Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lantana Island Romance #1

Boss With Benefits

Rate this book

One tropical island. One arrogant boss. One determined woman.

Escaping a painful past, Rosa is thrilled with her new job running the beautiful Lantana Island Resort.

There's only one fly in her tropical cocktail: her gorgeous new boss, Dalton. He might be hot, but he's also arrogant, infuriating, and has plans to sell the resort.

Not if Rosa has anything to do with it.

This. Is. War.


1-Click to start this funny, romantic, and sexy new series now!

"I loved this story. It’s unpredictable, heart warming and just plain good to read." ★★★★★

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2017

463 people are currently reading
226 people want to read

About the author

Talia Hunter

30 books151 followers
Bestselling romance author Talia Hunter likes to include her three favorite things in her novels: toe-curling romance, snort-laughs, and heart-warming friendships.

She recently moved to Australia, where she's constantly amazed and not at all freaked out by the weird and wonderful critters. When she's not writing, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, a good book, and a jumbo-sized can of bug spray.

If you want to chat, you can often find her on Facebook. Usually when she’s supposed to be writing. www.facebook.com/taliahunter

Want a free book from Talia? Grab your limited-time freebie from her website now: www.taliahunter.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
147 (39%)
4 stars
127 (33%)
3 stars
70 (18%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
1,353 reviews38 followers
October 18, 2017
Rosa Carlton left her job in Sydney and travelled to Lantana Island where her friend Tiny Knight suffered a stroke, and Rosa will be managing Tiny’s resort in her stead. Rosa has barely arrived on the island that she encounters a man coming towards her with a machete, not exactly the sort of welcome she expected. Fortunately, it’s Dalton, Tiny’s brother, who even without his weapon is not happy to see Rosa. Dalton wants to sell the resort and take Tiny to Sydney so she can get better medical care, and Tiny wants to stay put. Rosa also has another reason for leaving Australia…

BOSS WITH BENEFIT is such an enchanting – and surprisingly complex – story! While Rosa and Dalton are obviously attracted to each other, and Dalton gets himself under control quickly after his initial outburst at seeing Rosa as the new manager, but they have completely opposing views as to how Tiny’s situation should be handled, and I admit they were both right and wrong; it was a difficult decision, and I loved how the author chose to solve the issue; it provided a lot of food for thought as well as character growth and development. Their conflict was a real one, which was a nice change from the usual manufactured ones. Tiny and Dalton had quite a painful common backstory, which justified both their views on whether Tiny should stay on Lantana or not.

Ms. Hunter found an extremely clever solution to bring Dalton and Rosa closer, and I also loved the pirate references. A subplot concerning Rosa was also very ingenious. Ms. Hunter paints such an enticing picture of Fiji that everybody will be daydreaming of flying there! The story is flawlessly structured, the dialogues are brilliant and effortlessly natural and Talia Hunter’s prose is so lovely, and flows so easily that BOSS WITH BENEFITS feels like a vacation!


I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
828 reviews52 followers
July 4, 2018
Boss With Benefits

This book is a light beach read filled with two steamy moments and some drama.
The only thing I didn't like was how often the author mentioned Dalton wanted to sell Lantana without Tiny's consent. It was probably in every chapter until the end...
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,884 reviews213 followers
October 19, 2017
Rosa and Dalton are so good together! Rosa has come back to Lantana Island at her best friend, Tiny's, request. Tiny's had a stroke and needs help running her resort. Rosa's only too glad to leave Sydney and her stalker behind, so off she goes to the beautiful Fijian island. But, when she arrives, she's not greeted by her friend, she's not greeted by anyone. When she runs into a grumpy man at the resort, she's put off (and a little attracted) by him, and when she finds out he's Tiny's brother, Dalton, it makes things even more complicated. Especially when he makes it known that he intends on selling the resort and taking Tiny to Sydney so she can receive the best rehab and therapy, therapy that Lantana cannot provide.

I love how Rosa is such a kickass heroine. She's determined to learn how to defend herself, so if she ever runs into her stalker again, she'll be able to defend herself. And when Dalton agrees to help train her, I knew the spark between them would finally combust. And when it did - whew! It took awhile about 60% into it, but it was worth the wait. Of course, there was some drama - Tiny didn't want to leave the island and Dalton was determined to take her to Sydney. And Tiny made Rosa complicit in her plan to woo Dalton to stay. But the drama wasn't too OTT and was resolved fairly quickly. But, my favorite part of the entire story was Rosa's reaction when she confronted her stalker - talk about a badass woman!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JoAnne Carr.
135 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2017
I loved this book I received a copy for my reveiw of this book through ARC

Tiny whose way Rosa BFF who owned a resort in Figi but when she had her stroke she asked Rosa to leave Sydney to run the resort on Lantana Island

Tiny's brother Dalton when he met Rosa was very rude because his sister didn't tell him that she hired Rosa. Meanwhile Dalton and his partners had been putting a deal together to sell the resort. He would take his sister home to Sydney.

Tiny asks her to try to show her brother why he should stay and keep the resort. Dalton and Rosa starts talking about their lives when they were young in Sydney. Rosa and Dalton are becoming friends and she invited him to the kava ceremony which is traditional and he came to partake in the festivities. Dalton was starting to lighten up. Dalton definitely wants to take Tiny home so she could get better treatment in Sydney.

Rosa didn't know he already sold the resort when he tells her the new owner is coming to check out the resort and he would ask him to keep her on. Dalton takes his sister to Sydney meanwhile Rosa's calls her sister because a picture popped up in her email from her sister. Rosa called Cairns and finds out she didn't send the picture and tells her to stay at Jakes until she gets there that's when her sister tells her that she has been going home to feed the cat.

Rosa leaves Lantana after her new boss gave her a hassle for wanting an extra day off. She flies to Sydney and gets to see her sister. Meanwhile she had been trying to reach Dalton even going to his house but he was no where to be found. Everything gets taken care of there so she flies back to Lantana to give in her resignation.

When she arrived she was in for the surprise of her life.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
October 9, 2017
Pack your bags for Fiji - you'll love this beautiful, sensuous, and at times downright hilarious love story set on a private resort island in the South Pacific. Rosa is adamantly Not Running from a stalker back in Sydney; she's just moving to Lantana to help her ailing best friend, Tiny, run the family's resort. When she meets Dalton, Tiny's brother and therefore her new boss, to say things don't go well would be a huge understatement. Sparks fly - ignite, really - while they also deal with a lot of friction due to their having opposite plans for helping Tiny recover. This setup forces all three principle characters to examine what they really want out of life, and what they're willing to sacrifice to get it.

This book is absolutely amazing, enthralling, from the very first page. Rosa's valiant determination in the face of such adversity is empowering, and Dalton's fierce need to protect his sister makes him extremely sympathetic even when he's doing the exact wrong thing for all the right reasons. Together, these two are explosive, yet very sweet as well. I loved the pirate references, the beach training sessions, and the care they both showed for Crusoe, a feral cat. The details about the Fijian culture and customs makes you feel as though you're right there on the beach. There are quite a few heartbreaking moments as Rosa and Dalton each pursue what they believe is right, no matter what it costs them. Just a wonderful love story from start to finish. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,853 reviews32 followers
October 11, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The setting of this book on a lovely Island is romantic already.
But put in a bit of drama, her best friend and his sister recovering from a stroke and a bit of danger, her stalker and you have an even better book.

I like the way Rosa is sticking up for herself and learning how to fight with Dalton's help. And I totally like what happens at the end when she goes back to Sidney to stick up for her sister against the stalker. Way to go girl!
I like his soft side with the cat, but his stubborn side although he tries what he thinks to do what is best for his sister, sigh.

But the romance which is blossoming between them is such a good read. The sparks fly in the round.
And when they finally give it a go and their first night together, that was hot and fun to read.

I like this book a lot.
Looking forward to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,164 reviews
October 17, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A wonderful book! Great characters, nice plot with a good leading herione and just the right amount of romance.
Profile Image for Dina Bushrod.
596 reviews11 followers
November 13, 2017
A wonderful, lighthearted falling-in-love story. One filled with strong, adventurous characters; a kick-ass woman and a caring but stubborn man. I don't do spoilers so you'll have to get this book to find out how and why they meet on a beautiful Fiji island, which includes a dangerous stalker and an old friend for our swashbuckling heroine and an Ill sister and bad memories for our hero. I recommend this book to all those readers who love a good romance with snarky women and drop dead gorgeous men.
Profile Image for Therese Scacchi.
88 reviews10 followers
October 10, 2017
WOW!!! Who wouldn’t want to have the ultimate job on a beautiful island in Figi? Rosa is asked by her best friend to come help her run her resort after she falls ill, she’s not prepared for her friends arrogant, hot, sexy brother Dalton. Dalton wants to sell the resort because of bad memories but he has to get through the mighty Rosa who has other ideas. This was a wonderful, hot love story between these two. No spoilers here, you will have to read this awesome read to find out what happens. This is another awesome read that will not leave you disappointed.
Profile Image for Jinx.
879 reviews
June 27, 2018
Rosa Carlton leaves Sydney to go help her friend Tiny at her hotel on an island in Fiji after Tiny has a stroke, when she arrives on Lantana island Rosa meets Tiny’s brother Dalton.

Dalton Knight isn’t what Rosa was expecting, she knew Tiny and her brother were close but she didn’t think he’d be on the island when she arrived, she soon finds out Tiny has suffered a lot from this stroke and needs a lot of help not just personally but with the resort as well. Due to Tiny’s condition Dalton wants to take her back to Sydney but Tiny doesn’t want to leave and enlists Rosa to help persuade her brother to let her stay on the island. But the more time Dalton and Rosa spend together the more the attraction grows between them, but their relationship is nipped in the bud before it takes off as Dalton is set to sell the island and move his sister back to Sydney leaving Rosa behind. Was their relationship meant to be? How can they be in separate cities but still want each other?

This story was ok. It took me days to complete which means I wasn’t all that into it. There was not a lot of chemistry between the two main characters, and I kept waiting for either of them to become more appealing but they didn’t ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
1,576 reviews10 followers
October 21, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Okay I have my passport and packing won't take long as I want to go to Fiji now after reading this first book of a series by Talia Hunter. Talia, who is a new author to me, writes with care and passion. She has created a realistic and good storyline with Rosa leaving Australia to go to help her from Tiny manage her holiday resort as she has suffered a stroke and can't manage on her own. Rosa has one very good reason for leaving Australia and that will become apparent as you read the story. Her first meeting on the island is with a handsome but forceful looking man holding a machete who turns out to be Tiny's brother, Dalton, who is her boss as of now. he wants his sister to get medical treatment in Sydney but Tiny is determined to stay on Lantern island and for it to flourish. I thought the characters of Dalton and Rosa were really good and they complemented one another. It was obvious from the start that they were very attracted to each other but he was able to rein it in at the beginning, but once they admit to their passion and lust for one another all bets are off and wow. Hot and steamy scenes that you will need to cool down! An excellent story that I really enjoyed and will be looking out for the rest of the series as well as other books by Talia.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
[[ASIN:1978320388 Boss With Benefits: Volume 1 (A Lantana Island Romance)]]
Profile Image for Jennifer.
932 reviews25 followers
October 23, 2017
When her dear friend Tiny Knight has a stroke she calls on Rosa Carlton to help her run her Fiji resort on Lantana Island. Dalton Knight mysteriously disappeared when Rosa was a child becoming the focus of legendary gossip only to reappear as arrogance personified and Rosa's new boss at the resort. When Dalton wants to sell the Island resort, against the wishes of his sister Tiny, he does not count on dealing with Tiny's fierce ally Rosa and the overwhelming attraction he has for her making his decisions not so cut and dry.

Boss With Benefits, the first book in Talia Hunter's new Lantana Island Romance series, will welcome readers with its charm, wit and caring. In her typical style this writer introduces characters that are interesting and more importantly that are emotionally accessible to her readers. Dalton and Rosa were open to reaching beyond their initial poor impressions allowing this pairing to develop a genuine like of each other even in the face of future obsitcales. The dialog between the leads was funny with a pinch of sexy but never lost the underlying seriousness of the events taking place. Ms. Hunter did a great job of using different layers of tension in this work from the concern over Tiny's health to the future of the resort to Rosa's stalker. Once again Talia Hunter hits mark with the right mix of misgivings, love and humor in Boss With Benefits!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
2,159 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2017
Rosa Carlton drops everything and moves to Lantana Island Resort to save the day when her friend and resort owner Tiny has a stroke but is informed by Tiny's gorgeous brother Dalton that they don't need her help. Dalton plans to sell and hand over the resort to the new owner in three weeks so he can get Tiny to Sydney for treatment. And as soon as the resort is sold, the curvy and beautiful Rosa will be on a plane home. Tiny tells Rosa that Dalton plans to sell the resort and asks her to change his mind by reminding him why he used to love the resort as a boy. Rosa can't let Tiny down in her time of need and starts the Dalton Project list of things he likes. When Rosa starts asking Dalton to join her in fun activities, he wonders if she's hitting on him ... not that he'd object if she was. Rosa and Dalton start hanging out and becoming close but what happens when Dalton finds her Dalton Project list with her name in the like column?

Talia Hunter delivers a fun, sweet and steamy story full of twists and turns that will suck you in

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Profile Image for kgagnon.
2,387 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2017
4.5 Sexy Captain Plunder Stars!
I loved this delightful and charming romance! Rosa came to a beautiful tropical island to help her best friend, Tiny, run her resort after she became ill. What she didn't realize is that her friend's sexy billionaire brother, Dalton, would be there as well. What he wants to do with the resort doesn't coincide with Tiny and Rosa's plans. So Tiny talks Rosa into making Dalton fall in love with the island again. Rosa has her own past that she is trying to find the strength to deal with. When Dalton sees her struggling he offers to help. The more time they spend together, the more they see that first impressions aren't always the best. But can they reconcile their different ideals? I really liked Rosa and Dalton, their banter was witty, they helped each other become stronger and their chemistry was off the charts. I loved the pirate references Rosa used as well, making this story lots of fun. This fast paced story is the perfect blend of humor, charm, emotion and steam. It captured my heart and had me totally engaged from start to finish. I definitely recommend this must read romance!
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
June 30, 2018
I really enjoyed Boss With Benefits. Rosa is a totally quirky character with many facets. She is also headstrong and fearless. Dalton is a complicated man who loves his sister and sees only one solution to help her-- even if it isn't what Tiny wants. He will do anything in his power to help those he cares for. Dalton is stubborn and wants to be in control of all aspects of his life. I understand his need for control since it is rooted in childhood trauma. There is definite chemistry between Rosa and Dalton!

I loved how Rosa took care of the problem she left behind in Sydney! She would have done anything to make sure her sister, Carin, was safe. Dalton and Tiny's solution to Tiny's problem was interesting. A neat way to work things out without extra added drama.

I wish there had been more details about Rosa's childhood to explain some of her behaviors. There was just a hint with no explanation. I also wish Tiny's stroke had been explained more fully. I know young people have strokes but it isn't a normal occurrence.

This was my first book by Talia Hunter. I definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
418 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2017
What always surprises me is how well Talia Hunter can elevate a writing trope. This story had depth and was a blast to read. Edited well, I was immediately drawn in to this beautiful story.

Characters were unique and I loved the names! Rosa, Dalton, Tiny and Mere. Rosa was a strong female looking to help an old friend, and at the same time escape a stalker. She's quirky. She wants to think of herself as strong, like a pirate. I adored her sense of humor. When she imagined Dalton as a pirate, I could see it. The descriptions of the characters and island made me swoon. I wanna go visit forever!

Do not assume this is your standard love story. Everything is better and stronger than what you've read before. Its like turning on the TV to watch a Lifetime movie and realizing it was really an Emmy award winning show. This is Talia Hunter's specialty. Making a unique and heartwarming story with characters you will want to get to know, from a romance trope that could have been forgettable in another author's hands. I can't wait for book two!!
Profile Image for Diana Reeves.
782 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2018
Sweet story

Rosa has had trouble from a stalker and she wants to get away from him. Rosa’s best friend Tiny owns a resort on a small island and has requested Rosa’s help. Tiny recently had a stroke so when Rosa was asked to come help Tiny, she quit her job and moved to the small island to help Tiny manage the resort.
A new job, a beautiful island and then Rosa meets Dalton who seems bitter, cold and a basic jerk but it turns out, he’s Tony’s brother and he’s hoping to sell the resort and take Tiny to a better place for therapy after her stroke.
Dalton has bad memories from living on the island most his life. It’s up to Rosa to change his view of the island so he won’t sell it. A passionate couple who are overwhelmed with want and need for each other but both have a stubborn streak and both want different things.
159 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2017
This turned out to be a rather enjoyable read once I got past the unlikable behaviour and decisions of the hero, Dalton, in the earlier part of the book. While I totally get that he was trying to do what he thought best for his sister, Tiny, it didn't make him less unlikable to me. In some ways I feel like a switch was flipped to enable Rosa and Dalton to become lovers, however since Dalton' s actions changed in the final few chapters, he did redeem himself
The author, Talia Hunter, did such a good job with Lantana that I want to visit it despite knowing it is a fictional resort.
I'm kind of hoping that Tiny and Zac get a book too
Profile Image for Rachel Smart.
603 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2017
Excellent book!!

This is a well written book with a strong heroine. Rosa Roughknuckles (as she named herself) is a determined and adventurous woman. She has left a stalker in Sydney but doesn't intend to let that change her into a shell of a woman. She goes to help her friend, Tiny by running her resort while Tiny recovers from a stroke. However when she meets Tiny's brother sparks really fly. Dalton is closed off, deciding to sell the resort to force his sister to move to Sydney for the treatment she needs.
This was another cute book by Me Hunter. So far I love all of her books. Enjoy!
Profile Image for BP34.
6,296 reviews46 followers
October 30, 2017
This book was so much fun to read and I found myself laughing a lot. Well written with likeable characters and a great storyline. It captured my attention at the beginning and had me page turning from there. The setting was at a resort in the beautiful Figi Islands. Rosa had gone there at the request of her friend Tina who needed help. She was met by a grumpy guy who told her that Tina would not be there as she was recovering from a medical emergency. The guy turned out to be Tina's brother who planned to sell the resort. Lots of drama, suspense and passion as the two buck heads. A great read. I received an arc and voluntarily chose to review this book.
84 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2017
Talia Hunter has out did herself with this awesome love story. Boss with benefits caught me right from the beginning and kept me hooked till the end. I loved the chemistry between Dalton and Rosa, proving that opposites do attract.

Rosa is on the island to help her friend Tiny run her resort while she suffers through her illness. In steps the brother Dalton and blows Rosa totally away.

Anyone looking for a good read should grab a copy of this book, I would highly reccommend it.
Talia Hunter well done on a awesome story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaylee.
90 reviews19 followers
November 2, 2017
Over all a quick happy read I would recommend with a touch of suspense and loads of sizzling desire.

Ms. Hunter’s characters; Rosa Carlton is a fierce, independent woman who left her home and went to Lantana Island Resort in Fiji. That’s where she met the devastatingly handsome and stubborn Dalton Knight.

Ms. Hunter made me fall in love with Fiji in all its glory: from the Fijian people, the sandy beaches, to the flowers, and even the sunsets.

I feel Talia Hunter is a talented author and her story Boss with Benefits is a delightful read with suspense and a burning desire that won’t be denied.
Profile Image for Julia.
18 reviews39 followers
October 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is story was a delightful read. The story line was well written and realistic. The characters were well written and relatable. The problem(s) they faced were realistic, and a person could easily relate. All in all, it is a beautiful falling in love story. Considering how the two first meet.

I recommend buying this story, asap. Especially If you enjoy strong women and stubborn but loving men, with bumps along the way to find their HEA.
Profile Image for Tuakana Toka.
365 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2018
An island romance?

Dalton and Rosa's story drew me in, especially Rosa's take charge attitude and compassionate nature. She's beautiful to Dalton's handsomeness, competitive to his protectiveness, swashbuckling wannabe to his plundering ways. Both care deeply for the health of an ailing sister and friend yet both have differing opinions on what is the right thing to do. Which one is right? Finding the right balance jeopardizes their fledgling relationship. An island romance with a tropical feel makes one crave the reality.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
October 28, 2017
A very well written story that is different and sensual. I like the chemistry and spectacular moments. It has a nice storyline and plot. It has got twists that are surprising and makes you want to read on and see what happens next.
I like the main characters and how they develop through the story. It has got passion, emotions, regrets, chemistry and lots of surprises in it. Really worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,803 reviews12 followers
October 23, 2017
This is such a fun book, I couldn’t put it down. The story is intriguing with great characters that had me wishing I were at the island resort while reading this book. I can’t wait read more from this author!

I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
1,124 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2019
NICE ROMANCE

A truly romantic story about two people who at first are antagonistic but end up struggling with their relationship. Interesting characters, an domineering brother, a sister who has suffered a stroke., and her close friend who comes to help. All these come together to create and entertaining story.
Profile Image for Renata Gill.
1,359 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2019
Pack your bags we are off to Lantana Island!!!!
This book is filled with entertaining characters and a story line that will have you hook3d from page one.
- Boss with Benefits is an enemies to lovers story between Rosa and Dalton. Rosa arrives on Lantana island to manage the resort but her new boss wants her gone... but Rosa isnt backing down and wont let Dalton run her off the island..
Profile Image for Christine.
10.7k reviews33 followers
October 26, 2017
Arc review For honest review. Rosa is Dalton sister best friend. Rosa and Dalton are there to help the sister after a health problems . This is a beautiful story of love , and learning to compromise.
Profile Image for bookworms.
265 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2018
This book wasn’t bad - it was a quick and simple read. The main characters were likable, and story was decent. It just didn’t have anything that pulled me in. Overall it was pretty banal and not captivating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.