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Like a Boss #1
Taking Charge
Sebastian My new temp doesn’t quite have the level of sophistication I’ve grown used to with secretaries from the recruitment agency. She’s only been here ten minutes, and she’s already gotten stuck in the elevator, blown up her computer, and caused the coffee machine to explode all over the floor. She says technology hates her, but I’m beginning to suspect her secretarial skills aren’t the reason she wants to work at my company. Part of me wants to fire the agency for wasting my time and send Colette and her sassy smile packing. The other part of me has very different ideas of what to do with her. Is there more to her than her smart mouth, tight skirt, and high heels? What does she really want from me? Book 1: Taking Charge Book 2: Taking Over Book 3: Taking Liberties Book 4: Taking Time Available as the Like a Boss Box Set, containing books 1-4
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2017
377 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Serenity Woods
171 books917 followersUSA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes feel-good romances full of friends, family, and falling in love. Most of her stories are set in Godzone, aka Aotearoa New Zealand, where she lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 11, 2017
3 stars
Disappointing; the characters and setup were subpar.
This is a light-hearted and superficial office romance fantasy. The characters are nicer people than those in "Fifty Shades of Gray", which is a good thing. It is reminiscent of the romantic comedy "Shopping for a Billionaire" by Julia Kent, but this novella is far less funny. The setup of "Taking Charge" also was way too similar to Serenity Woods' book "My Christmas Fiance", which also had a smug, arrogant CEO who works on philanthropic tech projects, an awkward first person perspective, and an office romance.
Normally I adore Serenity Woods' books and I am immediately sucked into the story with characters that are instantly likeable. However, I found it extremely difficult to connect with the characters Colette and Sebastian for a few reasons. First, the first person present tense perspective really got on my nerves. The perspective alternated between Sebastian and Colette, and it sounds like the character is talking at me all of the time as if they are aware of the reading audience. It is always "I..., I..., I...". I prefer the third person past tense perspective in which I feel like I am seeing what is happening and am sometimes hearing what the character is thinking and feeling.
In addition, I did not like the characters for most of the book. Colette and Sebastian seemed much more superficial than Serenity Woods' characters in her other books. Even though Colette cared about her brother's deafness, the way she thought and acted seemed like she had very little depth of personality or inner strength. Also, I cannot respect a man who enjoys intimidating his employees. Sebastian really annoyed me with his smugness and arrogance. In addition, the characters did not talk to each other about what was important to them until late in the book. It was all flirting and sex. I had read 87% of this novella before I became invested in the story and cared about the characters! That is really late in the story. With Serenity Woods' books, I am usually invested in the story by page 3 (about 2% into the book). For example, the author's last book, "As Deep as the Ocean" is a 5-star, masterpiece in which I was hooked by page 2.
FYI, this novella has a lot of good, graphic sex scenes with variety. Colette and Sebastian dabble in light voyeurism (doing it next to windows), really light bondage (holding a person down manually and consensually), various positions, and application of ice. There is some swearing and dirty talk, I think in a good amount, but more than in the author's other books. My not caring about the characters and the first person perspective decreased the hotness factor of the scenes for me.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Disappointing; the characters and setup were subpar.
This is a light-hearted and superficial office romance fantasy. The characters are nicer people than those in "Fifty Shades of Gray", which is a good thing. It is reminiscent of the romantic comedy "Shopping for a Billionaire" by Julia Kent, but this novella is far less funny. The setup of "Taking Charge" also was way too similar to Serenity Woods' book "My Christmas Fiance", which also had a smug, arrogant CEO who works on philanthropic tech projects, an awkward first person perspective, and an office romance.
Normally I adore Serenity Woods' books and I am immediately sucked into the story with characters that are instantly likeable. However, I found it extremely difficult to connect with the characters Colette and Sebastian for a few reasons. First, the first person present tense perspective really got on my nerves. The perspective alternated between Sebastian and Colette, and it sounds like the character is talking at me all of the time as if they are aware of the reading audience. It is always "I..., I..., I...". I prefer the third person past tense perspective in which I feel like I am seeing what is happening and am sometimes hearing what the character is thinking and feeling.
In addition, I did not like the characters for most of the book. Colette and Sebastian seemed much more superficial than Serenity Woods' characters in her other books. Even though Colette cared about her brother's deafness, the way she thought and acted seemed like she had very little depth of personality or inner strength. Also, I cannot respect a man who enjoys intimidating his employees. Sebastian really annoyed me with his smugness and arrogance. In addition, the characters did not talk to each other about what was important to them until late in the book. It was all flirting and sex. I had read 87% of this novella before I became invested in the story and cared about the characters! That is really late in the story. With Serenity Woods' books, I am usually invested in the story by page 3 (about 2% into the book). For example, the author's last book, "As Deep as the Ocean" is a 5-star, masterpiece in which I was hooked by page 2.
FYI, this novella has a lot of good, graphic sex scenes with variety. Colette and Sebastian dabble in light voyeurism (doing it next to windows), really light bondage (holding a person down manually and consensually), various positions, and application of ice. There is some swearing and dirty talk, I think in a good amount, but more than in the author's other books. My not caring about the characters and the first person perspective decreased the hotness factor of the scenes for me.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
May 15, 2017
When I saw that this was more erotic in nature then what I had been reading by Serenity Woods, I will admit that I was wary. I didn’t need to be because Taking Charge (Like a Boss Book 1) is a sassy, light-hearted hot sexy read.
While the problem of the story does get seem to be blurred somewhat as the heat between Colette and Sebastian continues to explode, it feels intentional as if that is the plan. Blurred perhaps, but not forgotten. Also, I liked the dual perspectives that allow us to see the events through both of their eyes.
What I have come to see as Serenity Woods signature trademarks are still evident in this story. First there are characters who are making a difference in others life. Sebastian and friends started a company that is now working to improve aides that help those with hearing issues. The characters respect each other and themselves, even more they truly like each other. These are not tortured souls that must work through their demons by taking it out on someone else. I appreciate that there is not a cliffhanger but a satisfy HEA. So I look forward to the next story in this series with no wariness at all.
4.5 Stars
The author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book.
While the problem of the story does get seem to be blurred somewhat as the heat between Colette and Sebastian continues to explode, it feels intentional as if that is the plan. Blurred perhaps, but not forgotten. Also, I liked the dual perspectives that allow us to see the events through both of their eyes.
What I have come to see as Serenity Woods signature trademarks are still evident in this story. First there are characters who are making a difference in others life. Sebastian and friends started a company that is now working to improve aides that help those with hearing issues. The characters respect each other and themselves, even more they truly like each other. These are not tortured souls that must work through their demons by taking it out on someone else. I appreciate that there is not a cliffhanger but a satisfy HEA. So I look forward to the next story in this series with no wariness at all.
4.5 Stars
The author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book.
May 26, 2017
Colette is a temp to Sebastian, one of the Hearktech founders. She's left Sebastian breathless the minute he laid eyes on her.
Sebastian is purportedly so intimidating that he's sent other temps fleeing and crying. Colette stands up to him and dishes it right back at him.
When asked, Colette paused to choose the word domineering, to describe him.
That further added fuel to Sebastian's fire and he was going to break the rules and have Colette or he may spontaneously combust!
Colette had an ulterior motive for gaining employment at Hearktech, but she was just as attracted to Sebastian as he was to her. She thought him not only sexy, but also smart, a great businessman and he has a sense of humor to boot!
*Fanning myself*
This is just the end of the first day together! The sexual innuendos flew back and forth once Sebastian had flung the first, and very direct one, leaving no room to wonder if he was interested in her or not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sebastian and Colette's story was a great deal of heat, hot sex scenes, and a love that grabbed them from the start when they both felt their was something different from anyone else they had ever met.
Of course they didn't know they were in head over heels for one another until something happens and they are miserable without each other.
5 Stars for the main characters, secondary characters and story as a whole 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
The opinions expressed are mine alone and freely given.
-Aunt Bee
May 14, 2017
Sebastian is in need of a temp as his PA. Colette, somehow, gets that position. He has no idea how she managed to sway her way into this position, but, he is glad she did. He just can't seem to get enough of her and she gives him a run for his money.
Colette arranged to get the job solely because Sebastian's company is making a device that will help her deaf brother. Since he did not get in on the trial, she thought she could get his name on the final list so that he can benefit from it.
Attraction to Sebastian was not what she had planned. However, she could not resist him and that just made matters more complicated. In the end, she does what she set out to do and tried to fade away so that Sebastian would not be able to find her. But, when he puts his mind to something, it tends to happen.
It was a great start to this new series.
"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”
Colette arranged to get the job solely because Sebastian's company is making a device that will help her deaf brother. Since he did not get in on the trial, she thought she could get his name on the final list so that he can benefit from it.
Attraction to Sebastian was not what she had planned. However, she could not resist him and that just made matters more complicated. In the end, she does what she set out to do and tried to fade away so that Sebastian would not be able to find her. But, when he puts his mind to something, it tends to happen.
It was a great start to this new series.
"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”
January 6, 2018
If you're looking for a fast-paced and steamy read, this is a fun insta-love novella.
Sebastian is one of the founders of a tech company with a new device coming up for testing. Collette takes a week-long temp job as Sebastian's secretary for less than honest reasons. Even with Seb's rough attitude and Collette's lack of basic office skills, there are intense sparks.
The steamy bits were quite steamy, and I had no problem believing in the physical pull between Collette and Sebastian.
I feel like I got to know Sebastian and what he started to want out of a relationship when he got together with Collette. Collette kept her reason for taking the temp job a secret, which would make her seem distant from Sebastian's point of view, but as the reader, I felt like I still didn't get to know her very well. Apart from the physical attraction between the two, I wasn't sure what it was that pulled Seb to Collette. There wasn't enough of her backstory for me to get into her. (I also found it a little hard to believe that someone her age wouldn't have even basic typing skills.)
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Sebastian is one of the founders of a tech company with a new device coming up for testing. Collette takes a week-long temp job as Sebastian's secretary for less than honest reasons. Even with Seb's rough attitude and Collette's lack of basic office skills, there are intense sparks.
The steamy bits were quite steamy, and I had no problem believing in the physical pull between Collette and Sebastian.
I feel like I got to know Sebastian and what he started to want out of a relationship when he got together with Collette. Collette kept her reason for taking the temp job a secret, which would make her seem distant from Sebastian's point of view, but as the reader, I felt like I still didn't get to know her very well. Apart from the physical attraction between the two, I wasn't sure what it was that pulled Seb to Collette. There wasn't enough of her backstory for me to get into her. (I also found it a little hard to believe that someone her age wouldn't have even basic typing skills.)
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
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September 18, 2017FREE on Amazon today (9/18/2017)!
May 13, 2017
Taking Charge is a hot and steamy short novel with main characters that are easy to love. Colette, a temp., is fun, sassy and sexy but her office skills are limited. The main thing that she is good at is destroying electronic devices. Sebastian is a demanding and grouchy boss but he finds that he is very attracted to Colette despite her attempts to destroy his office. But for once, the guy is looking for more commitment and the woman is supposedly just out for the sex. What Sebastian doesn't know is that Colette is hiding something. I don't want to give up all the plot, but Colette's deception complicates their attraction. And their lust is combustible! There are some great "bedroom" scenes (OK, actually desk, window, couch, elevator etc. sex scenes) and a little exhibitionism thrown in. You will melt over this book. Sebastian is a titan.
As in many Serenity Woods books, there is also a theme about helping people, especially folks with disabilities and Sebastian's company is running a free trial to test a high-tech device to help deaf people. The combination is a fun, feeling and very hot novel that you will love. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
As in many Serenity Woods books, there is also a theme about helping people, especially folks with disabilities and Sebastian's company is running a free trial to test a high-tech device to help deaf people. The combination is a fun, feeling and very hot novel that you will love. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
May 6, 2017
Taking Charge is a sexy little story. Lust flares instantly between Sebastian and Colette. Neither one wants a relationship but hot, hot wanton sex is something they both want. Who says office romances are a bad idea?
At first, Colette seems totally incompetent but I quickly realized that wasn't the case. She is an intelligent, take no crap, sassy woman. Sebastian has definitely met a woman, other than his sister, who won't be intimidated by him. Sebastian initially comes across as a man married to his job who thinks relationships are a waste of time. It soon became clear he was a caring, sex on a stick, sensitive man. HAWT!!!
This is the first book in a new series of office romances called Like A Boss. I can't wait to read the next one. If you like sexy reads written with humor and an interesting storyline this is the book for you. Grab your copy and have a fan nearby to cool down your e-reader... and you!
At first, Colette seems totally incompetent but I quickly realized that wasn't the case. She is an intelligent, take no crap, sassy woman. Sebastian has definitely met a woman, other than his sister, who won't be intimidated by him. Sebastian initially comes across as a man married to his job who thinks relationships are a waste of time. It soon became clear he was a caring, sex on a stick, sensitive man. HAWT!!!
This is the first book in a new series of office romances called Like A Boss. I can't wait to read the next one. If you like sexy reads written with humor and an interesting storyline this is the book for you. Grab your copy and have a fan nearby to cool down your e-reader... and you!
June 2, 2017
“Taking Charge” is the first book in a new series by Serenity Woods. This series is a slight deviation from her other books in that it is a bit more racy and explicit. Is it what I expected? No. Is it up to Ms. Woods’ normal standards? Definitely but with a very race edge.
The characters are well developed and the story moves at a fast pace. The lead male character is the boss, Sebastian. And his new hire is Colette who is a very strong female lead. She just isn’t a great secretary. But she has fantastic talents that aid her in her quest in the office. And no bedding the boss isn’t her initial quest. The heat between the two of them is off the charts!!
This is a rather steamy read so pour yourself a nice tall ice cold drink before settling into the shade to enjoy this summer read!!!
The characters are well developed and the story moves at a fast pace. The lead male character is the boss, Sebastian. And his new hire is Colette who is a very strong female lead. She just isn’t a great secretary. But she has fantastic talents that aid her in her quest in the office. And no bedding the boss isn’t her initial quest. The heat between the two of them is off the charts!!
This is a rather steamy read so pour yourself a nice tall ice cold drink before settling into the shade to enjoy this summer read!!!
July 2, 2018
Hot and Sexy
Colette is hopeless as a secretarial temp, she types with two fingers and technology and her are oil and water but she is desperate to get her brother on Hearktech's Assistive Listening Device trial and this is her final attempt to get herself into the company. After all it will only be for a week, if she doesn't get fired but who knew the director for whom she would be working would be so sexy? The attraction is not one-sided but once they have given into temptation, how can she admit she is in the company under false pretences? Strong language from the outset.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author and voluntarily chose to review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review.
Colette is hopeless as a secretarial temp, she types with two fingers and technology and her are oil and water but she is desperate to get her brother on Hearktech's Assistive Listening Device trial and this is her final attempt to get herself into the company. After all it will only be for a week, if she doesn't get fired but who knew the director for whom she would be working would be so sexy? The attraction is not one-sided but once they have given into temptation, how can she admit she is in the company under false pretences? Strong language from the outset.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author and voluntarily chose to review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review.
May 8, 2017
This is a very good book. Serenity is one of my favorite authors and she's still writing a book that makes me giggle, laugh out loud & even snicker!
Oh, and I can not forget the happy tears at the end. Her men are very good looking but, gentle with a teasing sense of humor and the women are unique or unusual in their temperament but, usually are described as beautiful by their men. Even though, it is still up for grabs as which will become the controlling one in the relationship! This book should be put on your "to be read" list as also, all of her books! I was given this ARC to voluntarily review honestly
Oh, and I can not forget the happy tears at the end. Her men are very good looking but, gentle with a teasing sense of humor and the women are unique or unusual in their temperament but, usually are described as beautiful by their men. Even though, it is still up for grabs as which will become the controlling one in the relationship! This book should be put on your "to be read" list as also, all of her books! I was given this ARC to voluntarily review honestly
May 12, 2017
First novella in a new series from Serenity Woods and what a great start, this one was certainly full of romance, charm and some brilliant banter.
Colette is a sassy, fun girl who looks after her deaf brother, she finds out about a trial for a new hearing device which would be perfect for him only problem is how do you get on the trial, maybe get a job that you are not qualified for as a PA to the CEO of the company who invented the device....
Sebastian is a moody, hot good guy but even he finds it hard to work out why the temp agency sent him a PA who seems to have a knack for blowing things up like his coffee machine or the lift .....
That's all I'm saying about the story, what I will tell you is this is a funny sexy story with characters that have some great banter going on, as with all of this authors books this novella is also about friendships and bonds and I can't wait for the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Colette is a sassy, fun girl who looks after her deaf brother, she finds out about a trial for a new hearing device which would be perfect for him only problem is how do you get on the trial, maybe get a job that you are not qualified for as a PA to the CEO of the company who invented the device....
Sebastian is a moody, hot good guy but even he finds it hard to work out why the temp agency sent him a PA who seems to have a knack for blowing things up like his coffee machine or the lift .....
That's all I'm saying about the story, what I will tell you is this is a funny sexy story with characters that have some great banter going on, as with all of this authors books this novella is also about friendships and bonds and I can't wait for the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 4, 2017
This is the story of Collette and how she came to work for Sebastian. He is her boss and from everything she has heard a real tyrant. Imagine her surprise when she finds an irresistibly hot, sexy man who makes it very difficult for her to go ahead with her original plan. The chemistry with these two is off the charts. It is a short story but it is written in Serenity Woods usual style. It had some similar aspects of other stories by Serenity but it had all the things I enjoy about her books. I could easily have read more of this story. I really loved it!!
May 15, 2017
Love love loved this book
Sebastian and Colette nearly burn the pages alive in this fun, sensual romance. I loved Colette's snarky humor and Sebastian's alpha dominance in the bedroom.
The story is interesting and fast tempoed and I enjoyed the other characters as well even though they were mostly in the background.
This is a keeper and I know I will be reading it again and again.
Sebastian and Colette nearly burn the pages alive in this fun, sensual romance. I loved Colette's snarky humor and Sebastian's alpha dominance in the bedroom.
The story is interesting and fast tempoed and I enjoyed the other characters as well even though they were mostly in the background.
This is a keeper and I know I will be reading it again and again.
November 6, 2017
Colette and Sebastian's story. He's the boss who has developed a piece of equipment ready for clinical trial, she's the secretary who is trying to get her brother onto that list of people to participate. They fall in love. The book ends.
The book does end like that, there's not much tension or drama that you would expect with this genre. An easy read, just not a terribly exciting one in my opinion.
The book does end like that, there's not much tension or drama that you would expect with this genre. An easy read, just not a terribly exciting one in my opinion.
May 14, 2017
Loved it!
I love all of Serenity Woods's books. Imagine my delight to receive an email this morning heralding a new series of novellas and, joy of joys, available on Kindle Unlimited! I devoured Taking Charge in a few hours,mercifully having nothing much else to do on a Sunday! And now I get to read Book 2 straight away. Bliss!
I love all of Serenity Woods's books. Imagine my delight to receive an email this morning heralding a new series of novellas and, joy of joys, available on Kindle Unlimited! I devoured Taking Charge in a few hours,mercifully having nothing much else to do on a Sunday! And now I get to read Book 2 straight away. Bliss!
May 20, 2017
I received an ARC and am voluntarily writing a review.
This was a very quick read and super fast paced. It was lust at first sight. I had to skip the hot scenes because I did not want to be reading that at work. Yes, I read the book at work.
Anyway, there were a few situations I didn't find believeable.
Not bad.
This was a very quick read and super fast paced. It was lust at first sight. I had to skip the hot scenes because I did not want to be reading that at work. Yes, I read the book at work.
Anyway, there were a few situations I didn't find believeable.
Not bad.
September 17, 2017
Sebastien and Colette's was a sexy little story, but it was too short on plot and dialogue and too full of intimate scenes to strike a good balance. It contains an extra novella, but the main story was really novella length to me. It was an enjoyable read for free, but it did not make me seek out more in this series.
May 13, 2017
Sebastian and Colette embark on a path where neither are sure how it will end.
This is a fast paced, sexy romance with minimal angst. How do you feel guilty when your motive is purely altruistic? Colette manages to feel guilty.
Sebastian was the quintessential alpha male. Colette was the strong, independent, sassy female. Together, they were an explosion waiting to happen.
Quick, easy, fun, and humorous. I would absolutely recommend it.
This is a fast paced, sexy romance with minimal angst. How do you feel guilty when your motive is purely altruistic? Colette manages to feel guilty.
Sebastian was the quintessential alpha male. Colette was the strong, independent, sassy female. Together, they were an explosion waiting to happen.
Quick, easy, fun, and humorous. I would absolutely recommend it.
May 17, 2018
Google Books 3.5-4 stars
When I discover a new author, I tend to read other books they've written straight after. This was a fun, light-hearted office romance between the handsome boss and his sassy PA.
If you like a quick, sexy novella then this is for you!
When I discover a new author, I tend to read other books they've written straight after. This was a fun, light-hearted office romance between the handsome boss and his sassy PA.
If you like a quick, sexy novella then this is for you!
May 22, 2017
Taking Charge
Wonderful story. It had humor and romance all in one. Colette was brave and sexual at the same time. Sab was rugged and soft hearted.
Wonderful story. It had humor and romance all in one. Colette was brave and sexual at the same time. Sab was rugged and soft hearted.
June 19, 2017
Collette is funny on her first day on the job with all of the technology mishaps. Sebastian surprisingly doesn't fire her. Things quickly heat up between these two. Great new series!
June 27, 2017
Fast cute stories. I like Four Seasons ones better though.
August 14, 2017
I really like this story but wished it had a little more depth. I really wanted to know more about the characters' backstories and why they act the way they do. Cute story!
September 4, 2017
Short review. Like the characters found them fascinating just wish the story was longer so that they could have been more fleshed out.
September 18, 2017
3.5 Stars
September 19, 2017
A very good read. I enjoyed this book.
September 22, 2017
Short, very little plot, mostly sex, characters were not engaging and I couldn't root for them or care for their relationship issues enough to hope they lived happily ever after.
December 18, 2017
Ah, foi uma leitura bem pequena e bem fofa.
Legal. :)
Legal. :)
January 9, 2018
A light and very steamy read. Not quite what I've considered part of this author's usual style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews