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Cake Love #1

Rules of Payne

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If you love office romances, don’t miss this sexy read.

Executive Henrik Payne is used to women following his rules. When his new assistant shows him life isn't all about rules can he learn to break them?

Morgana Drake’s boss is short-tempered, self-centered, in dire need of a social life, probably an undiagnosed workaholic, and practically unbearable. Yet, she wants to slather him in vanilla buttercream frosting and lick it off him from head to toe, and especially in between. Will she manage to keep her fantasies in check without getting fired, again?

Rules of Payne is the standalone and the first book in the Cake Love series. If you like quirky heroines, misunderstood heroes, and books that leave you breathless then Elizabeth Lynx’s take on what happens behind the sexy boss’s office door is a must-read.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

476 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Lynx

51 books977 followers
Elizabeth Lynx is a USA Today Bestselling author that writes steamy romantic comedies.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 12, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/12/2018)!💝
Profile Image for Michelle .
2,128 reviews305 followers
June 19, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net** 
1.5/5

Rules of Payne is a new adult or adult (I think it could go either way) romantic comedy. I didn't really love the cover of the book, but I loved the summary of the book. I am a big fan of rules to follow type books, and office romances, especially in the comedy arena because it normally will lead to some very funny scenes. And I can see where some people would enjoy that aspect of Rules of Payne, but this book really did not work for me. I am sad to say it, but if based on the summary you think it will be a hit for you- I have linked a couple of reviews from people that really Enjoyed Rules of Payne.

Rules of Payne is the first book in the Cake Love series. And yes, the main character really liked cake. I really, really wanted to like Morgana. I so did. And Payne- Morgana's boss. I liked him ok, but my real issue came with Morgana. And that is almost a kiss of death for me. I wanted her to be ambitious and quirky and witty. And she was...kind of. It is hard to pin down exactly what my issue was with Morgana. Because I couldn't connect with her and that just ruined my chances with Rules of Payne. Morgana was funny, but she just wouldn't take a breath. She was exhausting. Her conversations always read to me like "and this. and this. and this! and this!!! and and andnand and and...etc" I couldn't really get to know her because she wouldn't slow down enough to let me.

This book is a very fast read, which was a good thing because if it had been much longer I am almost positive that I wouldn't have been able to get through it. I so very much wanted this to be a fun and sexy read, but it felt more cringe worthy than fun to me. I couldn't connect with the characters and the pace of the book seemed disjointed and always at a sprint. I couldn't get into it enough to enjoy it. So not the book for me, but for those of you that like instant gratification and funny (in its' own way) stories, you may completely fall in love with the Rules of Payne and Cake Love series like the readers below. Check it out if you think you will enjoy it more than I did, and please let me know your thoughts after reading it.

 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
September 20, 2017
Anyone who knows me knows that office romance is my jam. I absolutely love the back and forth and the sassy heroine who brings her hard-headed boss to his knees. We see that here in Rules of Payne. It was sexy, had banter for days and was a great start to the series.

Morgan is at a rough point in her life. After getting fired from a crappy job she is steadfastly determined to start her life and get her dream job. When she is hired on as an Assistant to Henrik Payne, she is well on her way to accomplishing her dream. With one problem: her boss himself. At first glance he is stuffy and arrogant and very rigid but when you get to know him deep down, you see that he is kind and witty and lives his life according to certain rules to avoid heartache.

I really liked them together at times but also found them to be somewhat disconnected from each other. I live for heroes who are hot and cold and always keeping us on our toes but here it seemed somewhat weird. I never really got a great romantic vibe from them. One minute they were very romantic and sexy and 2 minutes later they are very formal with their "Goodnight, Mr. Payne" "Goodnight, Ms. Drake". It was whiplash inducing and very disconcerting.

All in all, this was a nice read but I am hoping we receive more from Edgar and Evaleen in book two. 3 stars! ~Ratula
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
530 reviews29 followers
March 6, 2017
It pains me to say this but I am completely unsure as to whether I love or hate this book. I did not want to finish it yet could not put it down. There are some parts that I absolutely love and then others that I am so unsure of and are absolutely cringe worthy in the worse ways.
I am not sure that I bonded with either of the main characters but their quick wit and randomness as to their internal dialogue and talking to inanimate objects is what kept me intrigued. As for Morgana and Henrik, I feel like they kept giving me whip lash. Their constant push and pull and random jumping around within themselves was enough to drive me insane. I love a good random story, so don’t get me wrong, what my problem is, is the fact that it wasn’t angsty but just annoying because they want to be together and Henrik will be an idiot to ruin it all and Morgana wouldn’t protest for a second as to taking him back.
I also felt a little lost in certain parts of the story and annoyed as to why I wan’t getting it. When asking myself if I would read this book again, the answer is a no and I will probably forget it quickly. Maybe it was just me and I wasn’t meshing with the book but only you will know if this book is for you or not!
Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 5 books61 followers
June 19, 2018
Sometimes you just need to take risks at love and eat some cake!

This book is romantic comedy standalone that also debuts Cake Love Series. Telling us about Morgana and Henrik, we get fun, sexiness, office romance and hero with a Payne-ful past (sorry, but as cheesy as it was, I couldn't leave the pun went by).

I started this series backwards, since I read The Spy Ring first (and it's actually the last book of this series so far). And I loved that book so much! And when I read it, I get glimpses of the previous couples from this series.

Somehow, I get the feeling that reading in the wrong order helped me. I think I would be a little lost reading Rules of Payne first, since some things were fast paced. This book was based on a blog, as I understood, so I think that when the plot was put together, it got a little unfamiliar for me at some moments, as if I lost something.

But despite that, it was easy and refreshing to read! Morgana was kirky in her quirks and her unconditional love for cake. She was hard worker and was struggling to build a career, but she was also forgiving, light as a child on Christmas and her ability to talk to her orgains made me jealous. I mean, she could have a conversation with her brain, her vee and her heart.
If I tried to do that, I would get all wrong! For me, they talk all at the same time, I don't which is saying what and at the end, I make the wrong call!

I just think that she should be more positive and assertive on her actions. I mean, being me, I would go bananas for what his ex did to her and for how Henrik could step up.

Speaking of Henrik Payne....he was a little icy, recluse, closed in his own mind, sorrow and grief. He blamed himself for things that were out of his control, and he was a firm believer that he didn't deserve love and happiness.

So when Morgana came, it was like fresh air for him.

"Her light circles patterns Morgana drew on my chest were the only things keeping me from walking away. Her fingers were the hook preventing me from sinking."

Together they had great chemistry. The sexy scenes were really great and involving.
They were hot and cold more often than not, but it was hard being voluntarily vulnerable for such great feelings that could cause such happiness and, at the same time, such a big heartbreak.

'Am I happy, Morgana? Look at me. Do you think I am happy?'
'No. I think you are lost. But I'm here, Henrik. You may be lost, but you found me.'


So the main point was to find their balance. Their strength and weakness, their joy and sorrow, their love and anger, what made them thrive and what made them fear. What made them live and love.

"That's what love is, an endless cycle of ups and downs where there is no finish line, only reaching for each other's happiness."
Profile Image for Preet.
3,384 reviews233 followers
June 5, 2015
I feel so bad. This book had almost all of the elements I love to read. It had humor, it had heat, and it had chemistry. Unfortunately for me, I just couldn't connect with it and I REALLY wanted to. Office romances are some of my favorites and throw in a hot and cold relationship and I'm all over it like Morgana is with cake. (Although I'm all over cake like Morgana too).

Allow me to explain. Morgana is the new assistant to corporate big wig Henrik Payne. This is her dream job to help her get onto the executive developmental program. Henrik is the man she lusts after but can't figure out. Heck, I couldn't figure him out. It was hard to figure out what was going on with him. There were only hints as to what had caused him to be so scared of intimacy and relationships. He was so wishy washy when it came to Morgana I felt like I had whiplash! One moment he was giving her pleasure and the next he was ignoring her or saying something to really hurt her feelings. I loved Morgana but I couldn't figure her out either. Henrik kept hurting her and confusing her, and she kept going back for more!

To make things even more confusing, it became clear very early on in the book that there was a part preceding this one. I went and checked on Goodreads and saw that this was book one, but there was a prequel of sorts. Luckily it was available for free, so I one-clicked and read it first.

I think it was not understanding what was going on with them that really caused a disconnect between them and me. I wanted to like them, but it was difficult. I did like Aria and Evaleen, Morgana's friends, and I loved how they supported her while she tried to figure out what was going on between Henrik and herself. I was a little surprised by the erotica. I think this has to be the first erotic romantic comedy I've read. It also had slight BDSM which also a surprise. I thought it worked for the most part, although there were times I had to laugh while some serious one on one action was happening between Henrik and Morgana.

I think this story has lots of potential. I loved that bits and pieces were from both their points of view. I loved laughing so much. Morgana is hilarious. I do hope in the next part more about Henrik will be revealed so I can connect with him. I hate seeing him so conflicted and not being able to relate to him. I know while I might not have fully connected with Morgana and Henrik, some of you will. I don't think it was the book at fault, but me. Elizabeth Lynx can write some seriously humorous dialogue and monologues and I can't wait to read more from her!
Profile Image for Mariloli.
641 reviews29 followers
October 29, 2018
Uff, no se si es el primer libro de la autora, pero la sensacion que me ha dado es que queria tocar todos los palos, humor, drama, comedia, erotico, blablabla yada yada, tanta duda, tanta conversacion interna con sus genitales, lo he acabado a duras penas. No lo recomendaria a alguien a quien apreciara.
Profile Image for Erin Dennis.
245 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2015
**I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review for Wicked Women Book Blog**

In Rules Of Payne we get to meet Morgana (the cake loving thirty year old assistant to a business exec) and Henrick (The hot and hot tempered exec Morgana has the “hots” for), and enjoy their hilarious yet tension filled on again off again (seeing each other but not really) relationship.

Part of the story is told from Morgana’s point of view, and the other part is told from Henrick’s. I really liked being able to be in both of their heads. When we first meet Henrick through Morgana’s eyes he comes off as a stuffy, high strung individual. However, when we get to see inside Henrick’s head we find out that he is different than he seems, and also quite funny.

The story does end on a cliffhanger. I am interested to see how Henrick and Morgana get themselves out of the sticky (see what I did there…when you read it you’ll get it) situation, and what their future holds.
Profile Image for Doris.
3,628 reviews138 followers
June 10, 2015
Surprise!! I am used to reading rocker, biker, and dark romance books so it took me a minute to think on the lighter side and I have to admit that once I did it was really refreshing. The humor in this book was extraordinary and it felt great for the laugh out loud moments, which I have to say, happened a lot. Then to top it off this book it was filled with some very hot scenes between Mr. Payne and Morgana.
Kudos to any author that can write like Ms. Lynx did with the mixture of steamy sex scenes and hilarity. She could get you laughing and then left you feeling “a little warm under the collar” with the erotica. I would have thought what a weird mix but I have to say that I loved it. I am looking forward to the second installment of the Henrik/Morgana story.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
340 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2015
Very Payne-full to read. It was like the author had ADHD where things went full throttle, then cold, then hot, I couldn't make it out. The hero I couldn't make out at all, the talking to his penis was annoying and his character was all over the place that didn't make sense. Morgana was a nutter that I didn't warm to her, and the story I just couldn't get into at all. DNF at 71%.
Profile Image for Anjali (bookstersisters).
431 reviews27 followers
June 9, 2015
Can't really say I loved this book. I liked it...especially Morgana and her quirkiness. I was not a big fan of Henrik though. He just didn't click with me. So... yeah this book was a nice read but not my favourite.
Profile Image for Diane'sBookReflections.
90 reviews
March 26, 2017
A copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Rules of Payne was a different kind of book to read. It was quick-witted enough, but the structure of the chapters was split between the two major characters, Morgana Drake and Henrik Payne. Now a lot of books I read do that, but these were long blocks to read for one perspective before they bounced back to the other character and I had trouble sticking with the book because of that.

I loved Morgana’s POV which basically set the foundation of the story, and dealt with all her ups and downs. In fact I found her absolutely hilarious at times. The other half of the book was told from Henrik Payne’s POV (and a royal pain in the @$$ I might add), and I’m not sure I was a real fan of him and all his rules. I think it was because he didn’t want to have another sexual harassment suit brought against him???!!! What’s with that???

The story itself had substance, with tons of humorous moments, and plenty of steamy romance, but even with all of that, I just couldn’t connect with the characters. I know it sounds a little indecisive to like a story, but not the characters, but that’s how it came across for me.

This book is a nice enough read, and I’ll read more from this author, but this one just didn’t connect for me.

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Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews336 followers
June 2, 2015
**JOSIE'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW**

I have never read a novel by this author and after reading the synopsis I knew this book was for me. WARNING – Steamy Sex Scenes – Cake addiction – Incorrect usage of the word Potatoes. OK cake had me sold and I was curious about the use of potatoes, so once I got the book I dove in and fell in love with the characters and the author. This novel is a quick, funny and sex read. The story flows perfectly and the characters are developed really well. The author writes the story in dual POVs, divided into two parts. Morgana’s POV or shall I say her 4 problems are told in the first half of the book. The second half is told in Henrik’s POV and explains his 4 rules.

Morgana’s characters is one that I really connected with. She is funny, smart and loves cake. She’s not made the best choices in life and is focused on her career. Morgana is an executive assistant and she and her boss have crossed the line on two occasions. However, after those encounters he became cold, distant and was constantly pushing her away. Morgana is not one to take his treatment. She loves to torture him daily by wearing provocative clothing, sexy heels, and making sure to she shows off her thigh high stockings whenever she can. Her friends encourage her to join an online dating site where she connects with a man that really gets her libido an interest going but she is in for big surprise when they come face to face.

“An idea came to me yesterday while I watching movie and eating my dinner cake. Don’t be ridiculous Henrik? Lunch cake? That’s too much.”

“Okay what was it?”

“It was a raspberry cake cheesecake. Oh you mean the idea?”


Henrik Payne is a sexy, dedicated and controlled person. He has to be since he is not the VP of Sales and Marketing in Mimir. He follows a certain set of rules that insure his company and life run smoothly. He does not date women, he does not kiss women during sex, only after. For Payne being emotionally attached can cloud a person judgment and could harm him and the company. When we first meet Payne he does not make the best impression. He is arrogant, mean and very detached but when we switch to the second half his real vulnerable and caring side is revealed. We get to see how and why he is the way he is but also how much being around Morgana’s presence affects him. He is not the person he tries to portray. When he starts to accept and react to his feelings for Morgana, I fell in love with him. All the rules Payne set up go out the window when these two get together.

“Never again Morgana. I’m done fighting this. You are going to give me everything I want."

I enjoyed this book so much. The banter and relationship between Payne and Morgana was not only funny but also natural. The book is a short and I would love to read more about what happens between Morgana and Payne in their previous encounters. At the end of the book the author makes mention of another book “The Payne in the Blog” which gives more of their back story. I look forward to reading that book in this series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
155 reviews
June 19, 2015
Received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rules of Payne was one of those books that started out very promising, and then very suddenly – and very unfortunately – went downhill.

Morgana was so funny and adorable, it was pretty hard not to feel attached to her: she was quirky and independent, and while her narration could feel a bit ridiculous at times, she always made up for it with her humor and charm. I loved reading her chapters, and I think the novel would have done a lot better if she had remained the narrator for the entirety of the book.

However, the book was split up so that half of the story was told through the point of view of her boss, Henrik Payne. This is about the time that I started to hate reading Rules of Payne. I didn’t like Henrik at all, both as a person and as a character: as a character, I felt that he was flat and confusing. One second, he was as spastic and ridiculous as Morgana and the next, he was cold and calculating. Switching between these two very different personality traits within one character felt awkward, and because of this it was hard to get a read on him. He didn’t feel like an actual person because it felt like the personalities of several very different people were condensed to fit into one body.

Poor characterization aside, Henrik was the kind of romantic interest that I’ve never cared for: the jerk. Granted, I DNF’d this book at around 75% because I just could not stand his narration anymore, but from what I did read, there was very little that was redeemable about his character. He was constantly leading her on and then leaving her to dry with the excuse of “women are bad and relationships are bad I have a dark past don’t ask about it.” Like boo hoo, you have a tragic back story; that doesn’t make me feel any sympathy for you when you continuously stare at Morgana inappropriately, have sex with her, and then change your mind. In fact, with just about every female character he encounters, he has to make some kind of comment about their “tits” or their “ass” before he can actually talk about why they are relevant to the story. He blames it all on his penis, because it just can’t help itself, so it’s not his fault he keeps leading Morgana on with sex and staring at women’s cleavages and just generally being a huge pig, right?

Despite the fact that I stopped reading this book half-way through, I couldn’t bear to give it anything less than 2 stars because the beginning was honestly just so amazing. It had everything that a romance needs: humor, heat, a strong voice, and intrigue. In my head, I’m just pretending that the book ended after her last chapter, because even if I didn’t like where the novel went, I most certainly loved where it began.
Profile Image for Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf.
483 reviews85 followers
June 4, 2015
I have to admit, this was definitely pretty funny. This is by no means a serious read. Morgana doesn’t let you forget that she doesn’t take life seriously. Well, the stuff that doesn’t need to be taken seriously anyway. She has a serious cake addiction, except for lunch cake – because who has lunch cake?! She also has a serious issue with her boss. Her issue being that she let him finger fuck her a few times and started to get emotionally attached….and then he emotionally shut down after a near scandal.

Henrik is now the Ice King and excels at two things: his job and giving the cold shoulder. He’s pretty much an asshole, but he’s doing it because he doesn’t want to get close to Morgana. Even though he really really wants to get close to Morgana. When fate throws them back into an emotionally complicated quandary, they both decide it may be time to go for it – emotions and all…hoping that the scandal it causes won’t destroy them.

I definitely preferred Henrik’s POV to that of Morgana. Th conversations she had with her brain were occasionally funny, but I wasn’t sold. The writing felt a little off to me. The story seemed to be happening very fast and I often felt like I was missing something. I didn’t feel a deep connection for the characters, but I did start to really like Henrik by the end.

There’s a cliffhanger that leaves you breathless and sets book 2 up nicely. Overall, it’s enjoyable, funny & full of cake appreciation. 3.5 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
Profile Image for Shelby.
584 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2015
*I received a free copy to read & review for Wicked Reads Review Team*

Rules of Payne was a cute, quick, relatively fast paced book.
This story flowed well, even though it wasn't written like a traditional story. The first half was Morgana's point of view and explained a lot of the situation up to the current time. I enjoyed her character and her fearlessness -she's sassy, sarcastic, and full of life.
Being a 20-something single, career oriented woman has put Morgana out of the "social" scene. Crushing on her boss doesn't help matters, and she's diverted to a dating website - I found this to be the highlight of the story!
Yes, there were a few humorous moments but not of the laugh-out-loud variety, more like a giggle here and there.

The second half of the book was from Henrick Payne's point of view. Payne being just that, a PAIN, he's also Morgana's boss (and her source of frustration). He seems uptight, regimented, and very 1 dimensional. Their banter is entertaining, but I never felt the chemistry between the two characters.

The book ends on a major cliff-hanger, which the author does warn about, and I most definitely want to know how everything is resolved! Overall, I rate this 3.5 stars for entertainment value.
Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,680 reviews341 followers
June 1, 2015
Morgana Drake has a lot of rules that she has placed in her life as often her brain and the rest of her body do not commute with each other and she ends up breaking all the rules and getting into deeper doo-doo. In this case it means that she keeps ending up fired from her job, which she is good at but her and her boss who try not to be attracted to each other keep finding themselves in either compromising positions or having sex in places they really shouldn't be. Hoping to get over this "thing" that she has with her boss, Morgana signs up to internet dating under the username "Sweetcakes" and she meets an awesome guy called Ric - they chat and then they finally decide to meet each other but this screams disaster as Ric is none other than Henrik - her boss and the guy she is trying to get over. Is this fate pushing the pair together or are the Gods and Goddesses above playing a mean game on them ?

This was quite a fun and easy-read with lots of quirkiness added to the mix and fans of Penny Reid's books will enjoy Elizabeth Lynx's Rules of Payne and if you love Social Media - the author has also written a blog under Morgana Drake's name called "The Payne in the Blog". So needing a laugh and a fun quirky book to get stuck into , check out Rules of Payne today by Elizabeth Lynx as you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Suszet Roberts.
379 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2017
Suspense

Omg the things that Morgana thinks up and the conversations she has are to die for, they will have you in stitches. Henrik oh I so wanted to smack him, although this book has a cliffhanger I couldn't wait to move on too the next one to see what happens, so good
127 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2015
mmmmmmhhh...no.
This makes no sense whatsoever, the guy is ridiculous, the story is already started and has no interest at all...just no.
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,039 reviews316 followers
November 17, 2017
I very nearly made a BIG mistake, at one point I put the book down and then almost DNF it. But after reading another book I gave this a second try and I am VERY glad that I did.

I started reading this on the back of another book that was written only from the hero's POV. When I started this book the first 10 chapters were from the hero's POV and I just wasn't in the mood for that. Yes there was a nice mix of humour and angst, with some amusing internal dialogue, but Henrik doesn't always come across as all that well. He has his reasons for being an idiot, which are revealed fairly late on in the book. Hints are made about it but I felt too much was hidden from the reader and had we known more we would have understood and made a few more allowances.

Once I got to Morgana's chapters the book really picked up for me and I frequently found myself laughing and giggling out loud. I almost wish we had heard her voice earlier in a the book. I even found Henrik's chapters much more amusing and easier to read after this point. Both main characters were extremely quirky, as were many of the supporting characters, but I still found them charming and got caught up in hoping they would get their HEA.

Some (in fact probably many) of their actions and reactions were not 'normal' but felt it worked in that very Bridget Jones way of the main characters being just a little odd and eccentric. If you enjoy a zany rom-com and you can let go of the 'I'm sure that wouldn't really happen' thoughts and just go with the flow, then you should enjoy what I found to be an entertaining, funny and very well written book.
Profile Image for Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova.
1,782 reviews27 followers
March 27, 2017
Rules of Payne is a Romantic Comedy that will have you laughing and loving these characters. This story will have you hot one minute, then left cold the next. I couldn't figure out my emotions with this one. But this book will keep you on your toes and that is a very good thing!

Henrik has been haunted from his past. He is the present day Grinch that stays around all year long! He is a very successful Executive and is in need of an assistant. He is not able to get someone to put up with his ways. I must say, his attitude was making my head spin. Especially when he meets a very interesting woman, who we know as Morgana.

Morgana is strange at the very least. But she is the reason I laughed so hard. I love her spirit and determination. She is sexy and ready to take on the world after something scandalous happened to her not that long ago. I kind of hated her ex, but glad Morgana was ready to move on. When she and Henrik get together, I was confused of what their relationship was about. Did Henrik really want Morgana? He lost control every time he was around her, but then seemed to stop everything when the passion was getting to intense. The yummy sexy scenes were HOT and steamy. But it kept me wanting for more. Don't worry folks, as each sexy scene comes into the picture, the intensity higher too!

I really enjoyed this book. It is written in a dual POV. The beginning I wanted to know Morgana's thoughts but we only had Henrik's. There were some key factors that played that I wanted to know how emotionally Morgana was. You will hear her thoughts towards the middle, and in the end you get a crossover. I did enjoy the ending and definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Desiree.
Author 14 books571 followers
March 27, 2017
Henrik Payne knows he's a pain. He's the 34-year-old Sales & Marketing Executive for Mirmir, an internet company. His personality has kept others at a distance from him - he does it on purpose. He has rules. Lots of rules. And he has a lot going on in his life besides his job that he's no longer fond of. He'd been accused of sexual harassment by a former assistant, he's taken responsibility for medical bills for a friends son, and his most recent assistant was just fired by him, so he's looking for a replacement.

Morgana Drake had a terrible day. She got fired from her job she loathed as a coffee barista, then she found out she was a new Internet porn sensation thanks to her boyfriend. Instead of sulking for too long, she buckled up and began her job search, landing an interview with Mirmir.

Henrik's interviews were almost over and he had a choice to make. After he'd dismissed all candidates up to his final one, Evaleen from HR told him to find an assistant or he'd be forced to hire Grace, his stalker. His only other alternative was to hire Morgana, the sexy, irresistible, intelligent interviewee. His test was just beginning and rules would get broken.

If you like a really good, sexy romantic comedy, and 'not-so-typical office affair' you'll want to one-click this one right now!
Profile Image for Kelly.
660 reviews15 followers
August 26, 2017
Hilarious! A fun, entertaining read

If I had to come up with one word to describe this book, it would be hilarious! Time after time, I found myself laughing out loud as I read and I may have gotten more than a few sideways looks from people around me.

Morgana was intelligent and sassy, and far more patient with Payne's eccentricities than I would have been able to manage. As for Payne, I have to say that I liked him a lot even at his worst. It was clear that he didn't feel worthy of having a relationship with Morgana, and that was the main reason he kept pushing her away even while he found her irresistible, and it was a lot of fun watching him fall for her. Great secondary characters definitely added a lot to the story as well.

Though I was laughing from the very beginning, it did take me a few chapters before I really got into the story, and I would have liked to have gotten Morgana's side sooner. Once I did get start getting her POV, I felt like the story moved more quickly; it was a fast, smooth read the rest of the way, and the plot kept me engaged.

A fun, highly entertaining read with lots of laughs and just the right amount of heat. 4.5 stars

B2B Kelly
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
March 28, 2017
4 Stars!

Elizabeth Lynx is brand new to me and boy did she give me a fun novel with loads of hilarious banter, two quirky characters, and tons of sexual tension...

Rules of Payne is the first standalone novel in the Cake Love series and an excellent rom-com that will have your smiling ear to ear. This book was so good... fun, light, sweet, sexy and unique. I loved every minute of Henrik and Morgana's story, savouring each bite they gave me.

His new assistant is gonna make him break all the rules...

Henrik is a bit of a control freak and a whole lot of a workaholic. He goes through assistants like he goes through boxers... until he meets Morgana, his newest hire that makes him feel something. The woman has twisted up his world and shaken him to his core. He doesn't like to break his rules ever but... she makes it so hard to resist, the sweet temptation she presents.

The chemistry is undeniable. Their passion is unforgettable. Get ready for a story that will make a game of cat and mouse look fun and easy.

Seriously y'all these two cracked me up. Morgana was so awesome.... I instantly connected with her. I loved how she pushed his buttons... and made him squirm constantly. But don't let her fool you.... Henrik too had her all twisted up. His thoughts and ramblings about her were epic...!

If you like fun and easy romances, then this is definitely the book for you.

I recommend this book.

Review Post >> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2017...
Profile Image for Tracy.
684 reviews20 followers
March 26, 2017
Rules of Payne is an interesting read. It's the story of Henrick Payne and Morgana Drake.

Henrick does everything he can to repel Morgana. He doesn't want to want her. He doesn't have time to date or have girlfriends. Morgana is so much fun in that she can roll with the punches. She's tough, aloof, and someone you just want to be friends with.

Henrick is one heck of a jerk. The way he is written, it just works for him. It's done in a way you love to hate. For it to work properly. You need a heroine like Morgana. She can take it, but isn't rolling over. It was an exciting story to read, anticipating what was going to happen next.

The story is told from dual POV, which can be confusing occasionally as it felt a bit jumpy. While it moves slowly at other times, it is a very fun read.

*this is a 3.5 star review*

*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*


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Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
March 27, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

A hot, succulent, scrumptious, dirty romance with just the right amount of humor and OMG the sex....WOWZA! Henrik and Morgana are a super-powered couple that BURN up the pages with their sizzling chemistry.

Elizabeth Lynx created a book that will leave you panting AND squirming AND laughing! Her writing had me biting my lip and eagerly flipping the pages. Her characters are interesting and developed and HOT. You can't pass up a book like this!

Rules Of Payne gets a SEXALICIOUS FIVE SHOOTING STARS! You looking for a HOT read that is plenty dirty and loads of sexy and downright fun, than read Rules of Payne by Elizabeth Lynx
Profile Image for Maria Vickers.
Author 45 books394 followers
March 27, 2017
Rules of Payne by Elizabeth Lynx pits Morgana against her boss Henrik. She wants nothing to do with anything, and wants to focus on her job, but Henrik Payne may have other ideas.

I will say that while there were times I enjoyed reading this book, more times than naught, the characters got on my nerves. The story did flow, however, I felt like the characters were slightly wishy washy, and I felt like there was potential for Morgana to be a stronger character than she was. She was run over too many times. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for RaChelle Holmberg.
1,869 reviews24 followers
April 15, 2018
This book is quite "different" from my regular fare - and I feel as if I should begin with the author's personal intro:

" This is dedicated to anyone who has told you no....to anyone who told you you have no talent... tell them to su*k it. Tell them I have had " no" thrown at me so many times , I have told myself I have no talent, and with my learning disability I could never be a writer. Yet here I am, and here you are reading my words. Tell them that you can do it with hard work and belief. I am telling you it's true. You are reading the proof"

Such powerful words!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ms Lynx on her success and personal strength, not to mention bravery.

The book was, in a word, QUIRKY. Laugh out loud parts and really cute. Funny characters and set in Chicago, my own stomping grounds. I think I'll go look at part 1.5 now.
Profile Image for Aaly.
1,358 reviews56 followers
June 5, 2015
RE READ!

I ❤️ cake!!!! Henrik you're really a sweet Payne in Morgana's life!!!
Girl, High five, I was having so much fun!
But why this cliffhanger????

** ARC provided by the author via Indie Sage **


Laughing out Loud Alert!
Rules of Payne was like taking a bite of a cake and hoping it will never last.
Each bite leading to a full variety of sensations, and through this story, I was having so much fun, reading Morgana’s problems against Henrik’s rules.
One perky, hilarious and sexy red haired girl working as an assistant of the king of the Payne in everybody’s life and one hot, kinky, hot and cold boss with a tendency to become crazy just by looking at her, I was sold!!
How could I pass the opportunity to read this book after this blurb « ***WARNING - Steamy Sex Scenes - Cake addiction - Incorrect usage of the word Potatoes*** » and I knew this book was for me!




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Morgana has a lot of problems, mostly included her boss.
Damn this girl was so efficient at work but when it comes to cake or mostly M.Payne, it was her body which took control and couldn’t stop this downward spiral. And damn she got it bad!




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But each time, he closed off and she felt used, because he was a total jerk to her. They had sex and then he treated her like crap, and in these moments, I felt bad for her.
She was struggling to this sinfully and addictive sexual attraction they had, but failed!
Besides these parts, I loved her inner conversations with her brain, when we saw how she fought to decide whether or not she made the right decisions.



Well, Well, Well, Henrick Payne was the epitome of the perfect jerk boss , inside and outside the office, at first. He was bothering me in his ways to be with Morgana, but the more I read about him, the more I actually liked him.




This man was full of contradictions; playing hot and cold with Morgana, sweet, caring, funny and always in control … until her!
He has this hilarious side that you won’t suspect and it was delightful!
While Morgana’s was struggling with her problems, he was having a hard time with his rules he settled and this woman was making him break them each time. He was infatuated.
She was his addiction and he could help to surrender.



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All was thrown away, and damn the sex was a festival of fireworks! Henrik was a very, very kinky man and damn it was steamy sex and it was their way to communicate when things were too hard to say. She was pushing his buttons and he couldn’t get his hands off her, like an addict!Let’s just say that the word « Potatoes » was used more than once!





This book was a very easy, quick read, with strong hilarious vibes and a lot of kinky, sexy and smoking hot sex in a lot of places!Not only Elizabeth Lynx created not only two great characters, with an incredible banter and chemistry, but she also wrote some second characters that you will find endearing and at the same time crazy, giving a great rhythmic to the story.
I don’t know which one was the most hilarious between Morgana or Henrik, and this book was a complete and wonderful surprise!
I forgive you Elizabeth for the cliffhanger (even if it wasn’t a big one), because I’m looking forward to read the next one from The Cake Love series! For some of you who reads The Payne In The Blog, it wasn't a repeat and I highly recommend this book!
If you’re like me after reading it and have some withdrawals, you can read Morgana’s blog.



No pressure if you don't, but I think you should! Damn I want to eat cake now!



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