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Soulmates #8

Undercover Boss

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When Alex Becker goes undercover to save his business, love is the last thing on his mind, but the sparks that fly with his new "boss" force him to question whether bachelorhood is really all it's cracked up to be... Gemma hasn't had it easy. Not that she's ever been one to complain.

Burned by the people she trusted most, she hid for years behind a self-made suit of physical armor, a pretty smile, and a selfless demeanor.

But no more.

She's risen from the ashes and is committed to putting herself first from now on.

No matter what.

And no handsome face is going to change that.

Even if it belongs to the first guy who ever made her blush.

But she has no idea who she's dealing with, and this time around, Alex is determined to give her a lot more than a few butterflies.

*Warning: this standalone new adult romance may cause weak knees and heart palpitations.*

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2018

271 people are currently reading
327 people want to read

About the author

Hazel Kelly

57 books811 followers
Hazel Kelly is an Amazon bestselling author who writes sweet and steamy romance that will make you smile all over.

When she's not traveling the globe in search of cozy hammocks to write in, she enjoys tackling her tbr list with a nice big glass of anything will do. She lives in Dublin with her favorite Irishman and their three-legged cat.

For updates (and warm fuzzies!) follow Hazel on:
Instagram➜ www.instagram.com/hazelkellyauthor
And join her Inner Circle @ ➜ www.hazelkelly.com/innercircle

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5 stars
183 (47%)
4 stars
114 (29%)
3 stars
66 (17%)
2 stars
17 (4%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Shaelyn.
59 reviews
June 18, 2018
Boring

I couldn’t read the whole book because it was that bad! I couldn’t connect with the characters and I really tried 🤦🏻‍♀️!!!
Profile Image for Paula.
448 reviews110 followers
July 7, 2019
I think is a ME thing.
Profile Image for Dawn West.
538 reviews43 followers
April 1, 2018

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**

Love is sweeter the second time around...



Alex is in a bit of a pickle. He is at a crossroads with the gym franchise that he had built from the ground up. Unsure if he wants to sell, he's talked into going undercover at one of his gyms. That's where he runs into the one girl from his past who just might be the only person in the world who understands him. And he's determined to finally make her his.

When a blast from the past walks into Gemma's life, she isn't sure whether to rejoice or run. Since she's just gotten out of a very bad relationship, the love of her job is all she really has left. And fraternizing at work puts that in danger, even if she doesn't know Alex is actually her boss and not just a new co-worker. But when the sparks start to fly, can she keep hold of both her job and her heart?

This appears to be the last book of this series, and what a wild series it really was. We had books with second chances and some with forbidden love. I've had my favorites, but every single one offered something new to the series and a completely different set of easily lovable characters. While I'm sad to see there may not be another installment for this series, I just know there is more to come from this author and I'm already anxious to get my hands on it!

I think that this particular story went deeper than some of the others because we deal with some more serious themes in the book. We have a woman with self-esteem issues and an abusive ex. And we have a man whose mother is sick and running out of time. He faces the reality of a future without her soon and it's affecting every part of his life. These two reconnect with each other just when they need someone to lean on. It's really sweet.

But don't think that just because it's a sweet story that it's tame. No, this might be the dirtiest and most delicious of all the books in this series. I was very pleasantly surprised by the new and steamy (quite literally!) ways our couple got it on. In a way, this book takes the series out with a bang and it's a fun ride. One that is on my re-read list for sure.

In closing...
I continue to be impressed by this author and her creative storytelling. Five suns!

Full review on blog: https://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/review-undercover-boss-by-hazel-kelly.html
Profile Image for Jill  Kirtley.
1,488 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2018
Alex has lost his drive when it comes to his business. Gemma has it in spades! Undercover Boss is a story of friendship and love, with steamy hot sex thrown in. The storyline is fresh with heart warming flashbacks. Alex and Gemma are great characters who haven't escaped life's trials, but when the childhood friends meet again everything changes. Hazel Kelly never disappoints! You won't want to miss this absolute must read. I received an advanced reader copy.
425 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2019
Wasn’t a huge fan of this one... can’t put my finger on what exactly about it bothered me, but the female lead was a bit weak... I didn’t really feel their chemistry... the flashbacks weren’t really necessary... and the whole resolution with her crazy ex was anticlimactic. This was just “mehh” for me.
Profile Image for READ ME ROMANCE.
617 reviews164 followers
March 4, 2018
One of my favorite genres to read is friends to lovers and that is what this book is about…two awkward pre-teens, Gemma and Alex, who met at camp and befriended one another. Alex was even a hero back then as he saw only the good in Gemma and stood up for her on multiple occasions when she was bullied. They enjoyed each other’s company and shared their first kiss camp (even back then Alex was sweet and swoon-worthy).

As the title of this book suggest, Alex goes undercover at the Fitness Center he owns and the two reconnect after many years. I don’t want to write any spoilers because to me reading about their journey, and how their relationship develops is all part of the fun. In order for me to give a five star review, I need to admire the hero and the heroine and I did in this book. Although Gemma has some self-esteem issues stemming from her younger years, and was in an unhealthy relationship prior to reconnecting with Alex, I found her to be sensitive, sexy, kind, smart, and strong. She had a great business sense and I admire how she handled herself in almost every situation.

I really loved Alex and thought he too was sweet, smart, and sexy. Even though he withheld his identity from her for the sake of improving his business, he knew how to apologize and make things right. I loved his relationship with his mom and how he cared for his employees in the end. Alex always made Gemma feel special and beautiful, and I am glad she finally saw it in herself, too, even though she was a bit stubborn at times. I liked that they both weren’t perfect and that they supported each other, and how there were flashbacks dedicated to them when they were younger at camp. It made you feel that they really were soulmates.

Their mutual love and respect for each other was evident throughout the book, and finishes with a very happy ending! I have read other books which I enjoyed in the Soulmates series by Hazel Kelly and recommend them all, including Undercover Boss! They are very well written and don't leave any lingering questions when you finish.

I did receive and ARC of this book for my honest review.
27 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2018
The Soulmate Series is my favorite Hazel Kelly series. Each book is a standalone romance, each story unique.

Gemma is a survivor. Her mum left at a young age, she just got out of an abusive relationship, and her boss gave everyone a hard time. She struggles with her own body-image insecurities, having been chubby most of her life and her ex not letting her forget, using choice words. Alex is about to make a decision to keep or sell his business and as a last-ditch effort, became an undercover boss to observe what works and what doesn't. As fate would have it, he meets Gemma in the gym where he went undercover. It isn't their first meeting, they both went to the same camp at age fourteen and were close.

This story was told from both Alex's and Gemma's POV, with flashbacks to their childhood. I am partial to friends to lovers stories and Hazel does a great job with these. The chemistry between the Alex and Gemma since they were in their teens was unmistakable. Even then, they looked out for each other. Despite the short period together, they understood each other at a deeper level and became fast friends until one summer where Alex failed to show up. Several years have passed and the ugly ducklings transformed into swans. Hazel writes about relatable characters and emotions that real people feel. Some parts of the books held pages on Gemma's thoughts alone as well as her internal arguments with herself. Ordinarily, I skip pages when there's not much dialogue, but in this case, I immerse myself in her internal dialogue - did not want to miss a thing. Hazel writes stories that are thought-provoking and unpredictable. The characters are intelligent and sassy and I wish I could be as witty with comebacks as these two are.

I really enjoyed reading this story that had all the feels but wasn't sappy. The ending made me smile a lot because it was a lot more than I had hoped for.
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
March 10, 2018
This book is so different from all of the others that are in this series but without a doubt Hazel Kelly has done another amazing job. I seriously love this series and with each book I see Hazel's passion for writing just shine through even more. Every book of Hazel's that I've read I have fallen in love with and always love reading what she has managed to come up with in her mind. This story was just amazing as always, if you've not picked up this series then I suggest you do as it's honestly awesome.

Gemma has never really believed in herself when it comes to how she looks, she has always had people judge her for the way she looks which is why when she got older she found her passion in working at the gym. She hasn't had the best luck when it comes to guys hence at the minute she is trying to do all that she can to avoid her ex-boyfriend. However, when a familiar face from years ago pops up on the scene little does she realise how much he's grown up.
Alex feels like he has no reason to keep his gym business as he's just not that into it anymore, so as a last resort his best friend talks him into going undercover at one of his branches to see if there's a way to turn things around and also to help Alex make his decision about keeping the business. The last person he expected to see there was someone from his past but will her being there make them be as close as ever or will things be different and lot awkward considering they haven't spoken or seen each other in years.
Profile Image for emily.
111 reviews19 followers
May 22, 2018
What you're boss can do for you. Gateau anyone☺😉

Alex is in turmoil. Does he sell his chain of gyms or mot. He is talked into going undercover to see if it's what he truly wants. He arrived at work to find a old friend who is the real one running the gym. Gemma learns from her manager a 🚺who really doesn't care a new employee has arrived. When she meets Alex it's clear that he knows a lot more than he lets on. He encourages Gemma and harvests what is happening behind the scenes. Alex 👀for himself what Mary is like 👍. When she sacks Gemma Alex has her fired. Gemma has her promotion which she deserves.
As for her relationship with Alex it was going well until he got arrested for beating up her ex partner. Gemma has issues with trust because of the past, and when Alex says he was the boss Gemma classes that as a betrayal of trust and is furious. Following this Gemma has her 💡throughout the company. Can Gemma forgive Alex for lies he said. Save the relationship with Alex, her job and company along with living happily ever after, with her soulmate. Marry the man of her dreams.Can Alex and Gemma have enough gateau.😉 ☺
Profile Image for Natasha.
Author 11 books39 followers
July 20, 2019
3 generous stars

I’m a huge fan of the CBS series “Undercover Boss,” so when I saw this title on an office romance, I bumped it to the top of my TBR pile.

The premise was great. The CEO of a string of gyms goes undercover as an ordinary worker at his highest rated gym in order to see if he can come up with ideas to improve the business. On his first day as a regular Joe, a childhood friend (who lost touch with him years ago and doesn’t know he’s the CEO) is assigned the task of training him.

They’re attracted to each other. He used to be the skinny boy from summer camp. Now he’s the muscular hunk with a six-pack. She used to be the fat girl he shared his secret stash of peanut butter with. Now she’s svelte and turning heads. Also, she has an unlikable ex who’s verbally abusive, so she’s crashing at a friend’s home.

The story just didn’t work for me. I liked the premise, but the style of story telling didn’t speak to me. I found it sort of boring and slow. Others may enjoy it more than I did.
Profile Image for Bruna Moraes.
38 reviews
April 26, 2020
This was the third Hazel Kelly book I've read. And I have to say this is my favorite one yet.
Both "My best friend's brother" and "Roommates" were simple and kind of flat romances with no plot twists or consistent conflicts. However, I felt these problems had been dramatically changed in the eighth installment of these series. "Undercover Boss" had a solid plot with consistent characters, and conflicts easier to resonate with. I truly cared about the story, which doesn't mean there weren't moments that I didn't want to slap one of the main characters. Still, their reasons were well developed enough so I could respect their choices.
In other words, although I have a huge gap of unread books between the second and the eighth of these series, it looked like Hazel Kelly had considerably improved her storytelling over the years. For that alone, I congratulate her. It was incredibly gratifying to see how an author could grow with time.
Profile Image for Kelsey Pierce.
4 reviews
March 4, 2018
Gemma has lived a life of self-doubt, lacking the confidence and recognition she deserves. Her world gets flipped upside down when Alex starts working at the gym she manages. Little does she know, Alex will be the one to prove to her that love can help us overcome the worst of life.

Hazel works so hard, and is successful might I add, to create worlds that are realistic and heartfelt. I cried at, I laughed at, and I loved this book. If you are looking for something that will tug at your heartstrings, Undercover Boss it is!
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,195 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2018
I was given this book for an honest review!
Loved it! Really, really loved it! It as great to see how the story unfolded.
Gemma work at the gym, Pump, she is the under boss who does all the work because Mary can't , as her heart is in her job. Alex is a new employee, who has changed location, or so everyone believes. Turn out the Gemma & Alex have a past from summer camp years go when they were different people. Alex is undercover, to work out why he has lost interest in the gym he owns. This book is all bout their past , present & future!
Profile Image for Jo Smith.
695 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable romance romp

This is a great story. Undercover Boss - it reads as stated in the title. The boss of a gym goes undercover and meets his childhood summer camp buddy. They were one another’s first kiss & first love friend. There are obstacles between them and Hazel deals with these plot twists brilliantly, as a reader you are never quite sure which way the story will turn - which is thrilling. Both lead characters have been damaged by parents and then bullied through society’s expectation of image and success. I literally read this in two sittings.
Profile Image for Emma Roberts.
1,007 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2018
Wow...... I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and I couldn’t put it down. I received it this morning and have just finished. Loved it..... Alex and Gemma’s story and what a lovely story it was. They both have their problems to work through and hope they can come out the other side together?!?! Brilliant and highly recommended
Do love all the books by Hazel Kelly and this one was just as fabulous 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
March 3, 2018
UNDERCOVER  BOSS

I loved this book. The storyline was sweet and exciting, but with a touch of emotion and romance. It moved at a good pace and flowed smoothly. I also loved Alex and Gemma, who were both warm and interesting characters. This book just had a feel-good feeling about it and I just loved everything about it. A copy was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book with my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Heidi Petersen.
334 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

Gemma is currently living with a friend after escaping from a bad relationship. She works the front of house at a gym and really enjoys her job despite her immediate boss.
Alex is transferring to a new job at the local gym. What people don't know is he's hiding something. He's not happy about lying which gets worse when he she's a face from his past.
Profile Image for Nyx D..
199 reviews
March 7, 2018
Alex & Gemma ♡
Alex & Gemma save each other as teens at summer camp, as only your first crush can. Years later they meet again as adults, unexpectedly, while Alex is undercover at one of his gym's, he's there to discover what might be wrong with his businesses. Past intrigues and old ghosts can't stop the flirty sparks that ignite into full blown passion. A really fun friends to more story, love Alex & Gemma together.
Received as a non incentivized ARC, voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Colleen.
240 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2018
Just the right amount.

This story has all the rights.
Just the right amount of intrigue and angst.
Just the right amount of laughter and tears.
Henna and Alex were meant to be even when they didn't know it. Because like all lovers who are friends first, they supported each other when they were young and just learning life.
I truly enjoyed this book. I will definitely look for more by this Author.
Profile Image for annash.
209 reviews
May 5, 2018
Soulmates Reunited at Work

I’ve loved Hazel Kelly’s Soulmate Series books. Gemma and Alex both meet as children during summer camp and bond over being the kids picked on by others. They lose touch and fate has them meeting as adults when Alex mimics the tv show Undercover Boss when he agrees to go work at one of his fitness clubs before he agrees to sell it. Alex and Gemma reconnect although they have past relationship and life issues to overcome to reach their HEA.
Author 3 books3 followers
March 4, 2019
Not what I expected

I wasn’t expecting such a different type of boss and employee story. It was a breath of fresh air. Hazel Kelly has made a fan of me, and i’m looking forward to digging into even more of her work now that the soulmates series is under my belt. I love the dialogue and emotional connection she is able to take seamlessly from the page into my heart and head. I always feel happier after reading one of her stories.
34 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2018
I have yet to read a book by Ms. Kelly that I haven’t absolutely loved. Relevant story lines that make you laugh and pull at your heartstrings... Undercover Boss is no different. Definitely on my recommend to read list. You can’t help but fall in love and root for Gemma and Alex!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
182 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2018
Omg, Undercover Boss is the perfect 2nd chances book!
I connected with every flashback taking you to a time when we are all most impressionable, vulnerable, naive, honest and the lasting affect those who touch our lives at a young age leave even years later when your estranged.
Hazel has been one of my favorite authors for some time, and this may just be my all time favorites thus far.
Profile Image for Lalia.
26 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2018
I received an ARC and am voluntarily giving a review.
Absolutely loved the story of Gemma and Alex. Chemistry between them two is unbelievable and I love how after spending time as awkward teenagers they find each other again once grown up and professionally successful.
Hazel Kelly once again didn’t disappoint her readers.
Profile Image for Sarah Gupta.
1,138 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2018
I read the whole soulmate series and loved them all. I always wonder if the next one can do better than the last and it always surprises me when it does.

I loved Alex and Gemma. Built a friendship when younger and then meet again. I loved how they both had strength and a bond.

I will be reading this book again! It was a quick and addicted read as always from hazel books.
Profile Image for koy saephanh.
29 reviews
March 7, 2018
Meeting again for the first time in years

Going undercover is hard work, but going undercover and meeting someone whom you have not seen since camp when you were younger, is harder. So what happens when two old friends meet up? Things heat up with Gemma and Alex. Feelings and sense of responsibility are overwhelming. Find out what happens when you read this book!
Profile Image for Patty Vowell.
72 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2018
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review for it. This was the last book in “The SoulMate Series” which was another Series written by Hazel Kelly that I absolutely loved! This book is for anyone who remembers their first kiss and how important that person had made them feel.
110 reviews
March 4, 2018
What can i say? I'm a girl in love with the idea of love.
I loved it.
Gemma and Alex are just so cute... Both insecure but stubborn.
My Fav quote "Every time i tried that ring on, i said yes to you with all my heart."
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2018
Wow, an amazing book! Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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