One company, four billionaires, four sinfully sexy stories to set you alight!Taking ChargeSebastian’s new temp is far from perfect. Part of him wants to fire the agency for wasting his time and send Colette and her sassy smile packing. The other part of him has very different ideas of what do with her. But is there more to her than her smart mouth, tight skirt, and high heels?Taking OverHarry and Gabrielle get together for one night of passion, but what will happen when it’s time for them to part?Taking LibertiesCaleb normally goes for elegant, sophisticated women, and then he meets Roxie with her ripped tights and black spiky hair. She’s totally wrong for him. So why does it feel so right?Taking TimeElen meets Kane while drowning her sorrows over a breakup in a bar. She has no intention of seeing him again, but guess who’s the new employee at Hearktech?
USA 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.
Taking Charge is a short, quick paced, light hearted, sexy office romance between a short term PA and an alluring co-owner with an emotional/good feeling sideline with an instant attraction. You do have to be open-minded to enjoy this novella as, while there is a little development, the length of the book doesn’t allow for heaps of development between the two characters and plays out only over a couple of days. With the dual point of view, however, you do get a good understanding to the attraction and fast paced relationship with feelings is mutually developing, even if it is completely unexpected for both characters. If you can be open, this is definitely one sexy read that is perfect for a quick read that is easily read in one go! ___________
#2 - Taking Over - 5 stars
Taking Over is a steamy, fast paced, boss/employee office romance that is the perfect kind of book to escape in for an hour or two. This novella mixes a one night-turned temporary-turned something more romance that is full of heat and heart with the dual perspective giving a nice insight into both Gaby’s and Harrison’s fears and emotions, especially with Gaby who has been hurt by love in the past.
Having read the first in this series, I was worried this may feel very repetitive but I actually ended up enjoying this one more than the first book as I felt there was a better build up and connection between the characters and with how everything played out it was easier to believe in the HEA. For a short read, this book is well written and nicely captures everything in a precise manner - you can see there is a clear beginning, middle, and ending to the story without it feeling rushed or anything for the couple left open.
If you are looking for a novella that has plenty of steam mixed into the romance, definitely give this a read! ___________
#3 - Taking Liberties - 4.5 stars
Taking Liberties is an opposites attract romance with a slight age difference between a company boss and a punk chick mailroom worker with a few surprising sides to her. Out of this series of short reads so far, I think this story has been my favourite as it didn’t follow the typical office romances and has a few surprising twists throughout as this one night fling doesn't quite end with just one night.
Told from dual perspective, Caleb and Roxie have a sizzling attraction to each other that heats up fairly quickly after their instant attraction. Given this is a short read and jumps a little at the end, there is a good level of getting to know the characters and the depth of their connection.
If you enjoy a short and sexy read with a few surprises between two opposites definitely give this a read!
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#4 - Taking Time -.5 stars
Elen and Kane
A touching short and steamy office romance between two people scorned by love in different ways
As with the other books in this series, we once again see a variation of an office romance but this time with a second chance at love between two people scorned by love in different ways. Told from dual perspective, Elen and Kane meet during difficult moments that then take a surprise turn to them. Their instant attraction is nicely built up in a way that worked well given the characters and their situations and boy do these two have a simmering chemistry that truly heats up the pages when it spills over!
Taking Time, as with the rest of the series, is well written with a good plot for a short read. Taking Time had a very touching HEA ending for both Elen and Kane (making it a standalone) and the series as a whole (there are a few extra details of the happily ever afters of the previous books’ characters if you have read the rest of this series).
If you enjoy short and steamy office romances, definitely give this series a read!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Like a Boss Box Set: Like a Boss Series Books 1-4 by Serenity Woods
Four directors of Hearktech find romance in the workplace and each novella was a keeper that I plan to read again. All five star stories and so much fun to read. I want to thank the author for the ARC. I love this author, the characters she creates and the stories she tells about them. I am sad that the series has finished!
1. TAKING CHARGE What a delightful decadently delicious story! Looking for a light romance to spend the afternoon reading I found this wonderful ARC waiting to be read. As the first in a series of “sexy short” novellas the author managed to deliver charm, romance and caring along with sizzle, sass and steam in a story that resonated on oh so many levels. From the moment Colette walked in and Seb set eyes on her I was hooked and I couldn’t put the story down until I reached the last page. I loved both characters and am eager to see if their HFN will turn into a HEA by the end of the series. AND…I do want to read the rest of the novellas in this series if they are even half as good as this one proved to be!
2. TAKING OVER You know that afternoon when you wanted to sit down and read something lovely? Something with wonderful characters that deserved a happily ever after when they least expected one? Well, this novella definitely provided that and hit the spot for me this afternoon. Gabriella and Harrison are neither in the market for more than maybe a fling of short duration BUT I have found, and they did too, that many times what we think we want and what the universe bequeaths is something else entirely. I was totally immersed in this story and only wished it didn’t have to end. What a delightful quick but sensuous read this was… one that left me with a smile on my face as I finished the last page.
3. TAKING LIBERTIES Love at first sight? Do you believe in it? Caleb Chase has heard of it but is not inclined to believe it exists. Love requires time and effort – it doesn’t just happen – right? That said, when he first glimpses temporary mailroom employee Roxie he is definitely intrigued. He sees her again while she is playing a gig and what a hot night they have together! Roxie expects nothing from men works hard and has a secret. She lives in the moment but plans for the future. Caleb is…well…he is a man I wouldn’t kick out of bed easily! The two seem to have very little in common but there is chemistry and caring and eventually something more.
4. TAKING TIME What a wonderful ending to the Like a Boss series! Elen Wright, co-director of Hearktech, has finally broken up for good with Dan and has gone out to a bar to drown the emotions that exist after saying goodbye to the man she thought she would marry someday. In the bar she meets handsome Kane Richardson and as they talk more than a little is shared and there is a spark that for a number of reasons is not acted on. Little do either of them realize that what could have been a one night event will become so much more. I loved the medical issue that was dealt with in this romance, the pithy truths shared, the romance and the way the couple grows together and really THINKS about what they want in the future. It was also nice catching up with the couples from the previous three novellas – though not so easy to say goodbye to them. I look forward to reading whatever Ms Woods writes next and thank her for the ARC to read – this is my honest review.
When I saw that Like a Boss Series 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 the Like a Boss Book Series is a sassy, light-hearted hot sexy read. What I have come to see as Serenity Woods signature trademarks are still evident in this series. First there are characters who are making a difference in others life. 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. Also, I liked the dual perspectives that allow us to see the events through both of main characters’ eyes in each story. Taking Charge, Book 1 is Colette and Sebastian’s story where the initial reason for them to work together becomes blurred as the attraction between them continues to explode. Blurred perhaps, but not forgotten. Taking Over, book 2 is Harry and Gabriella’s story as he thinks he is finding someone for a perfect fling but discovers something more. His story is even hotter than Sebastian’s, Taking Charge. Gabriella Manners is just as likable as Harry. There is no hidden agenda with her so the drama is not as intense in this story. She sticks to her plans which I approved. However, the ending is swoon worthy, very romantic. Should be a movie, it is just that great. However, I didn’t think Harry’s story was going to top Sebastian’s until the conclusion. Best ever! My favorite of the four. Taking Liberties, book 3, like the first two the couples, Caleb and Roxie do indeed sizzle. It amazes me how Ms. Woods can change up the characters, develop them in a short amount of words and have them fir together so perfectly. She has done it again with CEO Caleb and talented but unconventional Roxie. The instant lust between these two works. Perhaps that is because I know Ms. Woods always gives the males with the best integrity to her readers so no matter how hard they fight it, their hearts are going to jump on board before the story is over. Taking Time, book 4 is Elen and Kane’s story. Elen has enjoyed watching each of her partners fall in love when they protested otherwise in the beginning. A new relationship after a breakup of a former one does not always mean just a rebound as is clearly the idea of their story. Elen is intelligent, sassy and independent. The woman we would all like to be. Kane is hot, hot, hot but also a true gentleman, so he is pretty much irresistible. I like these two together as much as any couple that Serenity Woods has created. As always, their path to true love after starting as pure lust is bumpy. My second favorite of the four. The novellas are not long, each one being able to be read in an afternoon. I appreciate that there is not a cliffhanger but a satisfy HEA by the end of each novella. This is a series of fun, fun, fun escapism reading.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the books.
I loved each and every one of the books in this boxed set. Below is my review for each one.....
Taking Charge - Book 1 Man, I don't know what magic this author possess, but it seems like what ever she touches lately turns to gold, even the short stories! I really loved Caleb and Roxie's story. Your heart just swoons when Caleb instantly falls for Roxie on their first sighting. Caleb doesn't even believe in love at first sight, until he meets sassy, sexy, talented and beautiful Roxie. Loved everything about this book, including the very romantic and tender scenes with these two. Definitely has a twist in there too, this is Serenity Woods at her best yet again!
Taking Over - Book 2 There are few, very few, authors who can write short stories to make them feel like they are full length novels. Serenity Woods is one of those authors who sucks you into the first page and doesn't let you go until the very last sentence of her books. I'm not a big fan of short books, they just don't seem to capture the full scope of the characters when it's only around 100 pages, but Serenity has a knack with her incredible writing that takes you on a complete journey with out feeling left out in the cold at the end because it's a rush to the finish when reading short books. I loved Gabriella and Harry's story, its full of hot steamy lovin and definitely has an emotional and romantic twist at the end. Definitely worth the read, can't wait for book three to come out!
Taking Liberties - Book 3 Man, I don't know what magic this author possess, but it seems like what ever she touches lately turns to gold, even the short stories! I really loved Caleb and Roxie's story. Your heart just swoons when Caleb instantly falls for Roxie on their first sighting. Caleb doesn't even believe in love at first sight, until he meets sassy, sexy, talented and beautiful Roxie. Loved everything about this book, including the very romantic and tender scenes with these two. Definitely has a twist in there too, this is Serenity Woods at her best yet again!
Taking Time -Book 4 Taking Time is the forth and final book in the Like a Boss series, and boy did Serenity Woods end it on a high note. I love the way this author writes, and although I'm not a big short story lover, I loved this series. Elena is the last one to fall in love out of the Hearktech clan, and Kane is the perfect match for her. Loved the chemistry between the two, loved the heartfelt tenderness that Kane felt for Elen. You ached for Kane with how his marriage to Jen ended, but are elated when He and Elen meet the way they do. Truly a great book and series, loved the ending!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of all these books.
1. Taking Charge 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.
2. Taking Over This book is different from Taking Charge. There was more humor, snarkiness, and sass in book one.
Gabby hasn't had much experience, but she is sure she wants to experience whatever Harrison has to offer. Harrison has had a thing for Gabby since she first walked through the door.
They find they have more in common than not, including an unbelievable sexual compatibility.
This book is a fast paced, very steamy, sweet journey taken by two very likable characters.
3. Taking Liberties This book had a different tone, or feel from the first two books in the series. It was a very quick read. The relationship between Caleb and Roxie was initially portrayed as them being polar opposites. As you read further into the book you realize that Caleb and Roxie had more similarities than differences.
This was more of a sweet, sensual romance, emphasis on sensual. Caleb and Roxie found something in one another that helped each of them heal old wounds. The introduction of Roxie's surprise and the reaction of Caleb's family was the icing on the cake.
A really enjoyable read!
4. Taking Time Have you ever read a book that makes you smile at the beginning and the smile stays with you through the very end? This book got to me from the very first scene. Kane and Elen were so right together. I loved their trivia conversations. I enjoyed the scene where Elen's ex showed up.
Elen was a strong, independent woman who was able to show her vulnerability with Kane. Kane was a strong man who was vulnerable and dealing with his own pain, but was able to find that soft place to land with Elen. The ending to their story was icing on the cake
Another sweet, sensual, yet steamy romantic tale.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
I read these books as they were released and I'm so glad Serenity Woods has given us a boxed set. The directors at Hearktech are easy to love, they all have very different personalities and as always with this authors books they find their perfect partners even if there are issues to be worked through. The characters have chemistry and their issues are real issues that most of us have gone through at one time in our life so it's easy to relate to them. This author has a way of making you feel like her characters are your friends. I would recommend this boxed set to all my friends who love romance with emotion and HEA's. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this! Everyone of the books are great! Serenity's characters are terrific. The men are nice & thoughtful & sexy and are great at flirting and the women are strong, feisty, beautiful & sexy and great at flirting! When you finish this set you will have a huge smile on your face and have met some really nice people or friends. She's such a good author you have to get this set!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy to review honestly
Four great stories you are sure to enjoy. Each one different and not exactly what you'd have expected. Fun, light hearted and totally a great read. Each is different, sometimes funny and sometimes sad. Just great fun. Serenity Woods does it again.
The only reason I give this four stars in the length. But, each story dove tales into next adding to the overall storyline somewhat. The feels are definitely there and a happy tear was evident many times. Don’t miss these sassy little reads.
Oh God so enjoyed this series of books and the guys who find their HEA. Laughter, passion, sexiness, and a touch of sadness with loads of love. Perfection.
Each book plays off each other and keeps you entertained from page one to the end. All of Serenity’s books start with an theme and story line by page two vs reading 50 to 60 pages before a plot is uncovered.
Serenity Woods has out done herself... again. This series is racy and heartwarming. Every book features characters that are the best blend of sassy and confident with a pinch of vulnerable. Definitely worth a read, just be prepared for the inevitable fanning and blushing.
Taking Charge 4* 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?
Taking Over 5* Sexy Novella. Gabriella is steering clear of men regardless of how attractive they are, after her partner of ten years betrayed her in the worse possible way. Harrison is hot but in a couple of weeks she will be travelling the world; she doesn't need or want a relationship and she doesn't do one night stands, or does she? Fab story with a HEA.
Taking Liberties 4* Punk/Biker Chick and Wealthy Businessman. In a way this book reminded me of Pretty Woman, not that Roxie is a hooker but she doesn't expect to be treated decently by men and has serious confidence issues about being with a man like Caleb, which she covers up with a sassy tongue. When you finally get to know her back story, you understand why. Despite their differences their relationship works and it was nice to see them get their HEA.
Taking Time 5* Swoon-worthy. I want a Kane in my life, he is kind, sexy and honourable and I just loved his interactions with Elen. Both are drowning their sorrows the night that they meet in a bar; Elen has just broken up with her long term boyfriend and Kane's final divorce papers arrived that day. After pouring her heart out to him Elen is embarrassed to find herself interviewing Kane the next day for a job within her company.
Strong language from the outset.
I received a complimentary copy of these books and chose to give 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. Read 2017
This is a nice, quick series about finding love where you're not looking for it: at work! Each couple is a little different, but in a believable way.
"Taking Liberties" was my favorite of the batch, because Caleb and Roxie seemed like such an unusual match, but not in a way you couldn't believe possible.
I voluntarily reviewed advanced reader copies of each of these books.
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 story-line this is the book for you. Grab your copy and have a fan nearby to cool down your e-reader... and you!
**Taking Over 5 Stars
Taking Over is the 2nd book in the Like A Boss Series. Gaby and Harry are hot! 🔥They each have plans to travel the world- Gaby for pleasure, Harry for work. Having a fun, carefree, no-strings-attached sexual relationship is perfect for both of them. Yeah...right! As their feelings grow, they have to decide what they really want from each other and how they want to spend the rest of their lives.
I loved Taking Over. It is well-written and held my attention from beginning to end. I cared about the characters and wanted them to have an HEA. Just like with the 1st book, Taking Charge, have a fan and a cold drink nearby when you read Taking Over. I'm looking forward to Caleb's story in Book 3, Taking Liberties.
**Taking Liberties 5 Stars
Taking Liberties is the 3rd book in the Like A Boss Series. Once again, Serenity Woods has written a terrific romance. While Caleb and Roxie appear to be so different from each other, they actually have a lot in common. Roxie is a strong woman intent on making something of herself. She has loads of drive and determination. Caleb is a swoon-worthy man. He works so hard to prove to Roxie that he isn't out of her league. He is so gentle and caring. When Roxie's secret is revealed, Caleb meets the challenge head-on. That made him even more perfect. *sigh*
If you enjoy well-written romances with interesting characters, look no further. Taking Liberties is definitely the book for you. All the books in this series are stand-alone but I recommend reading all of them. I haven't found a Serenity Woods book that I don't highly recommend. She is an awesome author who never disappoints.
**Taking Time 5 Stars
Taking Time is the fourth and final book in the Like A Boss series. It is a marvelous addition to the series. Elen and Kane are HAWT!! Elen comes across as a totally put together, cool businesswoman. Always at work early and keeping the guys on their toes. She is the glue that holds Hearktech together. In Taking Time, we get to see the wild, passionate side of her. She is my idea of a perfect female main character because she is strong, intelligent, not afraid of any challenge; as well as being confident enough to be a sexy woman who knows what she wants from her man and isn't afraid to let him know. Kane is a swoon-worthy man who is confident in his manhood without acting like an overbearing alpha. He knows how to treat a lady and how to satisfy her needs. *sigh*
I like the way Katoa was worked into the story. It's always nice to be reminded of other series written by Serenity Woods. I think it would be interesting if she actually wrote a book with all the characters involved from both series. Katoa and Hearktech could do fabulous things together.
I absolutely loved the epilogue. It was wonderful to see what was happening with all of the couples 3 years later. It brought a real feeling of closure to the series. Of course, that doesn't stop me from missing them. They were all people I would like to have as friends.
I strongly urge you to read Taking Time and the entire Like A Boss series. This is a set of stories you will want to read in one sitting. I did. Pick up any book by Serenity Woods and you are guaranteed to find an enjoyable story.