Publishing-house receptionist and aspiring writer Lindsey Deal spent her days dodging bullets: one insufferable boss, one sinister-looking spider, and, most daunting, a certain romance novel-in-progress that screamed to be finished.
The first two were easy enough. The third required…inspiration.
Enter: Rian Harper. Mysterious. Cool. Sexy as sin. The rule-breaking, covered-in-tattoos musician may be just the motivation Lindsey needs to finish her manuscript—and test the limits of her comfort zone.
But he’s too old for her. Too afraid to open up. Too much her new boss.
Single dad, brooding artist, corrupter of women. What Rian Harper needs is a business partner, maybe a creative partner. Someone who can have his back. He doesn’t need her tempting him to fall in love. It could ruin them both—especially when the too-sweet, too-pure, too-young woman discovers his longest-held secret.
Michelle Morgan lives in Dallas, Texas with her two sons. She is a 2018 RITA Finalist Editor for the romance novella, In His Arms, by Jules Dixon.
Nothing ignites Michelle’s passion for editing like working on her own fiction. Work in Progress is the first release from Michelle’s Love in Progress series. A companion novella, No Turning Back, will release in Fall 2019 as part of the Love in Charge romance anthology.
Michelle is a member of Romance Writers of America and The Editorial Freelancers Association. To learn more about her editorial services and upcoming books, visit fictionedit.com or email Michelle at michellemorganromance@gmail.com.
4 star review of Work In Progress (Love in Progress #1) Michelle Morgan is a new author to me and although this is not normally a genre I like to read I went in to this book with an open mind and found it enjoyable. The characters of Single dad Rian Harper and writer Lindsey Deal were likeable and I found myself able to relate to them. I liked the struggle that Rian had as he tried to ignore the feelings that he was developing for Lindsey, particularly since she is so much younger and inexperienced. Rian knows he should squash his feelings and yet there is just something about her that he cannot resist. The chemistry between them sizzles, the question is will they act on it? It is obvious by his actions that he cares deeply for Lindsey and I loved how he expressed it. Lindsey is sweet and a tad naive but there was something about her when she interacted with Rian that brought our the inner goddess in her.
Well now…color me a little surprised. From what I can gather, this is a debut novel for this author and it’s rare to wow me from the start if this is the case, but she most definitely wow’d me LOL
First let me say that I really enjoyed both Rian and Lindsey. They were characters I rooted for as individuals and their journey, if that makes sense. It wasn’t just the storyline that held my attention, they did, as individuals. This was really good guys. Really good. They were both kind of a contradiction in terms. Rian was a complete alpha on the outside with the biggest, most tender heart on the inside. Lindsey kinda comes across as a bit innocent/naive but she is a strong woman who goes after what she wants with full force. It was just a delight to read this two!
If you put together the age gap, single father, workplace romance with the talent of this author, you get a really sexy and swoon worthy journey you just can’t put down! I’m looking forward to seeing more from this author and I hope its soon!
Rian and Lindsey tore me apart for 6 years. I wrote their story in 45 days. I rewrote it 3 times in 7 months. Revised. Edited. Polished it. They've evolved from the angsty, love-struck creatures who kept me awake so many nights. But I love them now more than ever. I hope you enjoy their story. 🖤 Xo, Michelle
If you have a thing for bad boys with a heart of gold, and sweet, slightly naive, but strong heroines determined to go after what they want, you will LOVE this book.
Rian Harper, 36, is an educated man with an MBA, but his real passion is music. However, he has to put that to the side when his father, the CEO of a publishing company who has a less-than-respectful way of dealing with his employees, instills him as the new CEO of the Dallas branch and leaves for New York. Now Rian has to step into a role he doesn't particularly want, and try to undo the negative atmosphere his father created. In between his new job, his love for music, and being a dad to his teenage daughter, Rian can't help the attraction he's experiencing to one of the young women in the office. She's unlike anyone he's ever met before, but their age difference coupled with her innocence makes him fear that he might ruin her.
Lindsey Deal, 22, is an aspiring romance writer who's dealt with the previous CEO's sexist nonsense for far too long. She's less than thrilled when his son arrives to take his place, but the long-haired, tattooed bad boy that shows up catches her completely off guard. He's so unlike the heroes she loves to read about and write about, and she realizes that he might just be the hero she's been longing for the whole time. Initially, Rian keeps her at arm's length, but they can't stay away from each other. He's hers, and she is his, and that's the way it was meant to be.
But sometimes the past has a way of catching up, and threatening to spoil everything...
This is a fresh take on the bad-boy/innocent young virgin trope that has taken the romance market by storm for the last several years. Rian is complex and multi-layered, and I loved seeing all of his different sides. He's the Alpha male romance readers love their heroes to be, but he's not bad to the core--just on the surface! The moments with his daughter are fun and precious, but he's never sweeter than he is with Lindsey. He handles her with care. Lindsey is naive and inexperienced, but she's no fool. She's got her own dreams and goals, and plenty of respect for herself when it comes to know what she does and doesn't want. There's lots of sweetness, LOTS of steam, and the ending will satisfy any reader who jumps on this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
For an author who hasn’t written many books, this is exceptionally well done in terms of style. I immediately connected with the writing style and that made the pages flow easily, revealing an endearing love story. Essentially, the book is about Lindsey, a 22-year-old woman who is disheartened by her job. She yearns to be a writer, but works an office job to pay the bills. Her boss is a disgusting pig who sexually harasses her and the only good thing on the horizon is the fact that he is moving to a new office and his son is taking over. Lindsey expects the son to be no better than his father, but Rian turns out to be a 36-year-old musician who is in no way disgusting. Though Rian resists Lindsey at first, they are drawn to each other and the time that they spend together in and out of the office only brings them closer.
Both characters are likeable in their own way, but definitely have some flaws that made them more human. I liked the slow burn and the chemistry between the two. Why 4 stars and not 5? Too many tropes made the book lose focus - older man/younger woman, boss/employee, playboy/virgin, single dad, hidden secret... it was just too much. I would’ve liked a little more focus on one or two tropes, so that they carried more weight. Everything moved so quickly once they got together that it felt rushed, and this is not a short book. It wasn’t a total homerun, but certainly worth a read and I will definitely try more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Lindsey's creepy boss finally leaves and is replaced by his son Rian she has no idea what's in store. He's definitely not a cookie cutter corporate type and nothing like his father. Long hair and tattoos, older and a single dad, oh and by the way - a musician who's hot as hell. Both fighting an attraction that we all know they'll lose while they both struggle to find themselves and their passions. Sneaking around isn't as difficult as the secret one of them has been holding onto that could ruin it all. Not your typical older man - younger woman story where it seems creepy and mostly about dominance. So different, but really a great fit and the chemistry, once they stop ignoring it is hot and intense. You want them to work and end up tearing through this book to find out if they do. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book from the author and I loved it!
A bad boy single father falls for his naive secretary. I love that he is so very protective of her and really cares about her. He also gives her all the motivation an aspiring writer would ever need to finish a romance novel. The chemistry between the characters is intense but will she stay with him when his secret is revealed?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author is new to me and the blurb of this story drew me in. I liked the general storyline and the characters and thought the story was interesting. There was sizzling tension between Rian and Lindsey. He definitely was great for her self esteem and the way he cared for her was swoonworthy. What happens when he the one you like is kind of forbidden?? It was entertaining in parts and a little long in others. Rian was a great character who had many talents and I found him intriguing. Espescially in regards to his daughter. I enjoyed the book and would read more from this author.
I absolutely loved how sweet this story was. Lindsey and Rian where the perfect combination of fun and sexy. Rian tried to fight his attraction a little at first because of the age difference and the fact he was Lindsey boss but he couldn't hold off for long. They face some ups and downs as they learn to navigate their lives together especially having to hide their relationship at work.
Ever fall for your sexy older boss, or that tattooed guitar player singing his heart out? Meet Rian, the guy I would have crushed on once up a time. I loved this sweet and sultry romance that pulled on all the emotions.
I don’t typically read romance books but I’m glad I read this one.
Michelle Morgan is a new author to me and I did enjoy this book, planning to revisit this author in the future. There was lots to like about this book: office romance; older man, younger woman; bad boy and the good girl. I liked Lindsey as a character -she was fun and upfront but doesn't like confrontation. Whereas Rian is portrayed as a bad boy alpha male yet is actually soft.
Rian is a single father and a musician who finds himself replacing his father in a publishing firm where Lindsey is the receptionist. Lindsey has spent her time there dodging his father's advances. I did find it odd that Rian was successful in getting the job with no prior experience but he did know his stuff. What I found interesting was Rian's father's advances to Lindsey were considered creepy and unwanted sexual harassment, whilst Rian's advances were considered sexy and wanted. Must have something to do with his good looks and his younger age.
What I liked about Rian was that he saw Lindsey and recognised her talent, encouraging her to embrace her dream of writing a book. He coaxes her out of her shell where she flourishes. It is not plain sailing though as Rian's past comes back to bite him and Lindsey's own lack of self-belief kicks in.
This was well written and the characters were well developed. This is certainly an author I will read again.
I liked the blurb of this book, I like the older man, younger woman trope and the insta-love so win win! It is an entertaining story, in fact, I really wanted to get to the end but could not completely connect with the story at first. Some parts of the book were fast paced, some parts were kind of slow. Rian was definitely a lovable guy and Lindsey a tad insecure and cute, there are some great romantic and swoony scenes. I love books with sweet and loving guys, I can't help it. Overall, I enjoyed it and I will definitely try another book by this author.
The bar was already high after I finished Ms. Morgan's debut, After Henry, and she has once again FLOORED me with her incredible storytelling and mastery of language with this new contemporary romance, Work In Progress.
I adored our heroine Lindsey *instantly*. A recent grad stuck working an office job she despises--and with a gross boss to boot--she secretly dreams of pursuing her passion with *writing, but she lacks the time and experience to truly dedicate herself to her craft.
In walks Rian Harper, replacing her old pervy boss, and OH. MY. GOD. I fell for him *hard*.
Their passionate, slow burn love story combines the familiar romance tropes we all know and love (older/younger, playboy/virgin, boss/employee, tatted rocker bad boy/good girl), but is crafted with such elegant yet accessible writing that this novel truly elevates to the upmarket, literary-leaning level. The attraction between Lindsey and Rian is instant and magnetic, and the development of their relationship is of the intense, slow burn variety--the kind that you absolutely *have* to finish in one sitting. I especially loved the mentor-like role that Rian initially takes on with Lindsey as he falls for her charming naiveté, granting her the space, guidance, and inspiration to develop her voice as a burgeoning author. But while she may be innocent, Lindsey is a quick study and sharply intelligent, surprising Rian with her emotional maturity, and when these two finally consummate their love for each other...be prepared for some *gorgeously* explosive heat!
What sets Ms. Morgan's writing apart from her peers is the fact that she composes riveting tales with heart and detailed intimacy, balancing moments of drama with clever wit. You truly *know* and *feel* for her characters as as they embark on their emotional journeys and navigate the obstacles thrown their way with realistic, human flaws, subtle nuance, and most importantly--optimism for that ultimate HEA.
Ms. Morgan is truly a talent to watch, and I cannot wait to dive in to the follow up to this novel!
*As an aside, I typically avoid "meta" fiction as I'm the kind of person who can become easily distracted with "stories within stories," but the author handles this so expertly with appropriate timing and balance that the meta elements absolutely enhance the overall narrative.
I received a copy from a giveaway and I am voluntarily writing a review
This was my first time reading from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I love the bones of the story and the idea of the characters. I felt like the story itself was a bit rushed in places and the actions of the characters didn’t always match with their personality. Rian was supposed to be a mysterious tattooed/pierced bad boy musician. I never got the OTT alpha vibe from him. I though with him reputation he would have been a bit more assertive and take charge but that was not the case. Our heroine Lindsay was the assistant by day and an aspiring romance novelist. For the most part Lindsay came across as a sweet and hardworking young woman who had become complacent in life. At times she acted more like she was 16 instead of 22. This would not bother me except for the fact that there is a 14 year age difference between the H/h. Our hero is a single father but the appearances of his daughter were pretty short. I was hoping to see more of a relationship develop between the h and the daughter but was disappointed. I’m also not sure what the point was with the daughter and Logan 🤨🤨
H⭐️⭐️⭐️ h⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sex scenes 🔥🔥
I will continue to follow this author to see how she grows.
Michelle Morgan is a new to me author, and I quite enjoyed Work in Progress, so I'm very interested to read more by her in the future. This is the story of Lindsey, who wants to be an author, but spends her days working as a receptionist at a publishing house. She's not really happy there, as she's always dodging her boss, who is a sexual harassment case waiting to happen. But that all changes when said boss gets sent to another office, and his son, Rian takes over. He's super hot, and Lindsey feels an instant attraction to him, though he's a bit older than she is, not to mention a single father. Rian feels the same attraction to her, but is trying to not go there, but chemistry like theirs won't be denied for long, and it finally explodes into super sexy times that light the sheets on fire. But still, he's her boss, so they're both worried about people finding out, as it would make for some drama in the office, though he's less worried as a self proclaimed rule breaker. However, he keeps telling her not to fall in love with him so he doesn't ruin her, but unfortunately, she's catching feelings anyway. But there's a big twist coming since he's hiding a secret, and it's one that may kill those feelings, since secrets don't make friends. If you want to know what that secret is, and how it all pans out, you'll have to one click this story to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I received a review copy of this book before release for an honest review.
This is a new author and this appears to be her debut book. For a new author it was wonderfully written and has some really interesting characters. I really enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the characters.
We meet Rian and Lindsay in this story. Lindsay is a 24 year old receptionist in a publishing company and a would be author. She is sexually harassed by her current boss but he is leaving and his son is taking over.
Rian is a 36 year old ex military, single dad (to a 14 year old teen girl)with tats and piercings who is taking his father's job when he transfers. Rian promotes L and tries also to resist her allure. They become close work associates and boss/employee and he really believes in L and her writing.
This was a slow burn story with romance in the workplace between an older guy and younger woman. It was well written and I enjoyed the romance between these two characters. At times I felt the book moved too slow but overall I really enjoyed the storyline and characters.
Bad boy, single dad, guitar playing, workplace contemporary romance. Lots of tropes, but good story of young woman entering the publishing industry and her bad boy boss turned love interest. Strong female relationships alongside the primary romance explores best friend/roommate, mothers and daughters. Good contemporary romance with some fun side storylines and supplemental characters. Straightforward story - no awkward, confusing or WTF/unrealistic moments and standalone ending, so no loose ends. *I won a copy of this book on a Goodreads giveaway, but it had no bearing on my opinion or review.
Slow burn 3 ¾ stars There’s a bit of repetitiveness in the inner dialogue of Rian’s and Lindsey’s characters. Other than that, it has very likeable and well-developed characters. There is quite an age difference but nothing in their attraction for each other feels creepy. The plot transitions between ups and downs are smooth. I like how the conflict at the end was resolved in a realistic manner. There are steamy sex scenes. I can’t wait for Josie’s and Logan’s story. [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]
The blurb drew me in and bones of the book are good, but the progression of things was too much, too fast. Their chemistry was great and their intimate moments endearing. The tension in their romance was good and I love a single dad/boss-employee romance. This was a new author to me and I enjoyed exploring someone new, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. If you’re a fan of third person narration and insta-love, this may be the story for you.
She needed guidance to advance in her career. He gave her the opportunity to learn more. He also allowed her to love him and his daughter. He grew from the time with her as well as his daughter. She talked to her as if she was her mother and he greatly appreciated that because she did not have to with her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book as a giveaway on goodreads, and I have to say, it was hard to finish. I was rooting for their hea and the idea of the book was cute, but something was missing for me. I'm sure some people will enjoy this book but I hate to say I'm not one of them. 😢
Not quite what I was expecting the characters to be like. I know 22 is young but Lindsay seems like a air head that can't make up her mind. Rian needs to quit dissing himself and look at the good job he has done raising Josie. With 2 mixed up people trying to start a relationship in real life it would end in disaster. Hopefully theirs don't end that way. Thank you.
Rian was absolutely swoony all around and know why Lindsey would fall for a man like him! Two people from different worlds find out they not only are good together, they need each other to complete the other half of themselves. Beautiful love story!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is pretty good and the book would probably appeal to others, but I'm completely turned off by romances between older men or women with someone much younger. Just not my kinda plot.
Well developed characters set in an older man/younger woman, boss/employee trope. This is the first time I have read something from this author and it won't be the last, the story had a good structure and even if there were some glitches it's promising. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book! Not sure which I enjoyed more - the gorgeous writing or the story itself - but it kept me captivated until the end. Can't wait for the next one! :D