What do you think?
Rate this book
Business or Pleasure #1
After Hours
Six foot two. Lips to die for. And boy, can the man fill out a suit. The gorgeous stranger sending Aysia Banks steamy looks from across the bar is the perfect way for her to take her mind off her high-stress job, and maybe even forget about her ex. An invitation to dance leads to a smoldering night, which turns into a weekend of uninhibited, toe-curling, blow-your-mind passion. Things are starting to look up for Aysia—until Monday morning . . .
Another city, another company to save. It’s nothing new to executive Marcelo Diaz, who’s used to calling the shots and getting what he wants. But what is different, is the vixen he spent the weekend rewriting the entire playbook with. But before Marc can take things any further he’s shocked by what he discovers . . .
Marc was hired to keep his employer’s reputation squeaky clean.
Part of Aysia’s job is to enforce her department’s strict no-dating rule.
And they work for the same company.
Now, with their red-hot connection doused by office policies and politics, Aysia and Marc try to put their fling behind them. It should be easy. But when a behind-the-scenes power play threatens their careers, they’ll have to bring their hearts to the table . . .
Another city, another company to save. It’s nothing new to executive Marcelo Diaz, who’s used to calling the shots and getting what he wants. But what is different, is the vixen he spent the weekend rewriting the entire playbook with. But before Marc can take things any further he’s shocked by what he discovers . . .
Marc was hired to keep his employer’s reputation squeaky clean.
Part of Aysia’s job is to enforce her department’s strict no-dating rule.
And they work for the same company.
Now, with their red-hot connection doused by office policies and politics, Aysia and Marc try to put their fling behind them. It should be easy. But when a behind-the-scenes power play threatens their careers, they’ll have to bring their hearts to the table . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 12, 2018
loved this story hope there is more to come
January 3, 2018
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book and I have to say that it was so much fun I plowed through the whole thing in just a few days of commuting to and from work. In fact, a couple of days during that week I was sad that my commute wasn't longer - and who ever wishes for that?!?
Things that I enjoyed most about After Hours were the humorous and believable rapport between the two main characters, the great balance between sex and plot line, and the relatability of the main character's drive and independence. While I don't usually enjoy books written from a dual narrator point of view, I found that the concentrated focus on Marcus and Aysia's perspectives worked well for this particular story.
If you're looking for a fun, steamy, romantic tale, I would highly recommend this read!
Things that I enjoyed most about After Hours were the humorous and believable rapport between the two main characters, the great balance between sex and plot line, and the relatability of the main character's drive and independence. While I don't usually enjoy books written from a dual narrator point of view, I found that the concentrated focus on Marcus and Aysia's perspectives worked well for this particular story.
If you're looking for a fun, steamy, romantic tale, I would highly recommend this read!
January 3, 2018
I received this as a Goodreads Giveaway and really enjoyed it. The characters were complicated enough to be interesting and quick witted enough to make them real. An office romance has its own problems and throw in a self absorbed ex to bring the drama over the top. I look forward to reading other books by Melinda Di Lorenzo.
December 31, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway and I greatly enjoyed it. It is an erotic romance and the sex was hot, but it also had humor, conflict, and even a small bit of suspense. The main characters were well-developed and I liked both of them. Marcelo is a strong man who is not afraid of a strong woman, but still struggles with trying to protect her, even when she doesn't need it. The best thing about him, though, is that he really does want to be a better man for her and that is clearly evident. Aysia was also well-written. Her motivations were explained well and, while sometimes frustrating, her actions were understandable.
My biggest issue with the book, other than it needs some editing (but it is an ARC, so hopefully that will be fixed in the released version), is that it feels very one dimensional. It is all Marc/Aysia all the time. It could easily have been another hundred pages, or more, and I especially would have liked more development of the supporting characters, like Liv and Mia, even more about Carl would have added depth. For what it is, though, I really liked it and would recommend it.
My biggest issue with the book, other than it needs some editing (but it is an ARC, so hopefully that will be fixed in the released version), is that it feels very one dimensional. It is all Marc/Aysia all the time. It could easily have been another hundred pages, or more, and I especially would have liked more development of the supporting characters, like Liv and Mia, even more about Carl would have added depth. For what it is, though, I really liked it and would recommend it.
December 31, 2017
This was a Goodreads Giveaway for an author new to me.
There were a few typos in the book here and there but otherwise it was an enjoyable read. The supporting characters were a little bit weak.
January 2, 2018
after hours is exactly the kind of workplace drama i adore. two strangers meet and have a steamy encounter. neither thinks that they’ll cross paths again. except they can’t stop thinking about each other. and then they realize that not only will their paths cross again, and on a daily basis, but also that their entire relationship is technically inappropriate given their respective roles at their company.
and still there’s this chemistry that won’t stop. but being together means that one of them has to give something up. and for most of us, even fictional characters, what we do is enmeshed with who we are. giving up your job for someone is almost always a guarantee for future unhappiness.
marc and aysia need to navigate these bumpy corporate waters, all while dodging her creepy ex-boyfriend and trying to keep their crazy sexy chemistry under wraps. i enjoyed every second of it.
**after hours will publish on january 2, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical caress) in exchange for my honest review.
and still there’s this chemistry that won’t stop. but being together means that one of them has to give something up. and for most of us, even fictional characters, what we do is enmeshed with who we are. giving up your job for someone is almost always a guarantee for future unhappiness.
marc and aysia need to navigate these bumpy corporate waters, all while dodging her creepy ex-boyfriend and trying to keep their crazy sexy chemistry under wraps. i enjoyed every second of it.
**after hours will publish on january 2, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical caress) in exchange for my honest review.
January 3, 2018
I received After Hours as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Brought in to protect the reputation of a friend's company in a pinch, Marc Diaz has no time for workplace games. An encounter with Aysia Banks at a bar one evening leads to a weekend of hot sex--seemingly the perfect way to blow off steam--until they discover that they are, in fact, co-workers. Trying to skirt the company's fraternization policy (developed by Aysia herself, as head of HR), the couple's reckless romance is thrown into chaos due to office rules and perhaps a vengeful ex. Can Marc and Aysia rewrite the rules--literally and figuratively--to get their happy ending?
This book is steamy--lots of sex on lots of pages. It's written well, but I feel like there may have been too much sex, or at least too high a proportion of it, as the time devoted to it seemed to come at the expense of actual character development. I get that Marc and Aysia had explosive physical chemistry, but I didn't necessarily buy that there was much more than that beneath the surface. If you're into the erotic romance genre, though, there's definitely plenty of it, even if there isn't a lot beyond.
Brought in to protect the reputation of a friend's company in a pinch, Marc Diaz has no time for workplace games. An encounter with Aysia Banks at a bar one evening leads to a weekend of hot sex--seemingly the perfect way to blow off steam--until they discover that they are, in fact, co-workers. Trying to skirt the company's fraternization policy (developed by Aysia herself, as head of HR), the couple's reckless romance is thrown into chaos due to office rules and perhaps a vengeful ex. Can Marc and Aysia rewrite the rules--literally and figuratively--to get their happy ending?
This book is steamy--lots of sex on lots of pages. It's written well, but I feel like there may have been too much sex, or at least too high a proportion of it, as the time devoted to it seemed to come at the expense of actual character development. I get that Marc and Aysia had explosive physical chemistry, but I didn't necessarily buy that there was much more than that beneath the surface. If you're into the erotic romance genre, though, there's definitely plenty of it, even if there isn't a lot beyond.
January 11, 2018
After Hours has a plot that I should not have liked. Relationships at work are never a good idea and I can't imagine myself being in such situation. Regardless, Melinda Di Lorenzo was able to engage me as a reader and make it believable.
Marc and Aysia are both rather uptight, but both can't keep their hands off each other. This story had a good mix of plot and steamy love scene to where one doesn't over power the other. Di Lorenzo packs a lot of story into this little book making it a fast and easy read.
Marc and Aysia are both rather uptight, but both can't keep their hands off each other. This story had a good mix of plot and steamy love scene to where one doesn't over power the other. Di Lorenzo packs a lot of story into this little book making it a fast and easy read.
January 15, 2018
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars, so we’re rounding up. This was a fun, very steamy, romance. Marc and Aysia get off to a smoldering start, going home together within minutes of meeting. The story is interesting and the couple is hot & heavy the whole time. I found myself rooting for them pretty quickly. And while the “mystery” isn’t hard to figure out, it’s an enjoyable read.
Fun and quick read, definitely not a clean romance. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. My opinions are my own.
Fun and quick read, definitely not a clean romance. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. My opinions are my own.
February 9, 2018
Workplace drama at its finest. This story went from a hot sexy weekend to a "Oh No" Monday for both Marc and Aysia. And when that chemistry won't stop, they both have to decide what it will do to them at work if anyone finds out. The story had tons of banter and LOL moments and with just enough sexiness not to be over done it was a great read.
September 8, 2020
Tall, dark, and handsome. The exquisite stranger sending Aysia looks from across the room is the excellent way for Aysia to take her mind off her high-stress job, and hopefully even forget about her ex. An invitation to dance leads to a mind blowing night, which turns into a weekend of uninhibited, toe-curling, passion. Things are starting to go her way —until Monday morning.
Marc was hired to keep the employer’s reputation squeaky clean through public relations. Aysia’s job is to enforce the employers’s strict no-dating rule in human resources. At an early Monday morning meeting they discovered they work for the same company.
Aysia and Marc try to put their fling behind them.
Marc was hired to keep the employer’s reputation squeaky clean through public relations. Aysia’s job is to enforce the employers’s strict no-dating rule in human resources. At an early Monday morning meeting they discovered they work for the same company.
Aysia and Marc try to put their fling behind them.
January 27, 2018
This is a fun interesting romance book with suspense.
I throughly enjoyed this book. Read it. I received a ARC.
I'm going to read more by this author.
I throughly enjoyed this book. Read it. I received a ARC.
I'm going to read more by this author.
February 24, 2018
Won this in a giveaway. This was a fun read. Really enjoyed it!
September 5, 2018
This was a quick hot read for me. There was a lot of sexual chemistry between them, and their story was fun to follow.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This was a nice story - predictable but good writing and a nice little romance to curl up with. The characters were good too.
January 30, 2018
Aysia Banks knew getting involved with a co-worker was a recipe for disaster, especially since there's a no fraternising policy within the company where she works. So, now she's single again, and determined to focus on her career. However, she never imagined meeting a man that could make her forget herself. Yet, when she discovers that they both work the same company, Aysia is determined to keep things strictly professional. But with someone determined to mess everything up for her, will she trust Marcelo 'Marc' Diaz -- the man she has such an intense connection with, or will she walk away from her chance at happy ever after because of the rules?
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Di Lorenzo, and I've got to say that I can't wait to read more of this series after finishing this book, as it was a captivating read with fantastic characters, riveting dialogue and a fast-paced storyline that had me hoping for the best for Aysia and Marc, as they have some tough obstacles to overcome. Will Aysia break the rules again because she and Marc are good together and he could be 'the one'?
The way this story started had me hooked from the very beginning, as Marc is determined to do a good job and isn't about to let anything interfere, which is proven by the way he learns who is good for the company and who isn't. Will he fire anyone? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time where this story gets very interesting, as Marc knows who Aysia is from something he recently found at work and he's determined to protect her. Will his plan to protect her backfire?
Both the main characters were fascinating, likeable and I enjoyed their interactions, as Marc was determined to win the heroine's heart, even though that isn't easy after she learns they work together. I also enjoyed their back stories, as Marc didn't have it easy after what happened with his dad, but at least the family had a loyal friend in the man he's come to work for. Moreover, the heroine was strong and brave in taking a chance on Marc, even though she's breaking the rules and could get herself in trouble due to what's happening that the hero is determined to protect her from. I also liked how important her job was to her and that she wasn't going to let anything stand in her way of getting ahead in her career. While the hero, he's confident, charming and I liked how determined he was to win Aysia's heart, because he knows Aysia is the woman for him. Really, nothing and no one will stand in his way. Certainly, not what someone is holding over him about Aysia.
Overall, Ms. Di Lorenzo has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance full of exquisite heat and passion; and the ending had me worried for this couple's happy ever after as Aysia feels betrayed, but had me liking how Marc makes things right with her. His words and actions certainly go a long way in making sure she understands that he would do anything for her because she's the woman he wants forever. I would recommend After Hours by Melinda Di Lorenzo, if you enjoy workplace romances or books by authors Vicki Tharp, Laura Carter, Abigail Strom and Virginia Taylor.
January 13, 2018
Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Due to a hectic schedule, I am just getting around to writing my review now.
As you can guess by the story synopsis, the story starts out as a one night stand, so you know there is going to be some sexy scenes. In fact, reading this on my kindle, I was at 33% completed by the time said one night stand was completed and the rest of the storyline began. So those who like their stories on the cleaner side may want to avoid this one. On the other hand, those who like their reads steamy, this would be a good choice.
While the attraction between Marc and Aysia is evident from the get go, it was perhaps too evident. I did struggle with the fact that their physical attraction seemed to override all other priorities such as work and family. Neither of these places/people were off limits when it came to succumbing to their physical needs. While I appreciate a strong physical attraction, I do also recognize the fact that there are boundaries that should perhaps not be crossed.
That aside this was a pretty enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and it was easy to read. A good choice for fans of steamy fiction
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Due to a hectic schedule, I am just getting around to writing my review now.
As you can guess by the story synopsis, the story starts out as a one night stand, so you know there is going to be some sexy scenes. In fact, reading this on my kindle, I was at 33% completed by the time said one night stand was completed and the rest of the storyline began. So those who like their stories on the cleaner side may want to avoid this one. On the other hand, those who like their reads steamy, this would be a good choice.
While the attraction between Marc and Aysia is evident from the get go, it was perhaps too evident. I did struggle with the fact that their physical attraction seemed to override all other priorities such as work and family. Neither of these places/people were off limits when it came to succumbing to their physical needs. While I appreciate a strong physical attraction, I do also recognize the fact that there are boundaries that should perhaps not be crossed.
That aside this was a pretty enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and it was easy to read. A good choice for fans of steamy fiction
January 9, 2018
Aysia had a very stressful job and needed to relax and work off some of her stress. Aysia meets Marcelo/Marc and they spend a very heated sexual weekend together. Then Aysia was gone and Marc had no way to get a hold of her and Marc is used to getting what he wants. . Aysia and marc do not think they will ever see each other again even though they keep thinking about each other and the time they had together. Then Aysia and Marc find out they work at the same place and will see each other every day. Also the department Aysia works in it is part of her job to enforce the no romantic/sexsual relationship with a coworker policy. Marc is to keep his employer’s reputation spotless. Now Aysia and marc have to try to hide their burning chemistry or lose their jobs. Also Aysia’s crazy ex doesn’t want to leave her alone. Asia and Marc don’t know what to do as they both still want each other.
This story had me right from the beginning and kept me until the end. I loved the pace and plot. I loved marc and Aysia together . I did chuckle at times while reading this. I love Aysia’s drive and independence. Aysia and Marc had a very HOT connection. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
This story had me right from the beginning and kept me until the end. I loved the pace and plot. I loved marc and Aysia together . I did chuckle at times while reading this. I love Aysia’s drive and independence. Aysia and Marc had a very HOT connection. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
January 29, 2018
This is a well-written office romance. The author gives equal attention to the work drama, the developing relationship between the main characters, and to the plot line. I got sucked into the story, and found it very hard to put down.
The story flowed well, as did the dialogue, which was equal parts hot and entertaining. You won't be disappointed at all. I'm eagerly awaiting "Until Dawn".
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, which I received from NetGalley.
The story flowed well, as did the dialogue, which was equal parts hot and entertaining. You won't be disappointed at all. I'm eagerly awaiting "Until Dawn".
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, which I received from NetGalley.
February 20, 2018
This was a really good workplace romance with plenty of drama this is a well-written story that will draw you in and keep you reading until the very end.Aysia and Marc were really great characters and totally hot together it was a terrific read that had me laughing out loud at time looking forward to the next book
December 15, 2017
Melinda is one of my favorite authors when it comes to dialog between the characters. She is smart, witty and has just enough sass to make you love the leads and feel like you are right there with them. So excited I got a chance to read this early and I’m already anxiously awaiting her next book.
January 3, 2018
Book grabbed me right from page two and kept me reading until well after midnight. Super high heat infused with some light hearted rumour. Always a fan of Melinda's books but this one is definitely in my top three.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews