick sister get treatment. What she doesn’t expect is how much she’ll be drawn to her boss, Lucas, and his demanding, bossy ways.
Lucas can be controlling and definitely an ass at times, but he quickly becomes intrigued by Amelia and starts wanting more than just a paid arrangement. The chemistry between them is intense, and this book brings plenty of 🔥🔥🔥.
What I really liked was Amelia’s strength. Even though she needs the job—and Lucas—she isn’t afraid to stand up to him or hold her ground. That balance of power, heat, and emotional pull made this a fun, steamy read.
Lucas can be controlling and definitely an ass at times, but he quickly becomes intrigued by Amelia and starts wanting more than just a paid arrangement. The chemistry between them is intense, and this book brings plenty of 🔥🔥🔥.
What I really liked was Amelia’s strength. Even though she needs the job—and Lucas—she isn’t afraid to stand up to him or hold her ground. That balance of power, heat, and emotional pull made this a fun, steamy read.
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