Her Boss

Braxton Brothers #1

by Anne-Marie Meyer

Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition and title for ASIN B07NBJYR61

She's the nanny. He's the boss. Feelings weren't supposed to get involved.

Joshua Braxton has moved back home to Honey Grove with his son after a heart breaking divorce. Determined to hide out at his parent's house to heal his wounds, he's decided that love is the last thing he needs. Too bad his mom, known as the town's busybody, has a different plan in mind. She not only invites Beth, the girl who grew up across the street and declared her love for him as kids, to dinner, but she also suggests that he hire her as his nanny. All of this wouldn't matter if Beth were still the lanky girl next door instead of the beautiful and mysterious woman she’s become.

Beth Johnson is back home in Honey Grove after losing her job and getting dumped by her longtime boyfriend. When she discovers that her mother has been keeping her cancer a secret, Beth can't help but make her stop a permanent stay. Desperate to find a job, she agrees to Mrs. Braxton's proposal that she nanny Josh's son. If only she could forget her past feelings for Josh then this might be the best option for her. Too bad that's easier said then done.

Feelings start to deepen and both begin to realize that perhaps, fate brought them together. But as Beth's feelings grow, she realizes she can't both respect her mother's wishes of keeping her cancer a secret and let Josh into her life like she so desperately wants to. With their past hurt lingering on their minds, both are left to decide if love is worth fighting for or if being together just isn’t in the cards for them.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Ebooks, Smut, Clean Romance, Second Chance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2019

About the author

Anne-Marie Meyer is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives south of the Twin Cities in MN. She spends her days with her knight in shining armor, four princes, and a baby princess.

When she's not running after her kids, she's dreaming up romantic stories. She loves to take her favorite moments in the books and movies she loves and tries to figure out a way to make them new and fresh.

Join her newsletter at anne-mariemeyer.com

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The friend-next-door-all-grown-up is a fun idea and I loved how Josh and Beth came together once again. Josh is now divorced and has custody of his young song. Moving back home with his parents wasn't in his plan, but is necessary for the moment. Beth is also back home, returning to care for her sick and secretive mother. Josh needs a nanny and Beth needs a job. It's perfect, isn't it?

Of course not! Enter the give-and-take of a hesitant relationship. I know I often revert to my insecure teenage self when I'm around those who intimidated me as a teen and that feeling was easy for me to relate to, whether or not it was intended to be that way.

I loved Beth's instant connection with Josh's son, as that shows her in her element. Secrets can drive a wedge between a couple, as they soon discover, and the challenge to maneuver around promises and hope is tricky, but not impossible. This story was interesting and sweet, even with a manipulative vixen in the wings. I'm curious to see where the rest of the series will lead to.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book sitting waiting for me for several weeks, I kept looking at it knowing I wanted to read it and just trying to find the time amidst the million other things that life is throwing at me right now (good things, just busy). When the second book in the series showed up in my inbox I told myself I couldn't delay anymore. Plus I've told life that it has to slow down for a few weeks. Lol. I know, that's probably not an accurate statement but I did tell life that. *blushing* So I pulled it up on my kindle and got lost in the storyline, the friendships, the Braxton family and most importantly the second chance that Josh and Beth had at love.

Those of you who love the friends next door that fall in love trope, this is your next read. Or current read if you just finished a book. I had a lot of fun reading this one. So much so that I picked it up every free moment that I had. I'm in a musical performance right now that we're heading into dress rehearsals and the show opening this week, so crazy evenings and late nights. Well, I'd finally crash in bed and I couldn't help but pick it up and keep reading it. Yes, I'd fall asleep as many pages in as I could force myself to stay awake for, but I just had to keep reading. Hee Hee! It was a pretty fast read and definitely kept me entertained.

Josh and Beth have known each other forever and they both find their lives going differently than they expected, which of course brings them both back home to Honey Grove and into each other's lives. Beth has a secret that is eating at her, but she can't share it, she made a promise. Yet when Josh and his 5 year old son Jordan come into her life again, it's taking everything she has not to open up to him and gather strength and help from this crushing weight she's carrying around.

Josh can't stop being drawn to her and it doesn't help that his son, Jordan, is enamored with Beth as well. I loved watching their many interactions and their inability to not stay in each other's presence. Especially when a meddling mother has fun making sure they stay in each other's presence constantly. Oh, Mrs. Braxton was a hoot!

I just finished the second book in this series and it was about Josh's brother Jonathan. It actually takes place during the same time period of this book. So that was fun to see a couple of the scenes that I read in this book from Jonathan's perspective. Don't worry it doesn't feel tedious or like you're rereading this book. Just short scenes and a great way to connect the stories together.

Content: Clean. Mild romance and some kissing but nothing further. The characters do go to a bar and drink with friends but nothing crazy(I thought I'd mention this because I know some readers don't care to read about that in their books, but the characters don't act drunk or out of control). There is also some talk about divorce.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the book are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Maliha Tabassum Arna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the name and cover, more than the story.... :)

[Jenai Auman]

If a Hallmark movie were a book …

[Lisa Swinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun romance set in the south. Poor Beth. She gets constantly having her world turned upside down. And Josh has to deal with his ex-wife issues.

There's lots of push and pull between Beth and Josh. I like Josh's mom. She's a hoot.

Well written, fleshed out characters, and a family I'm looking forward to reading more about make this story a winner.

[Vibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good if you don't mind skimming parts

Meyer is an engaging writer, and while the book's plot is a popular & somewhat overused one, she still succeeds at creating likeable characters who readily engage your sympathies.

Unfortunately, if you're like me, you'll find the story overly emotional and angsty. There are constant repetitions of the H/h's attraction to each other, not ready, not worthy, she has a secret that means she can't be with him (except that it really doesn't), he's interested in someone else, and (in the story's big face-palming "what the what...?" momentl) she must be in love with someone else.

In between the overdose of emotionalistic nonsense is a decent story if you're willing to skim thru the frequently irrational angst. I was. I generally like series built around families and groups of friends, so I will probably be reading the rest of this series so long as it doesn't get any worse (I'm not holding my breath for better, but am still hoping).

Clean romance level: sweet kisses

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joshua Braxton had returned to Honey Grove after a nasty divorce to recover and raise his young son, Jordan. He and Jordan were living in his parent's garage apartment for now and he was working for his dad's construction company. But, when his mom announced that she couldn't watch Jordan like they had planned, Joshua turned to Beth, his childhood friend who lived across the street. She was several years younger than him and she had once pledged her undying love to Josh. Now, Beth was all grown up and nursing emotional hurts of her own. Neither of them were interested in any more romantic interests but the draw between them was hard to resist. Was it possible to have something wonderful? Was it possible to share the secrets they each had to expose their vulnerability?

This was a clean, sweet romance that was a very enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and the story was about healing, trust and learning to love again. I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my review.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read. Josh moved in with his parents after his wife left him and their five year old son for another man. Beth comes home to take care of her mom who has been diagnosed with cancer. Josh and Beth were best friends growing up and lived across the street from one another. Beth always had feelings for Josh but had given up hope of anything ever happening with him. Was she being given a second chance? Did she dare open her heart to him again?

Josh had always considered Beth as someone he could easily talk to, someone to hang out with and have fun. But his feelings have developed into something more. Does he want to risk ruining what they've always had by confessing he loves her? What if she doesn't feel the same way? He can't imagine his life without her.

This was a nice story. Liked the characters and the fact they were comfortable with each other. It made for good reading.

[Michelle George · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the style of writing, it was an easy, enjoyable and clean romance book! It was a quick read and I loved that! I would read it again!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was fine. The girl next door / forced proximity trope is an old favourite but the plot was too unrealistic for me.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh moves back to his childhood home with his son Jordan after Josh’s wife leaves them for Josh’s former work partner. Beth is out of a job and needs a new one to help pay for her mom’s medical bills. When Josh is in need of childcare, Beth is the perfect candidate for the job. Second chance sweet romance. Great story.

[Melissa Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok... I found myself bored and skimming pages. Not my favorite from this author.

[Janeiowa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a super clean read, but I became annoyed with the “secrets” Beth was supposed to keep for her mother. The whole book seemed to be more about the secret than the relationship between Josh and Beth.

Typos also needed corrected....not Braxton’s but Braxton’s
And some consistency on Josh’s brother’s name...Jonathan occurs most often, but Johnathan also was used.

Where are the PROOFREADERS??

[Terressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. I am glad these will be so closely tied. I didn’t want this one to end but am excited to see how easily and quickly Jonathan’s story will continue from this one. Beth and Josh are emotionally tired and unsure. They are able to overcome their own past by leaning on each other and allowing themselves to trust one another. I really liked this girl/boy next door friendship turned deeper relationship.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet

This was a great story with wonderful characters. A really good story about second chances. I really look forward to reading the next in the series. This is a really sweet, clean romance.

[Alessandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I have come to expect from this author! A well written story that draws you in and makes you want to not put it down, the characters love for their families and the emotional upheaval in their lives really comes to life and has you cheering and almost crying with them.
A great start to a new series, looking forward to the next book!

I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it voluntarily.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Boss is a fun, heart warming romance that captivated me from the first chapter. Josh and Beth were so well portrayed that I could not put the book down. Between Beth's mom wanting to keep her cancer a secret from everyone and Josh's mother playing matchmaker, you get a well written plot that will keep you turning the pages to see how this comes out. This is a clean romance that I highly recommend.

[Carol Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good romance story.

Beth and Josh were both disappointed in how their lives had turned out. But.....sometimes there are second chances for love. It was fun reading to see how events would turn out in their lives.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected from this author, so VERY well done!
The characters, pacing, storyline were all fantastic!

Oh, what a pickle Beth found herself in. Rather than try and work something out she tries to distance herself from whatever it is that may or may not be happening with Josh.... I like that each thinks they are imagining something there and are surprised when someone else points it out.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Beth is torn between being up front to her boss/beau, and a promise made to her Mom to keep a secret.
I was alternating between feeling sorry for Beth, and wondering why she didn't just tell Josh the secret.
Loved the book!

[Dew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Next Time Won’t You Sing With Me

There is a charming story here, but it needs more development. The entire story takes place over the course of about a week and is largely predicated on the fmc, Beth, running away. Honestly, it would have made more sense if the characters were young adults considering how immature they were. Ultimately, the protagonists proclaim their love for one another after 2 or 3 days having done nothing more than hold hands once or twice. The emotional resonance was tepid, at best.

One piece of the writing that had a lack of creativity to the point that I decided to two-star the review instead of giving it three-stars is that the author had 9 different characters or locations with names that all started with the letter J, including a character named Jordan and a town named Jordan. Then there were the three S names, two B names, two C names, and three T names. There are 26 letters in the alphabet and the author limited herself to using 5 of them.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak

If a weeping, hand-wringing heroine coupled with a hero who regularly second guesses himself are your cup of tea, then step right up: you’ll find both in this weakly wrought effort. The “BIG SECRET” and source of much of the tension in the story was weak and could have been handled in ways to make the heroine less annoying. The hero’s issues are somewhat more understandable, thankfully, but his constant second guessing of his feelings and her reactions was annoying.

Bottom line: At the 75% mark, I was so annoyed I started skimming just to finish. If this is indicative of how the Braxton Brothers series is crafted, it is not well written enough for me to continue reading.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet friends to lovers/second chance romance. Both Josh and Beth have been badly hurt in the past, but they find peace with one another. This is a fun story with a sweet little boy, a meddling mother, a spoiled acquaintance and a sick scared mother that bring humor and frustration to this story. I like the Braxton family and am excited for this new series.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth has come home to the small Carolina town to help her mother deal with a diagnosis of cancer. They have not shared a good relationship for years. Now, Beth feels as though she is walking on egg shells. She must keep her mother’s illness a secret. And she does not seem to be able to help in any way.

Josh is a divorced father of a 5 year old son. His wife left both he and Jordan so that she could move on with her life and her new husband. Although he is an attorney, he is going to be working with his father at his construction company. It seems to be an easier way to start and have time to get his son acclimated to this new life.

Beth had a crush on Josh from the time she was very young. They live just across the street from one another. And Josh’s mother and family are providing many opportunities for the two of them to be together.

This is a small town story and much of it is very well done.

But, having Josh run his fingers through his hair and Beth put a strand of hair behind her ear seemed to happen much too frequently.

And Beth evidently had to take her shoes off the minute she entered any home.

The plot held no surprises. In fact, it was rather predictable. I would have liked a lot less angst and more open expressions of feelings. It seemed to me that there were problems thrown in the mix just to slow things down.

This is the first book in a series, and the characters make me want to find out how the next chapter goes.

[JK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne-Marie Meyer books are always pleasant, feel-good reads. I liked this story and the characters a lot and I give it 4 stars because it was well written and had a nice plot. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

However, I have some issues with some writing decisions:
1. Everything started with a J. I get that all the siblings had J names, but the son, Beth's mom, the other city.
2. The other city and the son had the same name: Jordan. Why?? Bullet points 1 & 2 made this a difficult read for a dyslexic to follow.
3. At least 3 of the following phrases/actions were mentioned approximately 5 times a chapter: pinched her/his lips, tucked her hair behind her ear, making his/her/their way [somewhere], sheepish look, honest with himself/herself, wink, chewed her lip, sorry (seriously, it was annoying how frequently Beth apologized), gaze flicked, touched her elbow........Anne-Marie Meyer, please use some different phrases, especially for "making their way somewhere". Every time I read it, I just start singing the opening line from A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton...so I sing it about 40 times per book! Yes, it's in every book.


And my last comment is a spoiler so don't read further unless you want the ending to be given away. Seriously, the next line will spoil it, so you've been warned. The mom should have died in her last scene. Not that I like death, but it was where the character was going the entire book, and then suddenly the prognosis changed and the book ends with everyone happy. It just seemed out of place. The death would have been a good opportunity for character development and for Beth and Josh to grow closer. The hopeful prognosis just shifted the vibe right at the end and it felt weird and unnatural.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a clean sweet romance about healing hearts and missed opportunities. It is the story of Josh who is recently divorced and moving back in with his parents with his 5 year old son. His wife cheated on him with his business partner. It is also the story of Beth who is also just new back into town. Her mother has Cancer but won’t let her tell anyone. Beth has a strained relationship with her mother and the Cancer diagnosis isn’t helping. As she struggles to find a job she reconnects with Josh who hires her to be his nanny. Beth used to have a big time cruise on Josh but Josh never returned those feelings. And Beth is getting over an 8 year relationship that ended badly. This is the second book I have read in this series. I would recommend reading them in order but they are stand alone so they can really be read in any order which is good for me since I am randomly reading them or in this case listening to them.

[izaaczyta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so this book wasn't that long but I had hard time finishing. I didn't expect it to be 3rd pov and that was a big minus for me. Beth and Josh relation was kind of confusing, I want you but I can't have you so I have to distance myself and not tell you the truth but also I can't say away from you. Also this rich lady and her clinging to Josh was frustrating. Oh and miscommunication problems - I'm definitely not a fan. Story seemed kind of forced and characters a bit bland.


Description:
Joshua is back in Honey Grove. As a divorced, single dad he is not looking for love

Beth is also back in Honey Grove after losing her job and getting dumped. She was in love with Josh when she was younger.

Beth becomes nanny to Josh son - Jordan. They have connection and it seems they both like watch other but they are blind to acknowledge it. Also they keep lot of secrets such as Beth mom having cancer. But in the end they're happy together.

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing heartwarming second chance friends to more romance. This engaging storyline had me addicted from the first chapter till the last page was turned. I am excited to read more standalones of the Braxton brothers series. This clean standalone romance was fun and entertaining while it touched my heart with angst, trust issues, and love as these two reluctant people tried to stay professional guarding and navigating their growing feelings thru an incredible journey of secrets, interference, working n.v g with one another, and matchmaking. The characters were interesting, well developed, and full of undeniable chemistry. I voluntarily listened and reviewed this ARC that had great storytelling thru narration. The narrator has really done a good job thru voice variations that really brings the characters and story to life.

[Nicky Cupp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be a Hallmark movie

This book is like reading a Hallmark movie, but being inside their heads. It's predictable, but the perfect book for when you need a break between something more dramatic.

Quick read and easily finished in one day.

There are grammar errors. I usually stop reading at two, but I decided to keep going and stopped counting after the third or fourth error.

All of the Braxton brothers and dad have names stating with "J". Josh's sin is Jordan and there is a town named Jordan. As a reader it is really hard to distinguish and keep characters straight when all of their names are so similar. Throughout the book, we are in Josh and Beth's head. It was so strange when in Josh's head that it would read, "He got into Jimmy's truck." instead saying, "He got into his dad's truck."

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased a copy.

This was a wonderful story. I did enjoy it. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. There were some parts that left me frustrated but that is a good sign that the author is bring out emotions in a reader. Beth was keeping a secret about her Mother (at her Mom's request). Josh comes home after a divorce with his five year old son Jordan. This story is the re-connection of two people who grew up together as neighbors.

This book is full of angst and heart-felt emotions. This is a clean read that will touch your heart. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. This is a wonderful family that you will want to read.