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Behind Closed Doors #1
Behind Closed Doors
Emma Cole has left behind her family and an ex-fiancé to move to Chicago and start over. When a mix-up lands her a job at a high-profile law firm, Emma is determined to meet this new challenge head-on. What she didn’t count on was working for a woman like Lillian White, and it doesn’t take long for Emma to realize that she might be in over her head in more ways than one.
As beautiful as she is ruthless, Lillian has worked hard to build a reputation for herself that commands respect from everyone she meets. She’s sacrificed everything for her career, and she doesn’t have room in her life for romance. But there’s something about her sweet yet feisty new assistant that Lillian can’t resist, and Emma finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of new desires that she never thought possible. Soon, the two women are embroiled in a scorching-hot forbidden affair that threatens to consume them both.
While both women grapple with their unexpected feelings toward each other, things at the office start to unravel. The future of Lillian’s firm is in turmoil, and something sinister lurks behind the scenes that forces both women to reexamine their lives and decide whether their relationship is worth fighting for.
As beautiful as she is ruthless, Lillian has worked hard to build a reputation for herself that commands respect from everyone she meets. She’s sacrificed everything for her career, and she doesn’t have room in her life for romance. But there’s something about her sweet yet feisty new assistant that Lillian can’t resist, and Emma finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of new desires that she never thought possible. Soon, the two women are embroiled in a scorching-hot forbidden affair that threatens to consume them both.
While both women grapple with their unexpected feelings toward each other, things at the office start to unravel. The future of Lillian’s firm is in turmoil, and something sinister lurks behind the scenes that forces both women to reexamine their lives and decide whether their relationship is worth fighting for.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2018
520 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
Anna Stone
21 books1,602 followersAnna Stone is the award-winning author of lesbian romance bestsellers Being Hers, Tangled Vows, and more. Her sizzling sapphic romances feature strong, passionate women who love women. In every one of her books, you’ll find off-the-charts spice and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Anna lives in Australia with her fiancée and their two cats. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
Subscribe to Anna's newsletter for an exclusive free novella and short stories at annastoneauthor.com/newsletter
Anna lives in Australia with her fiancée and their two cats. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
Subscribe to Anna's newsletter for an exclusive free novella and short stories at annastoneauthor.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 21, 2018
I've never read Anna Stone's work before, but the blurb pulled me in. Since it's offered on KU, this was a great first trial.
In a nutshell, this story focuses Emma Cole, a legal firm's new assistant, and Lillian White, her boss in alternating POV chapters. Lillian is demanding and a tad on the cold side--the other employees give her the on-the-nose title of 'Ice Queen'. If you know anything about me from my reviews, it's that I have a weakness for those icy ladies. Lillian further encourages this fixation of mine.
The writing of this is good, but could use a bit more complexity. Though, I think that'll come naturally as Stone publishes more stories, which I look forward to.
Their boss/employee dynamic can come off as problematic, but I think Behind Closed Doors had a nice sense of self-awareness and what can be perceived as problematic. It's a taboo that I enjoy when it's done well. There's also a slight mystery angle added in there for some texture.
It gives me what I was looking for from the blurb and the sex scenes are pretty steamy. The push and pull, the riskiness, the tight pencil skirts...gotta love it. The ending wrapped up a little too simply for me.
3.5 stars!
In a nutshell, this story focuses Emma Cole, a legal firm's new assistant, and Lillian White, her boss in alternating POV chapters. Lillian is demanding and a tad on the cold side--the other employees give her the on-the-nose title of 'Ice Queen'. If you know anything about me from my reviews, it's that I have a weakness for those icy ladies. Lillian further encourages this fixation of mine.
The writing of this is good, but could use a bit more complexity. Though, I think that'll come naturally as Stone publishes more stories, which I look forward to.
Their boss/employee dynamic can come off as problematic, but I think Behind Closed Doors had a nice sense of self-awareness and what can be perceived as problematic. It's a taboo that I enjoy when it's done well. There's also a slight mystery angle added in there for some texture.
It gives me what I was looking for from the blurb and the sex scenes are pretty steamy. The push and pull, the riskiness, the tight pencil skirts...gotta love it. The ending wrapped up a little too simply for me.
3.5 stars!
November 19, 2018
I really hate leaving bad reviews. Although I have to confess my frustration with this book. I nearly quit 25% off the way in. The main characters are Emma & Lillian. They seemed to me thrust together in the ice queen troupe with our ice character having no other descriptions save for blond hair ln a bun & blue eyes and a well dressed lawyer. Emma, meanwhile has brown hair & hazel eyes as the meek &mousey type personal assistant. This is a hea story, free on KU. Again, the writing is taking the the generic stereotypes & creating a subpar story at best, in my opinion.
November 13, 2018
Behind Closed Doors was an easy read. I did have a few problems. The book felt rushed even though it covered quite a few months. I felt it unbelievable that MC Lillian just fell for MC Emma. Lillian felt alot older than being in the mid 30’s. The ending was just rushed. Lastly, the editing of this book could have been better.
OverallI gave it 3 stars because i didn’t hate it and thought it was an easy enough read. This was my first Anna Stone book and I will try reading another.
OverallI gave it 3 stars because i didn’t hate it and thought it was an easy enough read. This was my first Anna Stone book and I will try reading another.
October 24, 2018
3.5 stars. This started off strong but I feel like the second half of the book was a bit rushed. Also a quick check by an editor should have caught the extra random words in some sentences that didn’t make sense.
January 15, 2020
I'm one who rarely gives a book a bad rating, but my goodness - this was rough. *If you don't want any spoilers, please stop reading here.*
This story was completely implausible. If there were one or two things that were really hard to believe - you might be able to try and overlook them. But geez - this story was full of holes. I hate spoilers in general so will try and keep my comments to a minimum.
I love a good ice queen story so was looking forward to that aspect. New legal assistant Emma has never been with a woman, but falls hard for her icy law firm partner boss, Lillian, after moving to the big city of Chicago. Emma is this sweet, selfless woman who gave up many years of her youth to help take care of her siblings. Lillian is tough as nails and lives for her job. Emma is immensely attracted to Lillian and at times senses that maybe Lillian is also attracted to her. So Emma decides to take matters into her own hands and makes a pass at her. All good. But when the two of them connect, it's so disappointing. They have supposedly pined for one another for months, yet when they finally have sex it's nothing but fucking - no tenderness, no sweetness, nothing. There are sex toys and light bondage and screwing up against a shower door - even days after one of them is physically assaulted - yet you're supposed to believe there was love growing there?? When they were finally able to touch each other, THAT'S how Lillian chose to approach it?!? I have zero issues with light BDSM, or stories with hot sex, or using sex toys. I'm a fan, in fact. I could see it if Lillian had made love to Emma tenderly the first time - or had been even remotely sensitive to the fact that this was her first same sex experience - and then started to introduce things as they grew together. But no. The final straw for me was TWICE Lillian fucks Emma on her desk (in a busy law firm with numerous employees) both times during business hours - once when she was supposedly paranoid someone would find out about them - without locking the door! When she's got Emma practically naked. Absolutely not sexy. First - as a reader you're worried someone will walk in, and secondly you're thinking if she had any respect for Emma at all she would never have done that. And there's just lots of cruel push and pull in the way Lillian treats Emma.
There's another subplot that doesn't hold water (but won't go into detail on that here.)
Finally - the narration by Rebecca Estrella did nothing for this book. Lillian had one tone - whether she was being business-like or personal or what have you. There was a very slight variation by the very end where she'd softened up somewhat, but until then she was completely stiff and robot-like.
I truly respect the effort an author makes to put their work out there and it really pains me to give a bad review. I kept wondering throughout if Ms. Stone had a beta reader or anyone to provide feedback before publishing this. There was potential in this story - it just wasn't well executed.
This story was completely implausible. If there were one or two things that were really hard to believe - you might be able to try and overlook them. But geez - this story was full of holes. I hate spoilers in general so will try and keep my comments to a minimum.
I love a good ice queen story so was looking forward to that aspect. New legal assistant Emma has never been with a woman, but falls hard for her icy law firm partner boss, Lillian, after moving to the big city of Chicago. Emma is this sweet, selfless woman who gave up many years of her youth to help take care of her siblings. Lillian is tough as nails and lives for her job. Emma is immensely attracted to Lillian and at times senses that maybe Lillian is also attracted to her. So Emma decides to take matters into her own hands and makes a pass at her. All good. But when the two of them connect, it's so disappointing. They have supposedly pined for one another for months, yet when they finally have sex it's nothing but fucking - no tenderness, no sweetness, nothing. There are sex toys and light bondage and screwing up against a shower door - even days after one of them is physically assaulted - yet you're supposed to believe there was love growing there?? When they were finally able to touch each other, THAT'S how Lillian chose to approach it?!? I have zero issues with light BDSM, or stories with hot sex, or using sex toys. I'm a fan, in fact. I could see it if Lillian had made love to Emma tenderly the first time - or had been even remotely sensitive to the fact that this was her first same sex experience - and then started to introduce things as they grew together. But no. The final straw for me was TWICE Lillian fucks Emma on her desk (in a busy law firm with numerous employees) both times during business hours - once when she was supposedly paranoid someone would find out about them - without locking the door! When she's got Emma practically naked. Absolutely not sexy. First - as a reader you're worried someone will walk in, and secondly you're thinking if she had any respect for Emma at all she would never have done that. And there's just lots of cruel push and pull in the way Lillian treats Emma.
There's another subplot that doesn't hold water (but won't go into detail on that here.)
Finally - the narration by Rebecca Estrella did nothing for this book. Lillian had one tone - whether she was being business-like or personal or what have you. There was a very slight variation by the very end where she'd softened up somewhat, but until then she was completely stiff and robot-like.
I truly respect the effort an author makes to put their work out there and it really pains me to give a bad review. I kept wondering throughout if Ms. Stone had a beta reader or anyone to provide feedback before publishing this. There was potential in this story - it just wasn't well executed.
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November 8, 2021I really wanted to love this, as Anna Stone is one of the few F/F ice queen authors whose backlist I haven't read, but it just fell flat for me. I think the main issue is that we're told Emma and Lillian have chemistry, but I didn't feel it until far later in the book. Their first few encounters felt like they came out of nowhere. And even later, when I did start to feel the chemistry, it was the same issue with being told it existed, but not feeling it.
Another reviewer said they usually love Stone's books but felt meh about this one, which gives me hope that I'll enjoy her other books more.
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Another reviewer said they usually love Stone's books but felt meh about this one, which gives me hope that I'll enjoy her other books more.
Love sapphic books, too? Let's be friends! Booktok | Bookstagram | Twitter | Booktube
April 21, 2019
2.75 ★
October 28, 2018
Another enjoyable read from Anna Stone and am beginning to really like her writing. Loved the chemistry between Lillian and Emma. The sexy scenes are just that... Sexy!
January 13, 2019
Yea, I buy into other reviews - built up well in first half then felt like the author got bored so added excitement & stuff which she then had to get out of - when actually romance is the thing, and she's good at & what I buy into. But that's my problem with these reviews, it all Me, Me, Me! :)
November 1, 2024
“You wanted a lesson in obedience? This is it.”
3.5 stars. Maybe 3.25 if I'm feeling picky? Right now I'm feeling the kind of generosity that comes after I read something bad, and anything I read after it seems pretty good in comparison. This is the 'anything I read after'. Not that I'm trying to negate the good in this book, because there was a lot of it. It's probably up there in my favourites from this author, which surprises me, because I'd thought that I might have more success with her later books, and not her backlist. But even though this age gap, boss/employee romance didn't have any bells and whistles on it, the relationship really appealed to me, and I ended up liking it a lot. It probably helped that it didn't exactly go the way I expected, and sidestepped some annoying plotlines.
Emma has just moved to another city and is ready to start her life anew, after spending years taking care of her mother and younger siblings, and after a breakup with her fiancé. She lands a job at a prestigious law firm, and her boss is cold, demanding, and all too alluring. The setup is a little generic, and I feel like I've read several other books with this exact premise, some from this same author. But I liked Emma and Lillian a lot right off the bat. Emma especially had a backstory that was compellingly written, and I did appreciate that the history with her mother and her family was written with a lot of compassion, but also in a way that prioritised Emma. I do love a little toaster oven, and I didn't mind that it was completely angst free in this case. Lillian was written in a way that was absolutely catnip to me. Like, put her under a box held up with a stick and some string and I'd fall for it level stuff. Cold, but despite her reputation, she's never cruel, and even when she's being curt and strict, there's a reason behind it. THAT'S the kind of ice queen I like. It helped that both she and Emma enjoyed it when Lillian bossed her around a little, and got her to be obedient, lol. Lillian's backstory wasn't as compelling, but it was fine. I was scared for a moment that we are going to have an annoying 'you only want me for my money!!' conflict, but happily, no. She liked spoiling Emma, and Emma (for the most part) liked being spoiled. I wish there'd been more of that! Boss/employee is a trope that I love, but can definitely rub me the wrong way if written badly, and I did like the approach here! It did help that the taboo nature of their relationship, and the fact that it could get them both in trouble, wasn't the only major hurdle and conflict in the book. The book is on the short side, and in a perfect world, there would have been a lot more opportunities to see them together, outside the office. But the author wrote them falling for each other in a really sweet and sexy way. I loved the D/s undertones, and again, Lillian was a dreamboat. The writing wasn't amazing, but I also never ran into that problem I sometimes do with this author, where all of her writing feels stilted and same-y. There was a bit of mystery and intrigue, and even if it wasn't groundbreaking, it wasn't totally predictable. There was a bit of a misunderstanding in the third act conflict that I feel didn't really make sense for these characters, but it didn't last long, so I wasn't too annoyed.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Rebecca Estrella, and I really liked it! I think this might have been my first book by her? Really enjoyed her rendition of Emma. Her voice for Lillian was sometimes a little TOO snappy, but it never brought me out of the story. Really enjoyed myself with this one, and I'm glad I gave it a try. Kudos.
November 27, 2020
I liked it enough to keep reading untill the end, but it wasn't everything i wanted it to be. I
I liked that we have a romance between two women, and that one of them is a CEO, but i think there was way to much drama honestly. And sometimes it was just boring.
Tha being said i'm still intereste in reading something more from this author.
I liked that we have a romance between two women, and that one of them is a CEO, but i think there was way to much drama honestly. And sometimes it was just boring.
Tha being said i'm still intereste in reading something more from this author.
January 12, 2019
Thoughts to come.
January 8, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book by the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
This author gets better with each novel she writes (admittedly, this is only her second novel). I loved her first novel and I love this one even more.
Lillian is a lawyer (she is a partner at the high-profile law firm AG&W) and is an Ice Queen. She is a workaholic and her work is her life.
Emma has just moved to the city (Chicago) and got the job at the law firm as Lillian’s Assistant. At first, Emma finds out that the agency had a mix up and Emma had to prove she is right for the job.
As with her first book, this was beautifully written. I enjoyed the storyline and I loved the main characters. Emma was a darling from the beginning. With Lillian, it took me a few chapters to get to like her but as the story progressed I also loved her by the end of the book. There was also a twist in the book and as per usual with me when guessing who done it I was completely wrong.
I would highly recommend this book and Ms Stone’s first book ‘Being Hers’. You will not be disappointed.
This author gets better with each novel she writes (admittedly, this is only her second novel). I loved her first novel and I love this one even more.
Lillian is a lawyer (she is a partner at the high-profile law firm AG&W) and is an Ice Queen. She is a workaholic and her work is her life.
Emma has just moved to the city (Chicago) and got the job at the law firm as Lillian’s Assistant. At first, Emma finds out that the agency had a mix up and Emma had to prove she is right for the job.
As with her first book, this was beautifully written. I enjoyed the storyline and I loved the main characters. Emma was a darling from the beginning. With Lillian, it took me a few chapters to get to like her but as the story progressed I also loved her by the end of the book. There was also a twist in the book and as per usual with me when guessing who done it I was completely wrong.
I would highly recommend this book and Ms Stone’s first book ‘Being Hers’. You will not be disappointed.
July 19, 2024
I ate this up!
All I wanted to do was keep reading and I had to force myself to take it slow and not rush through it, so I could enjoy it more.
That being said I preferred the first half over the second and I didn't enjoy it as much anymore.
I still gave it 5 stars tho!
All of Anna Stones books are kinda similar, at least when it comes to the pacing.
This one reminded me a lot of "Boss of Her" which is my favorite book by the author and one of my favorites in general.
So I didn't mind that they're so similar.
All I wanted to do was keep reading and I had to force myself to take it slow and not rush through it, so I could enjoy it more.
That being said I preferred the first half over the second and I didn't enjoy it as much anymore.
I still gave it 5 stars tho!
All of Anna Stones books are kinda similar, at least when it comes to the pacing.
This one reminded me a lot of "Boss of Her" which is my favorite book by the author and one of my favorites in general.
So I didn't mind that they're so similar.
April 30, 2021
Office romance
With strict rules forbidding any type of office romance Lillian and Emma have to decide what is more important. Challenges arise as the company Lillian works with as partner is folding and weird instances keep occurring. Do they fight to stay together or do they separate to figure out what is going on?
I love all of Anna Stone books, and this is no exception, even though it is tamer than her series, but so worth the time to read.
With strict rules forbidding any type of office romance Lillian and Emma have to decide what is more important. Challenges arise as the company Lillian works with as partner is folding and weird instances keep occurring. Do they fight to stay together or do they separate to figure out what is going on?
I love all of Anna Stone books, and this is no exception, even though it is tamer than her series, but so worth the time to read.
December 20, 2020
Lgbtq... Cute, spicy and mysterious too.
Lillian a lawyer looking to hire a law assistant. But Emma with no law experience comes through her door, determined to learn the job.
Lillian has always been the Ice Queen with running off her assistants. But Emma determined to say.
With them becoming closer when relationship at work is a no no. They find themselves trying to hide it.
But soon there after Lillian suspect someone out to get her but why.
Enjoyed...
Lillian a lawyer looking to hire a law assistant. But Emma with no law experience comes through her door, determined to learn the job.
Lillian has always been the Ice Queen with running off her assistants. But Emma determined to say.
With them becoming closer when relationship at work is a no no. They find themselves trying to hide it.
But soon there after Lillian suspect someone out to get her but why.
Enjoyed...
December 10, 2018
Another good one by Anna Stone. I can’t wait for another😊
October 2, 2018
Nice read, although i liked her previous book better.
November 12, 2018
I just couldn’t get into this. The chemistry between the characters didn’t come through. I thought the dialogue was sometimes cheesy. The story lacked a rhythm and the chapters switching from Lillian to Emma wasn’t effective. The exchange asking to be girlfriends and phrases like ‘she couldn’t wait to start for real’ felt juvenile to me. Points for the little plot twist at the end but I didn’t think it was enough to make up for everything else that could have been better.
December 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this one.
There was amazing chemistry between Emma and Lillian and the sex scenes were pretty amazing, too.
The plot was great, the characters great, and I especially loved the ending.
There was amazing chemistry between Emma and Lillian and the sex scenes were pretty amazing, too.
The plot was great, the characters great, and I especially loved the ending.
September 25, 2019
My first book by Anna Stone. I found Anna Stone's writing strong and the story was okay. I will be reading more by this author. I do think the ending felt a bit rushed though.
October 28, 2019
Great story. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 29, 2020
Liked the story line Attorney and new assistant. Lillian did feel older than in her 30's and Emma seemed quite young coming from her family to the job.
August 7, 2021
what in the fifty shades of grey and a court of thorns in roses was that.
August 18, 2022
Gives “ who’s the man in this relationship 🤨?” vibe
June 12, 2024
Predictable, simple and, poor character development. It's a 1 star from me.
October 20, 2018
I really loved this book.it was a great mix of romance, mystery and suspense. All the best things that makes a great novel.
October 1, 2018
Sweet and spicy.
I enjoyed this book. I love a stone queen turned to mush by a sweet woman. Hard working and head strong Lillian gets her world turned upside down by her beautiful new assistant and it’s everything you could ever want. Emma is sweet but also sassy at times and the chemistry between the two of them is so natural and easy to get sucked into. The little mystery in this is also a good read.
I enjoyed this book. I love a stone queen turned to mush by a sweet woman. Hard working and head strong Lillian gets her world turned upside down by her beautiful new assistant and it’s everything you could ever want. Emma is sweet but also sassy at times and the chemistry between the two of them is so natural and easy to get sucked into. The little mystery in this is also a good read.
October 3, 2018
It's a great book. I really bonded with the characters and there's a major twist in the end.
September 23, 2018
Another Hit!
Another success from author Anna Stone! The characters are complex and the plot even more so. Will keep you guessing to the end. Written with sensual erotic passion and would recommend for any lover of lesbian romance.
Another success from author Anna Stone! The characters are complex and the plot even more so. Will keep you guessing to the end. Written with sensual erotic passion and would recommend for any lover of lesbian romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews