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Cliché Number 1: Bad Boss

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Today is the first day of my first job.
I'm nervous, excited, and much too early.
Which is when I meet him for the very first time.
He's a businessman with a ruthless reputation.
A billionaire and a playboy.
His company sponsored my scholarship.
And I've dreamed about him in the kind of detail you can't even tell your best friend about.
That was before I thought we might meet.
There is something very cliche about accidentally throwing your drink over a god in human flesh. The throwing part is where the cliche ends for me. 
He doesn't look endeared by the incident, nor amused. He looks mad as freaking hell. 
My brain freezes, mental capability flees, and I look away from his penetrating gaze, 
but that brings my focus to his chest, where coffee drips down onto his doubtless expensive shoes.
I want to die. I have never wanted to die before, but if a magic wish were granted me now, I would happily cease to exist. 
I've just thrown a full and very hot cup of coffee all over my very hot new boss.

Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2020

137 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

L.V. Lane

74 books1,776 followers
In a secret garden hidden behind a wall of shrubs and trees amid a tiny English village, you'll find L.V. Lane's writing den, where she crafts spicy adventures...Magical and mythical creatures, wolf shifters, and alphas of every flavor give our sweet, sometimes willful omegas and heroines a guaranteed HEA.
If you like my books, you might also like my contemporary pen name, Verity Arden!

Content Advice can be found on my author website below and usually against the book description and or author review on Goodreads.

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For Free short stories see my website under Books|FREE READS

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5 stars
115 (34%)
4 stars
109 (33%)
3 stars
71 (21%)
2 stars
27 (8%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Merel Pierce.
Author 30 books204 followers
February 20, 2020
I'm not much for romantic comedy as a general rule. I prefer my writing dark. However, I enjoy the authors other work so much that I thought I would give this book a try. Boy, am I glad i did. It's an awesome little book! A cliche theme, as the title suggests, but done in a fresh way that keeps it from feeling tired or overused. The characters are both likable, which is a nice change since usually the 'boss' in these books is a bit of an arrogant sob and only known for his looks or prowess in the bedroom. This boss might be a little arrogant (and a little known for his looks and prowess), but he's overall a really good guy, who is totally smitten with his sweet new employee. How you can be so sweet and dirty at the same time, I have no idea, but this book was just awesome! I got my sugary sweet treat and the dark and naughty I wanted. Bravo! Definitely looking forward to more from this series (if it is one XD)
Profile Image for E.J. Frost.
Author 31 books642 followers
February 7, 2020
Fun, enemies to lovers/workplace romance
I love this author's Controller series, and am delighted to see her venture into contemporary romance, particularly bully(ish) romance. There are some cute Easter eggs for the Controller series like the nickname Matt uses for Emma, and the D/s dynamic felt comfortably familiar.
Matt is more charming (and less psychotic) than some other bossholes, which I really liked because I felt he deserved Emma from the start. Emma's maybe a bit of a Mary Sue, but it's easy to understand why Matt would fall for her, and their chemistry is off the charts.
There are a couple of plot threads that aren't resolved in this book, mostly having to do with Matt's family. These could lead into another book in a series, but I'd have liked to see them dealt with more cohesively in this book, even if they're not completely resolved. The story seemed to come to an abrupt end, without much of a denouement, and then jumped straight into the epilogue. That made the story feel unfinished, but it just be that the story is leading into the next book, which I'm certainly looking forward to!
Profile Image for Innie | Kindledallnight.
452 reviews38 followers
February 22, 2020
I really love L.V. Lane's Omegaverse books - and this introduction to contemporary romance was really great!
A lightweight and funny romance that had me laughing out loud on several occasions.

I really loved it.

If I were to point out something negative it would be that throughout the book I had absolutely no idea what exactly it was that Matt did for a living, he owned a company but I had no idea what sort of company it was - what genre it was, it could be sales, art, stockmarket etc I had no idea, there was really no clues that I could pick up that explained what they did.
And I had again, no idea what exactly Emma's job was. Something to do with...research? But it was never clear to me what she did.

That tended to annoy me slightly.
689 reviews123 followers
February 5, 2020
I fell in love with L.V. Lane's writing when I discovered her Controllers series. I have to say that I'm ordinarily not a huge romantic comedy reader, but Ms. Lane definitely managed to change my mind on that front. Cliche Number 1 is a testament to this author's talent and versatility as she seamlessly transitions from the world of dark sci-fi action romance and into a much lighter arena. This story is sweet and hot and has so many laugh out loud moments! Both main characters are likable and well developed and the side characters round out the story nicely. I do hope we get to read Dillon and Kat's stories next!
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
February 18, 2020
Emma is a bit clumsy, shy but has the hots for her new boss. Matthew Dexton's company sponsored Emma's education and she graduated with excellent grades, so she earned her place in his company. One problem though, she gets flustered whenever he's around her and he knows it so torments her with his stares and presence whenever possible. Seems they are attracted to each other, but her awkwardness around him ends up keeping everyone around them amused. I was a bit leary reading a rom-com but Ms. Lane made it light hearted and sexy as hell with our couple trying to deny their strong attraction but failing. I enjoyed this book very much!
Profile Image for Kayla Pocernich.
1,749 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2020
Emma doesn't make that great of a first impression on her first day at her new shop. She accidentally spills coffee on her new boss when she runs into him. Matt is a businessman with a ruthless reputation, billionaire and a playboy. Things around the office get pretty awkward for these two after the coffee incident. Emma manages to remain professional around Matt but it is hard to do when she can't seem to keep her eyes off of him. There is chemistry between the two of them but they need to keep the balance between a professional and personal romance and trying hard not to give into temptation. Emma has a small obsession with smutty books and after one falls of her bag at work and Matt sees it all bets are off when it comes to pursuing Emma. Will these two give there relationship a chance?? Will they get there happily ever after?? I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it and I enjoyed reading Emma and Matt's story.
507 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2020
Oh but this was a great read! It was addictive enough I read it way too quickly! I loved how this was a fall in love quick kinda book. Also had to laugh at all the situations that the heroine finds herself in! It made for a very great and entertaining read!

Tho this author writes mostly Omegaverse her foray into something different is totally worth reading and I hope she does more like this one! It was very entertaining and made me laugh and fall in love with her 2 main characters!
Profile Image for Erin.
3,526 reviews78 followers
February 18, 2020
So very sweet and funny!!!

Unlike L.V. Lane's fabulous controller stories, this one is a very steamy contemporary office romance with instalove. You will have a hard time putting this one down. The characters are perfect in every way. Emma is such a sweet and seemingly innocent young woman who has a very big crush on her new boss. Emma's inner dialogue had me in stitches. She reminded me of me when I was her age. Matt (her boss) is an intense alpha male. He is instantly attracted to Emma and has some kind of pull to be around her and make her squirm!! Their interactions were funny and sweet. And the sex was hot and steamy! I loved everything about this fabulous story.



Profile Image for Stacy K.
1,237 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2021
The reason I'm giving this book a low rating is because at the end the couple never really said 'I love you' even though they said 'I love how you..' (no romance) and I didn't like how he disciplined her even though she said she liked it. I mean they did end up together and it gave an alright ending. I just thought it was 'just ok' for a short read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah Wenna.
Author 12 books81 followers
February 25, 2020
Wow!

This was awesome as! So funny and pretty much every misunderstanding or thing that you find in Romance books happens in cliche it’s seriously over the top funny and I can’t wait to read more by this author 😍
Profile Image for KV.
226 reviews
October 9, 2020
ROM COM!!! Where is the romance & comedy??? There is no romantic connection between Emma & Matt. I do like steamy romance but certainly it does not work in this plot. Quick read but not worth it!!
Profile Image for R Rais.
1,556 reviews43 followers
February 4, 2020
A steamy office romance with insta lust love that just hard to put down.

My first read from the author is her Controller series. And her Alpha is one of the reason I keep coming back for more. And love to see she still bring her Alpha with Matthew in this book.

But not so much with the girl. Emma feels too childish for me. I understand she's young. But young doesn't always mean she can't be adult with strong character. And Emma feels too meak for me.

Their steamy scenes are hot. I read this book just in two sitting. This book definitly lighter than the Controller series. More fun to read. No worries for the angst.

Overall, my behind still sore from Matt's spankin😉😘😂
34 reviews
February 19, 2020
This book was a quick and easy read, different from the author's previous Controller series. The characters were fun, with an instant attraction to each other. There are lots of funny moments along with hot sexy scenes. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted read. And I love the way that the author uses Emma's smutty MC books as a way to increase the hotness factor.
Profile Image for Deb.
686 reviews
January 10, 2021
5 stars ⭐️

This is a great read, it will leave you feeling good because you will smile at their antics all the way through. My only gripe, it ended rather abruptly, two weeks jumped to three months? I was enjoying the story and I reckon there was more to be gotten from their relationship.
Profile Image for Jaime Rendell.
92 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2020
Yummo! Absolutely enjoyed this book! Can't wait to read more. L.V.Lane has given another steamy read!!
Profile Image for Jinx.
878 reviews
October 20, 2020
On the first day of her new job Emma is early... she decides to stop for coffee before work... and literally runs into her new boss... spilling coffee all over his expensive suit. Matthew Dexton is not impressed but calmly sorts out the situation by the time they get to the office Emma is late for work...

And so begins an amusing tale of new employee and boss interactions... underneath it all Matt is attracted to Emma but she works for him he's not about to head down that path (again)... but that doesn't stop him from wanting Emma.

Emma is horrified by the things she wants to do her boss but when the feeling is mutual maybe it might just work?

The ending to this felt rushed. Yes we got a HEA... but it felt like the story ran out of steam so that was the best possible ending... maybe it was left that way so perhaps another story helps tie up the lose ends? I don't know.. I just felt like this one missed the mark for me. An ok read though.
68 reviews
April 26, 2020
Ugh - the end

Loved the story, but the end was a let down. I wish there was a little more. A little more book, a little more story. But good reading. I will definitely read more of the authors books, this was my first.
Profile Image for Amber.
181 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2020
A great start and middle but seems like the author gave up and just ended it mid book. So random.
Profile Image for Beccy Thompson.
810 reviews17 followers
March 3, 2020
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
Today is the first day of my first job.
I'm nervous, excited, and much too early.
Which is when I meet him for the very first time.
He's a businessman with a ruthless reputation.
A billionaire and a playboy.
His company sponsored my scholarship.
And I've dreamed about him in the kind of detail you can't even tell your best friend about.
That was before I thought we might meet.
There is something very cliche about accidentally throwing your drink over a god in human flesh. The throwing part is where the cliche ends for me.
He doesn't look endeared by the incident, nor amused. He looks mad as freaking hell.
My brain freezes, mental capability flees, and I look away from his penetrating gaze,
but that brings my focus to his chest, where coffee drips down onto his doubtless expensive shoes.
I want to die. I have never wanted to die before, but if a magic wish were granted me now, I would happily cease to exist.
I've just thrown a full and very hot cup of coffee all over my very hot new boss
LV Lane has written a lovely romantic comedy in this book. It’s absolutely laugh out loud at its cringe value. A lovely light-hearted read Thank you
715 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2020
Emma was at the coffee shop before her first day of work for the company that had given her a merit scholarship that paid for her college. When she or her coffee she turned into a man and spilled the scalding coffee onto him. He is understandably upstanding the realizes the angry man is her new boss, billionaire CEO Matthew Dexton. They had never met before but she had a mini crush on the playboy after seeing his picture and now Emma was afraid of being fired. A week later he calls her to his office and this time she ends up spilling coffee on herself. Matthew has also been intrigued by Emma nd he kisses her in his office. After work the employees meet at a bar and Matthew ends up taking home and things progress rapidly. Will Emma and Matthew develop a loving relationship? What role will the neighbor’s steamy biker romances play in their life?

I give this book 4.5 stars. It was a fun read with a certain quickly developing relationship. I liked all of the well written characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
June 4, 2020
Cliche number 1: Bad Boss is a great romantic comedy that I thoroughly enjoyed! Emma is both excited and nervous about starting her first job with a big firm that had paid for her scholarship. Her new boss, Matthew Dexton, owner and CEO of Dexton Corporation, was gorgeous, according to his media pictures, and she had fantasized about him for some time. But when she turned in the coffee shop she had stopped at, fumbling with her umbrella, the coffee lid popped off and dumped hot coffee all down the front of someone’s shirt – the wet and stained formerly white shirt her new boss was currently wearing – and she realized what she had done! Uh-oh.

I loved this book and laughed often. It’s a good thing the sizzling chemistry between them ignited before he fired her. And there were many more mishaps to come as Emma falls apart whenever he’s around! You will not want to miss this one! It’s fun and full of emotions as the sweet, innocent employee tries to navigate her feelings for the sexy boss! Grab your copy and have fun with this!
Profile Image for Margot Mostert.
50 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2020
Cliche number 1: Bad Boss is a great steamy HEA. Emma is nervous about starting her first job with a prestigious firm--her dream job. It doesn't help that her boss the super sexy, worldly, and rich. She's had a crush on him since she saw his picture on social media, and his firm had given her a scholarship. He's been the star in all her innocent fantasies, but in reality, he is more sinful than she could have ever imagined.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; Emma has an innocence to her that Matt just can't resist. The chemistry between them is scorching hot, and Emma is so clumsy around him that the situations are hilarious. I LOL'ed more than once.

This is a RomCom like no other. You need it on your shelf.
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,230 reviews99 followers
April 6, 2020
Hot Coffee, Steamy Reads And So Much More

This was my first book by L.V. Lane and I can't even say enough how much I enjoyed it.

It was this fantastic blend of romance, humor, and steam with a well defined storyline that kept me engaged the whole way through.

I loved the older man/younger woman, office/boss themes in this book. I of course REALLY enjoyed the bit of kink Matt and Emma had in their steamy moments.

There were some supporting characters that were set up well for their own books and I sure hope the get them!

The bits of humor were my personal favorite. I think a romance with humor is my personal favorite, laughter really is good for the soul.

This book does end at 84%, FYI.
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,800 reviews20 followers
May 22, 2020
3.5 stars


The thing I liked best about this book is that Matt was the kind of alpha I look for - decisive, firm, a bit brusque, protective, and of course insanely hot in an impeccable suit. I expected him to find a bit more of a challenge in a woman, however. Emma was a little on the too innocent side. I realize that may be what will appeal to some readers, however. I don’t mind the innocence, per se, just the repetitive insecurity that often comes with it.

Overall the story is just like the title - a cliched billionaire boss story that many of us love with a sweet young thing and a guy that gets gobsmacked by a sweet young thing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,635 reviews33 followers
March 9, 2020
Cliché Number 1: Bad Boss by L.V. Lane
This is a fun, flirty and steamy romantic comedy story by L.V.Lane.
Sweet but slightly awkward Emma is excited to start her new job until she accidentally tips a full hot cup of coffee over her older, hot new boss, Matt. The chemistry between Emma and Matt sizzles off the page and makes this office romance sweet and steamy. It’s instant attraction and instant love for them both. I loved the characters, clumsy Emma and over the top alpha Matt. This was an easy, quick romantic read.
Profile Image for Bridget R99.
130 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2020
It May Just Be Me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It may have been because I have been in a reading slump, but this book did it for me. I was laughing throughout this book. It's a light sexy romantic comedy with great, hot, chemistry between Emma and Matt. It's over the top and yet it completely works.

I read this author's dark omegaverse books. I have loved every single one. And now I would love to see her write more comedy as well. I am definitely going to have a book hangover from this one.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Karen Komarinski.
1,119 reviews15 followers
November 13, 2020
Started with coffee

Emma just graduated and is going to work for the company that sponsored her college Education. She has been thinking about Matthew Dexton the owner & CEO of Dexton corporation who made her dreams come true. Emma is on her way to start her first day of work, she is early so she can start her day with her favorite cup of coffee; then it happens she turns and runs into a wall & coiffed goes everywhere. The only problem that wall was Matthew Dexton, her boss’s boss. Find out if Emma’s career ends before it starts.
90 reviews
March 28, 2023
This is a cute story that has some very steamy scenes. The main character is relatably clumsy and incredibly shy. While you get an idea of a majority of the characters' peronalities and you have a resolution for the main storyline, there are a few plot points that get brought up but have no resolution. They would have been a good addition if the story was slightly longer but with it's current length, these extra points leave you with questions and/or frustrations as to what happened with them. However, it is still definitely worth a read and enjoyable.
4,277 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2020
Wow, this short story has instant humor and heat you don’t want to put it down. What a way to meet the new boss, then only to making clumsy mistakes every time you see him. Love the characters of sweet, demure Emma falling for dominant, arrogant boss Matt; will it be a dream come true, or will it be the cliche of falling for your boss and getting your heart broken.

I am voluntarily leaving a review of this book that I received free.
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