Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
He's tall.
He's sexy.
He's a criminal.
And he's her boss.

Lacking enough evidence to go the police and not enough money in her bank account to quit on a moral basis, Lori Briggs is stuck, and it's quite clear that her boss, the criminal mastermind, intends to start mixing business with pleasure.

Michael Devereaux will do anything to protect his family's interests--even if it means posing as a criminal for an undercover FBI operation. He's got to keep Lori close, and his enemies closer. But when the intimacy with Lori deepens, Michael must decide what's more important: his family or his heart?

200 pages, Unknown Binding

First published September 10, 2015

84 people are currently reading
368 people want to read

About the author

Mallory Crowe

64 books340 followers
Mallory Crowe has lived in Michigan her whole life and has been in love with romance ever since she'd skip to the end of every novel, just to make sure the hero and heroine survived and ended up together. She lives with her husband and three dogs. When she's not writing, she's spending too much time in front of the TV, hiking, or working with various animal rescues.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
139 (40%)
4 stars
119 (35%)
3 stars
72 (21%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Allyson.
498 reviews47 followers
February 22, 2018
This is the second book in this series and I liked it a lot! Going on to the third now :)
Profile Image for Samantha.
571 reviews45 followers
September 3, 2015
I did like Michael Devereaux and Lori Briggs but the story fell a bit flat for me. There's elements of suspense, danger, passion, love, and so on. The connection between Lori and Michael was decent but I think trying to build out the story the way Mallory Crowe caused the relationship to struggle to be at the forefront. I'm all for having an actual story line but I need the relationship to be at the center of it because this is a romance novel.

Michael isn't a spoiled rich kid but rather a smart, hardworking, and well-rounded man. I really did like Michael and wish there was a bit more fleshing out but with the page/word constraints I can see why it didn't happen. Lori is a brilliant mind and really interesting. I did find myself liking her, as well. The two together work rather well since they are both of a technological background, easygoing, and loyal. Touching The Boss gets 3.5 amused but not overly enthused stars from me.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,716 reviews376 followers
January 19, 2018
The second book in the Devereaux Billionaires by Mallory Crowe. My edition is actually entitled Trusting Michael. Lori Briggs works in IT at DevX Tech and is selected to help the company hack a computer for some clients. This puts her in the path of Michael Devereaux. But Lori wants nothing to do with a criminal which she now believes the Devereaux brothers are. But Michael and Luke are really just trying to assist the FBI in an investigation.

So anyway, Lori gets into the sights of bad guys and Michael must protect her. Good addition to the series but still has unresolved issues that apparently continue to the next book.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews131 followers
Want to read
April 12, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/12/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,325 reviews207 followers
January 17, 2017
4.25 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 10, 2015

He's tall.
He's sexy.
He's a criminal.
And he's her boss.

Lacking enough evidence to go the police and not enough money in her bank account to quit on a moral basis, Lori Briggs is stuck, and it's quite clear that her boss, the criminal mastermind, intends to start mixing business with pleasure.

Michael Devereaux will do anything to protect his family's interests--even if it means posing as a criminal for an undercover FBI operation. He's got to keep Lori close, and his enemies closer. But when the intimacy with Lori deepens, Michael must decide what's more important: his family or his heart?

•••••••

REVIEW: 4.25 stars--TRUSTING MICHAEL (originally titled TOUCHING THE BOSS) is the fifth installment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult Billionaires in the City, and second installment in the Devereaux Bilionaire erotic romance series. This is billionaire businessman Michael Devereaux, and IT specialist Lori Briggs’s storyline. TRUSTING MICHAEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficult although there is a continuing premise running throughout the series involving Michael’s cousin Joslyn Devereaux whose escapades have placed everyone in danger and the potential for financial ruin.

Told from dual third person perspectives TRUSTING MICHAEL is a storyline of forbidden romance and suspense. Lori has worked three weeks for Michael Devereaux’s corporation DevX when a mysterious assignment finds Lori caught between breaking the law or following the boss’s orders. She knows she is in over her head especially when the she is unable to discern the bad guys from the good, and with it comes threats from another player in a game where the FBI will place Lori at the center of a financial disaster where people will die, and Lori will go missing. What ensues is Michael’s need to protect his employee, but also the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Michael and Lori is one of forbidden love. Michael is Lori’s boss, but he is the one who has pulled Lori into a high stakes investigation involving the FBI, dangerous criminals, and missing funds. Lori knows that to enter into an office romance could mean the ruination of her career but Michael’s pull is unlike anything she has ever had before. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense. Michael is a man determined to keep Lori by his side both in and out of the bedroom.

The secondary characters include Michael’s brother Luke- a man with a reputation for the ladies; we are also reintroduced to FBI special agent Evelyn who may or may not have an attraction to Michael’s brother Luke; and Ken Kemmerling, a man who connections to both Michael and Lori go much deeper than a friendly business arrangement.

The world building continues to focus the investigation into a high stakes financial scheme where several of the players are in jail or found dead by either their own hand or by assistance from an outside source. The FBI and the Devereaux brothers have firmly planted themselves into the mix hoping to bring down the people involved and return the missing money to its rightful owners.


BILLIONAIRES IN THE CITY / DEVEREAUX BILLIONAIRES is a series with mystery, suspense and intrigue. TRUSTING MICHAEL continues to look at the business of illegal investments, money schemes and missing funds in the wake of profits and losses. There are moments of heartbreak and loss; friendship and family; falling in love and happily ever after. Mallory Crowe’s Billionaires in the City/ Devereaux Billionaires series is addicting with exceptional characters and intoxicating couples.


Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for LJT.
1,259 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2016
3.5 Stars!

​​​​​Touching The Boss by Mallory Crowe is an interesting read. It is a sexy, romantic suspense that kept me engaged, especially towards the end. It is part of the author's Billionaires in the City series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

This is the love story between Lori Briggs, a young IT guru that can basically hack into any system, and Michael Devereaux, the CFO of his own security firm. In order to protect their family, Michael and his brother Luke are working with the FBI to expose a worldwide, corrupt investment organization. Michael inadvertently gets Lori involved, and as a result, she believes him to be a criminal. However, when she learns the truth, their relationship evolves into a love affair that neither of them thought was a possibility. Their road to happiness is fraught with danger and risk, yet at the end of it all, they have each other.

Overall, I liked this story, however, it took me a little while to feel the love connection between Lori and Michael. Although I am not a huge fan of suspense, Ms. Crowe's ability to combine it with lust and love, kept me hooked. I plan on reading the other standalone books in the series.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Bette Stanek.
2,163 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2024
I like the characters, especially the Devereaux brothers, Luke and Michael, who appear in this story. There is another brother, Rourke, but he doesn’t appear in this one. Family is everything to Michael and he’s willing to do just about anything to help his family. Would that include criminal activity? Lori sure thinks so. Lori is a low-level employee in the Devereaux empire. Certainly unnoticed by either of the brothers. Until one day she is noticed.

While the characters are good, the story is rather flat. There’s drama and intrigue, but nothing that keeps you flipping pages quickly or sitting on the edge of your seat. It’s not bad. It’s just not riveting. I will probably continue with the series; mainly because the brothers are fun. There isn't anything unexpected or surprising, but it's still entertaining.
Profile Image for Lili.
849 reviews48 followers
January 30, 2017
I always enjoy books with strong, intelligent, wholesome characters finding their matches in the most unexpected moments through explosive chemistry. The common thread of the series - the unfortunate tangling of the Devereaux family with a criminal white-collar organization - brings everyone together in a flowing, interesting read. So good, I believe, you'll find compelled to read the next book, to find about misterius estranged brother Rourke and his HEA!
Profile Image for Karry.
1,420 reviews21 followers
December 19, 2017
What A Whirlwind!

Extortion, Threats, Murder, Kidnapping, and Hot Sex! This book had it all! I'm so happy Michael found his match. Now, I need Luke to get his. I have a feeling his story will be my favorite. Hopefully, we'll learn more on their elusive brother in Luke's book, too.
Profile Image for Deborah .
839 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2017
Trusting Michael

This was a delightfully fun read. Mallory Crowe is a new discovery and so far I'm enjoying the Devereaux Billionaires series. For those seeking something light yet romantic should enjoy this series too.
201 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2019
Great

Good story line. Looking forward to the three book read.
This book can stand on its own but will make you eager to read two and three. Writing gives an authentic visual and time line.
1,041 reviews
January 4, 2020
Great romantic suspense

I really enjoyed the second book in the series. I liked Lucy and Michael. They both were good likable characters. I felt Lori’s backstory was a little sparse since she didn’t have any real friends or family in New York.
845 reviews
October 9, 2021
Twists

These bad guys mean business. The bad guys are really bad and the good guys are having a hard time bringing them down. Plus the off the charts romance and you get the picture.
Profile Image for Fanica Rarinca.
Author 5 books5 followers
November 5, 2021
Nice

Nice characters. Nice story. Awesome action and suspense. Everything spiced up with a romantic and more than romantic sweet story.
4,883 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2022
sluggish

Found this book slow and just lacking that draw you in feel. Started skimming as I found the plot weak and uninteresting.
2,301 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2022
Another great read

Enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters and their story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Theresa Campbell.
354 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2017
Trusting Michael
Another romantic suspense by Mallory Crowe. This is the 5th book in Mallory's Billionaires in the City series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

This is the story between Lori Briggs, IT and hacker, and Michael Devereaux, the CFO. In order to protect their family, Michael and his brother Luke are working with the FBI undercover. Michael involves Lori and she thinks he is a criminal.

I loved reading this story and will continue to read everything that Mallory produces!
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2016
Lori Briggs has only been in New York for three months and in that time she has managed to secure a job. Lori is a complete computer genius and when she ends up getting called to her Boss's office she has no idea what's going on but the last thing that she was expecting was for her life to be turned upside down and that's just from now on.

When she does get to the office, she just thinks that it's either that she is going to loose her job or that the two brothers need her help with something on their computers. She is honestly confused when two guys in suits turn up as she has never seen them before, but she has a feeling that it must not be a good thing that they are here. Without giving much away all they was her to do is hack into a computer, she does so and everyone is honestly impressed with how easy it was for her.

Michael Devereaux is quite happy to sit back and do everything that is needed to do in the office and he prefers his brother to be the face of their company. When Michael gets told that he needs pick someone to help him and his brother out the last person he wanted to chose was Lori, even though he had never exactly heard of her before he didn't feel comfortable using her to help get what they need. As soon as he notices her he can't take his eyes off her as to him she looks incredible, but he can tell that she isn't exactly comfortable with the whole situation that they have pulled her into.
But Michael knows that he needs to figure something out if he is going to help save his family.

When Lori ends up having one of the guys from who she met earlier that day visit her house she really is not happy considering all she wanted to do was continue what it was she was doing on her computer. So when Hunter hands her an envelope she is not thrilled when she see's a piece of paper with an amount of money written on it, so she decides to ring up Michael to find out what the hell he has gotten her into considering Hunter showed up at her home not too long ago with a job offer and an amount of money. Michael is not exactly happy to learn all of this, he tells her to just forget about everything that happened today as he doesn't want her to get anymore dragged into it than she already is, but when Lori ends up threating the fact she could post his number and address wherever she needs to, he ends up agreeing to tell her what's happening.

Even though Michael is working with the FBI he still needs to convince Lori that he isn't a bad guy and that he is only doing what it is to protect his family. He knows for a fact that he needs to keep Lori safe and close to him but that he also needs to keep his enemies closer, but their seems to be a problem for him and his brother when his feelings for Lori start to get deeper and deeper.
Will Michael be able to keep his priorities straight or will it end up someone getting hurt. Also what happens when Lori finds out that her Uncle she hasn't spoken to in years is a part of the group that Michael is currently trying to take down.

Trust me when I say that this book is honestly good, it will keep you hooked until the very end, I am glad that I have had the chance to read it. You won't be disappointed when you read it, I feel in love with it from the very first page. I have read other work written by Mallory Crowe so I can tell you now that you don't want to miss the chance to read any of it as it's that good.
96 reviews
February 25, 2017
Michael pulls Lori into the middle of a dangerous game when he gets her to crack the computer code for the Thirteen Stars Organization. Now, Michael has to keep Lori safe. But will he succeed?

Will this situation bring two totally different people together in unexpected ways? After putting her in this situation, will she be able to trust him? Enjoy the suspense and romance. You know what you need to do, read the book.
Profile Image for Heather.
296 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2015
A sexy, funny and quick read. Michael Davenport are what dreams are made of. He's tall, good looking and rich the only problem is he is also Lori's boss. Fireworks ignited the first time these two talked, I mean having a conversation about watching porn with your boss is not an everyday occurence!

Michael and his brother Luke are working with the FBI to help catch some nasty criminals in order to protect their family. At the first meeting with their new "clients" Michael is caught off guard when they say they need an computer tech guru from Michael's orginization to be present in their meeting. This is how Lori Briggs finds herself meeting her boss for the first time. Lori is a new computer tech at Michael and Luke's company, only being employeed with them for 3 months. So when Michael personally comes to her cubicle and insist she comes upstairs she is sure she is in trouble. Little did she know she would be asked to hack into the FBI data frame for her new boss who must be a criminal!

After an awkward and scary first meeting with her boss and thier new "clients" Lori goes home only to have one of their new "clients" show up with a job offer. Terrified of what she has gotten into Lori goes running to Michael's home, in her pj's I might add, demanding to know what he has gotten her involved in. Once he is able to explain the situation to Lori and get her to see he isn't a criminal the two start to grow closer. The more time they spend together the harder it is to keep their hands and emotions in check.

This was a really good story. I liked Michael and Lori a lot. There was funny moments, suspenseful times and steamy hot moments as well. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, steamy and fun read.

I received this book compliments of the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review and opinion. All ratings and opinions stated are my own.
Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,502 reviews180 followers
November 17, 2015
This is another great read from the 'Billionaires In The City' series by Mallory Crowe. This fifth book titled 'Touching the Boss' starts us on a journey to the tall, dark and handsome Devereaux brothers who are the cousins of Emma who starred in book four. There are three of them, all confirmed bachelors with muscles galore and a beauty most men could never achieve. We have yet to meet Rourke who is estranged from his brothers due to a falling out.

Beautiful Lori Briggs is somewhat stuck. She is certain her boss, the gorgeous and alluring Michael Devereaux, is a criminal but she has very little proof, certainly not enough to go to the police. There's not enough money in her bank account that she can just up and quit because her moral compass says it's best.

Michael Devereaux has a deep love and protectiveness for his family and will do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe...even risking his own life to help the FBI. Bringing down a secret fraudulent financial organization that seems to create one ponzi scheme after another is his mission. Unfortunately, there is only one person with the elite computer knowledge who can help Michael convince this organization to let him and his company invest, Lori Briggs.

What is completely unexpected is the the fire that's lit in the bellies of these two as they work together to accomplish a greater good.

I absolutely love this book and it is now my favorite of the series. There was just something about these two characters that appealed to me in a deep sense. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Even though it can be read as a stand-alone, it is advisable IMO, to start at the beginning. Each book sets up the characters for the next. Thank you Mallory for another great read. I don't want this series to end...ever!
Profile Image for Bibliophile Wonderland Reviews.
416 reviews13 followers
September 17, 2015
Let me start off by saying that I've read all the books in this series and I loved them all. So, when I saw their was another book to this series I was excited. I knew i was going to love it. Mallory Crowe writing has always captivated me. I just can't seem to put her books down. She always throws twists when you least expected it. We meet Lori Briggs, who is an amazing IT genius, she find info anywhere literally hacking genius. Michael Devereaux, I a CFO of his security firm, For Michael family is everything it always comes first. Michael and his brother Luke are working alongside the FBI to expose a big time criminal organization. Unknowingly he gets Lori involved. and he has to keep his cover and lies to her. While being close to one another the lines begin to blur. They get a possibility of love. Thought things around them can risk that love.


In true Mallory Crowe fashion their was moments where you were at the edge of your seat. She writes some really sweet romantic moments, to real steaming sexy ones. It was a very lovely story overall. Mallory Crowe has done it yet again. I liked Lori and Michael together. They compliment each other. Can't wait to see more from this author.


ARC was graciously given by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sienna Logan (Lost to Books).
1,063 reviews20 followers
September 2, 2015
I think this series has got better with every book that's come out. They're all quick, easy reads with plenty of romance and a hint of suspense, but the later ones are definitely my favourites.

I thought Touching the Boss was one of the better ones in the series. It held my attention well and I enjoyed the elements of suspense with regards to Ken. I thought the plot was entwined well with the romance and I did think there was chemistry between Michael and Lori. I believed in their feelings and Michael's protective desire that turns into more.

The one issue I've had with this series is that the endings always felt rushed. Therefore I always get wary when I hit the 80% mark. However, this one didn't feel that way. I think the main reason for that is things are left open in the plot. I'm hoping and assuming the theme is going to carry over to Luke's book and we'll get a proper resolution then.

The only slight downside to Touching the Boss was it took me a while to remember who everyone was and what had happened previously. These books are the type that are enjoyable in the moment, however they don't really stick with me.

Overall one of the better ones in the series. If you're looking for an easy romance with a hint of suspense you may want to check this out.
Profile Image for Heather.
165 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2015
Michael Devereaux is the other half of DevX along with his brother Luke. Michael and Luke have been working with the FBI after threats were made against their cousin. Lori is a fairly new employee that is being singled out by the FBI to help Michael and Luke to infiltrate the Thirteen Stars. Unfortunately, Lori has now idea that the FBI is involved and she thinks that Michael and Luke are criminals.

Michael’s attraction to Lori is almost instant and protective, therefore it doesn’t take very long for him to cave into his desire of wanting her and clearing his name by telling her everything. Then, when things took another turn, Michael got suspicious and demanded to know why the FBI had picked Lori. Turns out Lori is more involved that she suspected, her Uncle is part of the Thirteen Stars.

This book does a nice job of creating external danger and fear. Michael’s protective instincts prove to be troublesome for an independent Lori. The more he wants to keep her out of danger, the more willing she seems to be willing to put herself in the line of fire. This book fits the series and so far all the books propel a storyline as well as give individual character developments. I’m really looking forward to book 7’s release.
824 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2015
This story was so not what I was expecting in the most terrific way! It was not your normal alpha billionaire chases employee, they fall in love, etc. There was drama, suspense, and loyalty combined with the heat and chemistry in this book. Michael would do anything for family including working with the FBI and when they say to bring in one of his newest employees, he does it. Little does he know just how much Lori will change his life. Lori is forced to use her hacking skills for what she considers illegal activity, but will not involve the police. She begins to look for another job to just walk away, but she is drawn into the drama and the sparks between her and Michael. The scenes between Lori and Michael are drool worthy and make you melt, but because of how well the book is written you feel the drama and suspense as well. Loved the characters, even the ones that were the bad guys because of what they brought to the story! I am waiting anxiously to see what the problem is between the FBI agent and a certain brother!
Profile Image for Stef - British Book Binge.
247 reviews13 followers
September 8, 2015
I've read a few of mallory's books so far and I've always enjoyed them. They're great for a quick, fun read.

Michael is a billionaire trying to infiltrate a criminal group who are trying to harm his cousin, while also working with the FBI.

Lori is a computer tech that gets dragged into Michael's dealings which leaves her on radar for the bad guys and Micheal. However she doesn't want anything to do with a criminal.

I like that Michael isn't an arrogant playbook and Lori isn't a party girl.

There are things that confused me;

-Why does Lori have panic attacks, that was, never really explained.
- She hints she was hacking on the bad side of the law but all we hear is about her friend in prison.

Things I think could have added to the story and given it a bit more depth.


I also enjoyed the hints of Evelyn and Luke though.

Overall these are books I read when I just want to chill and not think to much about what I'm reading.

Profile Image for Ashley  Hayes.
263 reviews16 followers
September 10, 2015
Lori is a hermitting, tech geek at an IT firm. Michael is Lori's boss and needs her help with a special project and Lori is quickly drawn to him and is also drawn in to his scheme to catch a crime syndicate made up of rich playboys that had threatened his famiy. The more into the story you get, the more you see how Lori was already connected and didn't even know it. In the midst of all the crazy, Lori and Michael start a relationship and there are definite fireworks between the two.

I enjoyed this book. Michael and Lori seemed the perfect balance for each other at certain points in the book and then others they seem to clash. It threw me off that Lori was such a recluse or hermit who didn't do well with people and then all of a sudden she comes out of her shell (if you know what I mean) with Michael after knowing him for a couple days. *eyebrow wiggle* LOL

Book provided in exchange for review.
Profile Image for Marti.
3,320 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2015
Mallory Crowe is a new author for me. Her book, Touching the Boss was a great introduction. Lori Briggs is in the big city with a tech job and living her dream. Michael, her boss a few times over asked her to “help a situation” one day. Her “help” was not totally above board and she doesn’t know what to do. He is her boss and it’s not like she is independently wealthy. To top it off Michael is so sexy...and then some creepy things start happening.

Mallory Crowe’s characters showed a range of emotions. The plot was not perfect but when a book is under 200 pages it often has to make some leaps. I absolutely understood how Lori felt about being stuck between good and bad. Michael’s dedication to his family was admirable but is sure made starting a romance difficult.

I wish it did not end when it did and I am looking forward to the next book!

I did receive a copy of this book early for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cheryl Sanders.
2,249 reviews31 followers
September 13, 2015
This is book 5 of the Billionaires in the City series and this is Michael's and Lori's story. We get some answers to some of the questions we had in book 4 but things are getting a little complicated for Michael and Luke. There are so many more specifics in this story that it gives you a better picture of who's doing what to whom. Lori gets thrown into the mix and she can't deny her attraction to Michael, as much as she wants to. Their one-weekend stand turns into much more and it's really cute how much Michael likes her. He chases her relentlessly. Now we know that the group they're looking for is called Thirteen Stars but we still have many, many questions about them that I'm sure will be answered in upcoming stories. I can't wait for Luke's story coming soon.

Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was not compensated for my review.
I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinion expressed is my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.