Love Rehired: A Modern Story About Another Chance at Love

Haven #1

by Beth Gildersleeve

She color-codes his life. He's messing up her plans. Office protocol never counted on chemistry.

Emily Potter is done being everyone's yes-woman. After burning out at Hart Hospitality, she vowed to put herself first. And now she's back with ironclad boundaries—but her heart races every time CEO Jackson Wyatt looks her way.

Jackson may run a multi-million-dollar hotel chain, but he's lost without Emily. When his scheming grandmother forces them together, he discovers his perfectly organized assistant is perfectly irresistible. Instead of confessing his feelings, he plays matchmaker—anything to keep her close, even if it means pushing her toward another man.

As a hostile takeover threatens Hart Hospitality, Emily and Jackson must choose: maintain their safe distance, or cross a line that could cost them everything.

Love Rehired is the first closed door, standalone romance in the Haven series, perfect for readers who crave bubbly chemistry, small-town charm, and interfering (but well intentioned) friends. This office romance is a lighthearted story about finding the courage to break the rules for love.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2018

Reviews

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily and Jackson … a sweet, clean love story.

Jackson's a stubborn and possessive CEO of the Hart Hotel Company. . Emily’s his naïve Administrative Assistant, who had an epiphany during her psychiatric hiatus from his company.. She was rehired a year later by the company matriarch and honestly, I’m not sure... to me it felt like they were both pushing away the inevitable for way too long…. I found the story OK, a bit slow paced, and drawn out. After about 80 pages in and it started to pick up some, just not enough for me, I'm sorry.

I won a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[B. D. Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for publishing a review. I must also disclose my personal bias in favor of protagonists who have high moral standards and writing that is free of vulgarity. I was a bit disappointed with the few vulgar passages as well as the inference that the protagonists were willing to have relations outside of wedlock. Although this was a turn off for me, I recognize that I am part of a dwindling minority today. That said, I was very impressed with the lack of editing errors. I am appreciative of authors who show such respect for their readers. I enjoyed getting to know Emily and Jackson as honorable, yet flawed, true-to-life protagonists. I would have liked a little faster pace to the story and a little more I-can’t-wait-to-see-what-happens-next. It appears that Ms. Gildersleeve is an emerging author with this being the beginning of her first series. There is a lot of competition out there, but I believe she is up to the challenge. This offering is far superior to books written by many established authors.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the Haven Series. This story is an sweet romantic comedy office romance with love and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read & I'd like to read more of the series. It is book 1 in the Haven Book Series but is a standalone. It's the author's debut. The synopsis lets you know what to expect, but be aware that Emily had an ED & it's mentioned. It's a decent second chance dual pov workplace romance.

After quitting a year ago, Emily is back to work as Jackson's assistant thinking that this time she will set boundaries & stick with them. Because of her feelings for Jackson & her need to prove herself, in the past, she found herself taking on more than she should've & dealt with it in a negative way. Once she returns, Jackson is there to remind her not to fall in the mistakes of her past. However, being near Jason isn't as easy as she thought it would be so she decides to start dating to help her keep things professional between them. While I liked that she wasn't going to let herself fall in the errors of her past, I didn't like that there were a couple of times when she was unfairly blaming Jackson for things that he wasn't aware of.

As CEO of his family's company that he really wasn't planning on leading as early as he had to, Jackson strives for perfection at his job & overworks more often than not. While he doesn't intend to be a difficult boss, he can be intense with the people who work closely with him. After Emily returns, he knows that he can't lose her as his assistant & as his friend. So, he tries to enforce the agreed upon conditions that came with her return while wanting the friendship they had before to return as well. When Emily begins to date, although he is jealous & is very obvious about it, he doesn't plan to act on his feelings until he is sure of hers & his future with his company. Jackson said a couple of things that he shouldn't have & didn't really apologize for them so you won't like him at times.

The romance is a slow burn, though they do have their charged moments especially as she begins dating. The story itself is also slow & dragging at times. Emily dating creates conflict & I wasn't too fond of reading her dating others even if the dates went nowhere. I had a feeling that Jackson's friends planned to ask her out but I wasn't a fan of her going on dates with them & even kissing one of them. I did like the side characters & would like to read their stories as well. So, while this story could've been better, it's a decent debut making me not opposed to continuing the series.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty Please, with Sugar on Top… Give Me a Romantic Growth Arc!

This is a sweet little romance I wanted to like unreservedly. Unfortunately, the author left out too many parts of the story. She starts with a great scene where the unappreciated workaholic heroine quits her job because her boss isn't willing to give an inch when he has taken advantage of her workaholic nature. The story resumes one year later in the first chapter when the heroine is rehired by the firm's board, not her old boss, so it comes as a great surprise to him when she's the one who shows up. What I didn't like is how much was simply told in those first couple of chapters. For a book to feel satisfying, the story really needs to be shown. In that very first chapter after the prologue we're simply told how much they have fallen for each other. Really? After what we had just seen in the prologue, this seems unlikely. The author should have shown somewhere a budding or developing relationship, how their feelings had grown, how that affected their working relationship, etc. It shouldn't just be: boom, we have deep and abiding affection for each other and are insanely attracted to each other, but we're not going to deal with it, and will instead just try to soldier on. Yawn, not interesting. I'm not sure where this all started in contemporary romance, making every story instalove or instalust. Pretty please, give me a story I can sink into and savor as I follow and enjoy the romantic growth arc. Sadly, that did not happen here.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Bookjunkie_Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I have finally finished this book!lol

I received this ebook for free in exchange for a honest review... so here it goes...

The concept isn't entirely new but it does hold its own uniqueness... but I must say that I found the story a little bit boring, I'm sorry. It was just too slow-paced for my liking... If you've read my past reviews, I dont like fast-paced either... Just the normal, realistic pacing... and this one... well it took a handful of chapters before there was a progress between the main lovebirds.

I mean, Jackson's a CEO... we all know CEO's are stubborn, possessive know-it-alls... and I get that Emily had an epiphany during her psychiatric hiatus from the company, to become this bold and confident woman... but... I dont know... to me it felt like they were both beating around the bush... the push and pull was cute at first... but after sometime it became quite exasperating.... and the ending? Wasn't very realistic... I'm a romantic sap by heart—a huge, cheesy romantic sap but it just doesn't really happen that way even if they have known eachother for a long time. I dont know... I'm sorry... I love all the romantic parts and the funny dates but all in all, it kinda felt short... I lost my excitement somewhere around the middle and had to re-read the whole thing again...

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily left Hart Hotels because she was overwhelmed and had given too much of herself to the company and her boss. She was coaxed back into the job by the matriarch of the company and the Hart family, with the proviso that she had strict limits on her time, was able to take real lunch breaks and have the ability to work on her healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, she is deeply attracted to her boss, Jackson and he is also very much interested in her. They try to redevelop a friendship, but it is complicated by their feelings.
In addition to the everyday stress of working for the company CEO, Emily discovers that a take-over may be in the works. She struggles with her attraction to the boss and all the new pressures that her job is putting on her.
I enjoyed the book. It was is a well written story that is realistic. I do recommend the book with no reservations. It’s absolutely a good read and a clean love story. I was provided with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part I enjoyed this book. There was some innuendo and a smattering of language that wasn't to my taste. The story was about Emily who was Jackson Hart Wyatt's assistant. He depended on her for everything. She worked late and early and on weekends. She gave it her all but when her health was threatened and he refused to give her the time off she requested, she quit.

Now it is a year and a half later and she is back, hired by Jackson's grandmother and the board of directors. She has certain demands about not working through lunches or working past regular hours. Jackson is just so happy she is back, he is willing to agree to any demands. As they begin to spend more time together again, their feelings of love begin to surface but they are both scared of failure and the what ifs of whether or not the other person feels the same way.

I won't give away the ending but suffice it to say there is a happy ending.

[Alison McBain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Potter is done with working too many hours at her job and never being appreciated by her handsome boss Jackson Wyatt. When she asks for time off and Jackson tells her no, she stands up for herself and tells him enough is enough. She quits.

A year later, Jackson is drowning at work. Every assistant since Emily has been a disaster. So, when his grandmother arrives at the family business and tells him the board has hired him a new assistant, he’s willing to try anything in order to get his job back on track. The only problem is his new assistant isn’t new… Emily has returned. And his feelings for her aren’t new either…

This was a fun read, with the usual “Will they? Won’t they?” back and forth chemistry between the two main characters. Good voice to the narrative, with a healthy dose of humor and a good cast of characters, this is a page turner. Would definitely recommend to fans of contemporary romance!

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Updated 03152023: Still the same good story but without the redundancies. 4*

Love Rehired - This is my first book by this author and I found it OK. There's a lot of redundancy which made the story drawn out and boring. It happens; she goes over in her head; she tells her gang; and then there's his POV. I could have skipped every other chapter and not missed anything. I kept putting the book down and finding other things to do.

The various characters are likable, predictable and actually do well. It is well written and well edited (Internet is upper case) and has touches of humor. If the author can keep from repeating herself so much, she should have some good stories to tell in the future.

Thanks so much the editing, it's appreciated. I contacted Ms. Glidersleeve to review her book. 3*

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Rehired - This is my first book by this author and I found it OK. There's a lot of redundancy which made the story drawn out and boring. It happens; she goes over in her head; she tells her gang; and then there's his POV. I could have skipped every other chapter and not missed anything. I kept putting the book down and finding other things to do.

The various characters are likable, predictable and actually do well. It is well written and well edited (Internet is upper case) and has touches of humor. If the author can keep from repeating herself so much, she should have some good stories to tell in the future.

Thanks so much the editing, it's appreciated. I contacted Ms. Glidersleeve to review her book. 3*

[Denise Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily has quit her job at Hart Hospitality due to over work and being in love with her boss.
Jackson has been thru multi PA since she left and currently is searching to hire again. His grandmother comes in and says she has hired his PA and that the PA will report directly to her and not him. She will only work 8:30 to 5:00 with a 30 minutes lunch each day. Emily has agreed to come back to work at Hart. She has learned to set boundaries and will not let him take advantage of her this time. Emily is looking for a husband and starts dating Jackson's friends; he is not happy with the dating. Can Jackson and Emily finally realize they are made for each other.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads title through Amazon. I've gotten some fairly good material from them, but this novel feels to me like it needs two or three more rounds of editing. There isn't any real narrative tension here; we know right from the opening pages that the protagonists love each other and that what holds them apart are some very flimsy circumstances. The tension needs to be ratcheted up quite a bit for this to be a plot that stands out at all in the current ocean of plots like it. I would have liked to see more done with the eating disorders theme, but it kept getting pushed to the side.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about a workplace, and dynamics between the boss and the assistant. What makes it unusual is, we learn about personal problems the assistant was going through, and her willingness to try the job again, a year later.
This time the counseling and lifestyles she has adopted make coping at work easier. She soon discovers some new feeling she has to learn to cope with...or does she?
Interesting characters who work behind the scenes to make this a fun story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Delacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this novel. The main characters were likable, and I liked how it addressed the issue of work place stress and to get help when you need it. The plot while pretty good, was slow in some areas and there was a little more inner dialogue then I care for. The ending was very sweet. Overall, a good clean story with some mild cursing. *I received an ARC of this story and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly imperfect characters

I found this story funny, exciting, touching, and in some ways, a little heartbreaking. All of the characters are a little flawed, trying to learn from their mistakes, grow more themselves, and become a bit better than they were yesterday. The dialogue is relatable and very human. All in all, this book is an excellent series starter.

I received an ARC copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Katie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! I can't wait for book 2 ;) I was instantly enraptured with Emily's story and so glad she got rehired! Jackson needed a little help and his grandma knew just what to do. You will fall in love with this town and it's very addictive characters. Thank you so much Beth for sharing this with me! I received this ARC for an honest review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read written by Beth Gildersleeve; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Haven Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Emily & Jackson.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance that will keep you turning the pages. It's well written and full of wonderful characters, laughter, love and heart. This is a great book with a different story line. Can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story of two workaholics, a boss and his assistant, who are attracted to each other but don't want to destroy their working relationship. Although the story is predictable, it's fun. I appreciate that there's no explicit sex, but there is some profanity and sexual innuendo.

[Janna Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I received a copy of this book free with the promise that I would leave a review. I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, kept my interest and left me with a happily ever after ending. In my opinion, it doesn't get any better than this.

[Diana M Ost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Love Story - Boss & Assistant / Kissing But No sex

Nice read and an uplifting story of two people who have challenges. Romantic with no hard core sex, only kissing and some cuddles.

[Neena Christianson Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance love story. Good read, but it was a little too wordy and prolonged for me.

[Mary E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

I really liked this story and the way the author presented it. It was fun to read how the main characters insecurities had them blocking what they really wanted on turn.

[Julie Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

I enjoyed the characters and story. I am looking forward to the next in the series. There was a fun, sweet, and good flow to the book.

[Samantha Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. It was technically “closed door,” but the whole relationship seemed to be built on physical attraction. Not much emotional depth at all.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

the dialogue between MCs feels manufactured like a man-made element on the periodic table and not one found in nature; still chemistry but like.... idk for being such a short book and having a fun plot it should feel harder to put down. and then the ending??? it was super abrupt and like resolution + 1 page and then it's over lol

i liked the binge eating disorder representation, esp as someone who also had to overcome that. buuuuut i can't really relate to all her strategies that she employed like i felt tired just reading about it and it felt like the kinds of things that were recommended to me while i was still in the throes of BED. what works for me won't work for everyone, though.

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Rehired - This is my first book by this author and I found it OK. There's a lot of redundancy which made the story drawn out and boring. It happens; she goes over in her head; she tells her gang; and then there's his POV. I could have skipped every other chapter and not missed anything. I kept putting the book down and finding other things to do.

The various characters are likable, predictable and actually do well. It is well written and well edited (Internet is upper case) and has touches of humor. If the author can keep from repeating herself so much, she should have some good stories to tell in the future.

Thanks so much the editing, it's appreciated. I contacted Ms. Glidersleeve to review her book. 3*

Love in Bloom #2 - This is continues from where Love Rehired ended. It's Miller and Wren's turn at romance. The old gang is back as support and major backup and there's new and not so nice other characters. Well written, entertaining and interesting, along with humor that keeps the reader glued to the pages. Miller and Wren try a short term romance, but as things always work out what you want isn't what you get or maybe you do. One makes a sacrifice for the other and one finds out things about herself. A perfect sequel to Love Rehired. Needs minor editing, but nothing distracting. 4*

I found this book on Booksprout.co.

Kiss or Kill Under the Northern Lights Volume 2 - A collection of short stories by seven authors. Except for Beth, the other authors are new to me. There's an overview of the story, which I appreciate since I didn't know Kiss or Kill was composed of seven stories. I couldn't finish all the stories before I placed my review. 4*

Stacey Bryant, Reach for the Stars - Heartwarming and fun! My first read by this author and I loved it. It's the perfect Christmas story, even though there's months in the story's time line, not just the season. I loved the characters, their dialogues and the storyline. 5*

Denise Devine, Run from the Night - Not a bad story; has some good suspense and good neighbors. The characters are likable and the story was well done. 4*

Beth Gildersleeve, Bitty Love - Not a bad story but I can't believe she holds on to a grudge that's twelve years old; high school drama. Grow up and deal with the present and make it work. 4*

Maddie LeSage, Writer's Block
Rose Marie Meuwissen, A Kiss Under the Northern Lights
Kathleen Nordstrom, Starry Nights
Angie Speed, Guilty Beginnings