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Mostly My Boss #1
Mostly My Boss
A friends to lover, boss/secretary story.
Ethan
I did it. I broke us. That night…changed our relationship. I wasn’t her friend anymore. I wasn’t her boss anymore. I didn’t know what we were to each other.
Twelve years ago, I met Julia at Harvard. I was a cocky genius. A visionary, with plans to change the world.
And she believed me. Believed in me. I wouldn’t have survived that first year without her.
Now everyone calls me the boss. Except Jules. She calls me… mostly her boss.
I thought we had it all together. But I screwed up and now she thinks she can quit.
The job. Me.
I can’t let that happen. So I got her to promise me one hour.
Ethan
I did it. I broke us. That night…changed our relationship. I wasn’t her friend anymore. I wasn’t her boss anymore. I didn’t know what we were to each other.
Twelve years ago, I met Julia at Harvard. I was a cocky genius. A visionary, with plans to change the world.
And she believed me. Believed in me. I wouldn’t have survived that first year without her.
Now everyone calls me the boss. Except Jules. She calls me… mostly her boss.
I thought we had it all together. But I screwed up and now she thinks she can quit.
The job. Me.
I can’t let that happen. So I got her to promise me one hour.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2019
331 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 12, 2019
Wow! I must be the only sane person out of all the 10 current reviews who thinks this is a load of crap!
First of, heroine RAPES Hero during a night where they are both drunk (Hero more so then heroine) because she is not so drunk that she doesn't know who she is undressing & having sex with when Hero has clearly told her that he never wanted to cross that line with her!
“Shit, fuck, shit,” I whispered. Hoping desperately Ethan didn’t wake up. Knowing, eventually, he would.
And he would know what I’d done. I’d been drunk. Did that work as an excuse for practically raping a guy? After all, guys got away with it all the time.
“Shit.”
He was going to be so mad. He was going to say he’d been out of it, that he didn’t know what he was doing. He was going to say it was wrong and that I shouldn’t have pushed the issue. He was going to say I took advantage of him and he’d be right.
I hadn’t been thinking. I’d just been feeling.
I’d barely admitted to myself that I thought of Ethan like that and I know he didn’t think of me like that at all! Which was going to make him even madder knowing that I’d tricked him when he was drunk. Taken the choice out of his hands by pulling on his dick.
Then afterwards, the coward she is, tries to convince Hero (who thinks he had sex with her roommate & is apologetic) that he should date said roommate & have a serious relationship so that she could save her skanky ass!
“Okay?” His eyebrows scrunched together like that bothered him. “You’re okay with me fucking your roommate in your room?”
I blinked. And then it came to me in a flash. Because I wouldn’t be okay with him fucking my roommate. It would force me to change how I thought about him. How I felt about him. I was sure of it.
“You should date her.”
“Date her?”
“Yeah, she likes you.” Obviously enough to be super deceitful. I swallowed. “And you need to do more than just hook up or you’re never going to figure out how to be in a relationship.”
“Hello? Have you met me? Since when did you get the idea I wanted anything to do with a relationship?”
“It’s like learning anything else. You have to practice, Ethan. You should date her.”
He frowned at me and I, not for the first time, wished I could see inside his head. “I guess since I can’t really remember what happened, I owe her at least being sober the next time.”
The next time. He was actually going to date her and fuck her for real. Because of me. Because of my lies. I struggled to swallow, not wanting to hurl in his bed. I could stop this. I could tell him. I could say it was all a lie.
Oh shit. Oh shit. He was going to fuck Nicki! What had I done?
No, let him do it. It will end your feelings for him. Hard. Cold turkey.
“How does that make you feel?” he asked.
Horrible. Gutted. Jealous as fucking hell. None of the things I should be feeling if he was truly my friend. Which only made me more upset, because if we weren’t friends I didn’t know what we are.
“Fine. I’m good. I don’t have a problem.”
He stared at me.
“It’s not going to freak me out or anything if that’s what you’re worried about. I mean I don’t want to be…around you two. That would be awkward. Obviously.”
His eyebrows bunched together. “You’re really okay with this? Me and Nicki?”
NO! I WASN’T OKAY!
He could hear that, couldn’t he?
“We’re friends,” I told him, trying to hang on to reason. “Just friends. I can’t get pissed over who you decide to hook up with or date. I haven’t all year. Why would it be different with Nicki?”
His face was blank. I had no idea what he was thinking and I didn’t like it.
“Right. Friends. Okay. I’m going to take a shower and then Nicki and I are going to get breakfast. You want to come?”
I shook my head. I couldn’t see her. I couldn’t sit across from her knowing what she’d done. What I’d done on top of that.
“No, you guys do your thing. I’ll just head back to the room.”
I got out of his bed and thought about what this would mean. When he was in my room he’d be there because of her. And it wasn’t like we would be able to hang out, just the two of us. No matter how innocent he thought it was, I knew it wasn’t.
So I’d screwed us up anyway.
Tell him the truth. Just tell him and we’ll deal with it.
I considered what I knew about him and Nicki. There was no way that would last. She might try to hold on to him, but holding on to Ethan was like trying to catch mist.
Not like me and Ethan. We would make it through this. All I had to do was let the lie exist and tolerate whatever was going to happen between him and Nicki. Then any romantic or sexual feelings I had for him would be squashed like a bug. And in the end, our friendship would be even stronger.
F**k this shit! 🖕
First of, heroine RAPES Hero during a night where they are both drunk (Hero more so then heroine) because she is not so drunk that she doesn't know who she is undressing & having sex with when Hero has clearly told her that he never wanted to cross that line with her!
“Shit, fuck, shit,” I whispered. Hoping desperately Ethan didn’t wake up. Knowing, eventually, he would.
And he would know what I’d done. I’d been drunk. Did that work as an excuse for practically raping a guy? After all, guys got away with it all the time.
“Shit.”
He was going to be so mad. He was going to say he’d been out of it, that he didn’t know what he was doing. He was going to say it was wrong and that I shouldn’t have pushed the issue. He was going to say I took advantage of him and he’d be right.
I hadn’t been thinking. I’d just been feeling.
I’d barely admitted to myself that I thought of Ethan like that and I know he didn’t think of me like that at all! Which was going to make him even madder knowing that I’d tricked him when he was drunk. Taken the choice out of his hands by pulling on his dick.
Then afterwards, the coward she is, tries to convince Hero (who thinks he had sex with her roommate & is apologetic) that he should date said roommate & have a serious relationship so that she could save her skanky ass!
“Okay?” His eyebrows scrunched together like that bothered him. “You’re okay with me fucking your roommate in your room?”
I blinked. And then it came to me in a flash. Because I wouldn’t be okay with him fucking my roommate. It would force me to change how I thought about him. How I felt about him. I was sure of it.
“You should date her.”
“Date her?”
“Yeah, she likes you.” Obviously enough to be super deceitful. I swallowed. “And you need to do more than just hook up or you’re never going to figure out how to be in a relationship.”
“Hello? Have you met me? Since when did you get the idea I wanted anything to do with a relationship?”
“It’s like learning anything else. You have to practice, Ethan. You should date her.”
He frowned at me and I, not for the first time, wished I could see inside his head. “I guess since I can’t really remember what happened, I owe her at least being sober the next time.”
The next time. He was actually going to date her and fuck her for real. Because of me. Because of my lies. I struggled to swallow, not wanting to hurl in his bed. I could stop this. I could tell him. I could say it was all a lie.
Oh shit. Oh shit. He was going to fuck Nicki! What had I done?
No, let him do it. It will end your feelings for him. Hard. Cold turkey.
“How does that make you feel?” he asked.
Horrible. Gutted. Jealous as fucking hell. None of the things I should be feeling if he was truly my friend. Which only made me more upset, because if we weren’t friends I didn’t know what we are.
“Fine. I’m good. I don’t have a problem.”
He stared at me.
“It’s not going to freak me out or anything if that’s what you’re worried about. I mean I don’t want to be…around you two. That would be awkward. Obviously.”
His eyebrows bunched together. “You’re really okay with this? Me and Nicki?”
NO! I WASN’T OKAY!
He could hear that, couldn’t he?
“We’re friends,” I told him, trying to hang on to reason. “Just friends. I can’t get pissed over who you decide to hook up with or date. I haven’t all year. Why would it be different with Nicki?”
His face was blank. I had no idea what he was thinking and I didn’t like it.
“Right. Friends. Okay. I’m going to take a shower and then Nicki and I are going to get breakfast. You want to come?”
I shook my head. I couldn’t see her. I couldn’t sit across from her knowing what she’d done. What I’d done on top of that.
“No, you guys do your thing. I’ll just head back to the room.”
I got out of his bed and thought about what this would mean. When he was in my room he’d be there because of her. And it wasn’t like we would be able to hang out, just the two of us. No matter how innocent he thought it was, I knew it wasn’t.
So I’d screwed us up anyway.
Tell him the truth. Just tell him and we’ll deal with it.
I considered what I knew about him and Nicki. There was no way that would last. She might try to hold on to him, but holding on to Ethan was like trying to catch mist.
Not like me and Ethan. We would make it through this. All I had to do was let the lie exist and tolerate whatever was going to happen between him and Nicki. Then any romantic or sexual feelings I had for him would be squashed like a bug. And in the end, our friendship would be even stronger.
F**k this shit! 🖕
July 14, 2019
Typical "friend for lovers" They have known each other for 12 years, always loved each other but he can not keep his dick in his pants and fucks with everything that moves while she guesses? DO NOT. And she's still a doormat that stays with him all this time. Since when this is something original I have no idea.
no-way-jose
July 13, 2019If it was the man doing that to the woman he would be called a rapist. What makes right to the woman abuse a man? What’s the excuse?? It’s ABUSE, VIOLENCE the same way.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/
2893552124
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/
2893552124
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March 30, 2022
I'm on Book 2, but I stopped to write this review; otherwise, it would be hard to separate the two books in my brain.
I wasn't expecting the format of the story from the blurb, and I think it was a really interesting way to tell the story, though it did put me off for a second in the beginning. The story starts with a couples therapy session between the two main characters, Ethan and Julia, in the present day interspersed with flashbacks to their college days at Harvard.
I guess I might really like college romance novels lately. I think I'm liking them more than high school romances. I also enjoyed the college aspect of "Batter My Heart" by Nenia Campbell. These people have a way better social life than I do in college (though not for my freshmen year).
Their time together in college was so interesting I wanted the full story, instead of scenes cherry picked by the therapist to talk about. Of course, the real story doesn't really exist, and it's just the author writing those specific scenes she's picked out. I hope this makes sense lol.
Julia is really smart; not only did she get into Harvard, but she also kept making the dean's list. Ethan is smart too, but more in an out of the box thinking way. He says he's a certified genius at the beginning of the book. What I wonder is who told him this? Did he get tested? However, he has ADHD and maybe some other conditions.
I didn't like Julia that much, from the very beginning with her in the therapist's office. That scene kind of put me off her. It didn't affect my enjoyment in the novel, though. I also wanted more sex scenes, though I get why not as many were there.
I liked how Ethan wasn't really that attractive, or at least Julia didn't seem him as the hottest thing ever when she first met him. He was described as too tall and skinny. I say I like that because hearing how the hero is a complete Adonis gets a little repetitive sometimes.
I didn't like the book as much towards the end, when instead of story, we got letters exchanged between the two (when Ethan left Harvard for Seattle). However, it wasn't enough for me to bump this down a star.
I feel like the author has a thing for heroines who live on a farm, and I wonder if she grew up on one. Her other books, I know for sure, "The Bride" series had a girl living on a farm.
Okay, but what's the coincidence that both their fathers died from a heart attack? Also, the dad was a doctor. Not that doctors can't get heart attacks, but I just didn't see it. That made me worried that my parents were going to die from one. Then I reassured myself with the thought that heart attacks don't run in my family. They're more likely to die from cancer.
I can see why this series was divided into 2 books, though I don't think it was super necessary. It could have easily been combined into one full-length, 273 page book. It just seems like a cash cow, but honestly I can respect the author's hustle. Anyway, despite being a short book, there was a lot packed into it.
By the title, you wouldn't think it would be a unique contemporary romance, but it definitely was!
I wasn't expecting the format of the story from the blurb, and I think it was a really interesting way to tell the story, though it did put me off for a second in the beginning. The story starts with a couples therapy session between the two main characters, Ethan and Julia, in the present day interspersed with flashbacks to their college days at Harvard.
I guess I might really like college romance novels lately. I think I'm liking them more than high school romances. I also enjoyed the college aspect of "Batter My Heart" by Nenia Campbell. These people have a way better social life than I do in college (though not for my freshmen year).
Their time together in college was so interesting I wanted the full story, instead of scenes cherry picked by the therapist to talk about. Of course, the real story doesn't really exist, and it's just the author writing those specific scenes she's picked out. I hope this makes sense lol.
Julia is really smart; not only did she get into Harvard, but she also kept making the dean's list. Ethan is smart too, but more in an out of the box thinking way. He says he's a certified genius at the beginning of the book. What I wonder is who told him this? Did he get tested? However, he has ADHD and maybe some other conditions.
I didn't like Julia that much, from the very beginning with her in the therapist's office. That scene kind of put me off her. It didn't affect my enjoyment in the novel, though. I also wanted more sex scenes, though I get why not as many were there.
I liked how Ethan wasn't really that attractive, or at least Julia didn't seem him as the hottest thing ever when she first met him. He was described as too tall and skinny. I say I like that because hearing how the hero is a complete Adonis gets a little repetitive sometimes.
I didn't like the book as much towards the end, when instead of story, we got letters exchanged between the two (when Ethan left Harvard for Seattle). However, it wasn't enough for me to bump this down a star.
I feel like the author has a thing for heroines who live on a farm, and I wonder if she grew up on one. Her other books, I know for sure, "The Bride" series had a girl living on a farm.
Okay, but what's the coincidence that both their fathers died from a heart attack? Also, the dad was a doctor. Not that doctors can't get heart attacks, but I just didn't see it. That made me worried that my parents were going to die from one. Then I reassured myself with the thought that heart attacks don't run in my family. They're more likely to die from cancer.
I can see why this series was divided into 2 books, though I don't think it was super necessary. It could have easily been combined into one full-length, 273 page book. It just seems like a cash cow, but honestly I can respect the author's hustle. Anyway, despite being a short book, there was a lot packed into it.
By the title, you wouldn't think it would be a unique contemporary romance, but it definitely was!
July 12, 2019
Ethan and Julia met while they were attending Harvard and although they couldn’t have come from more different backgrounds a deep and enduring friendship has developed over the last 12 years.
When he created his company, Julia was by his side and they didn’t think that anything could come between them.
When tragedy strikes their relationship never recovered and Julia doesn’t see any way that it can be repaired but she agrees to give Ethan one hour to show her otherwise.
This is the first part of a duet, so it does end on a cliff hanger that leaves us wanting to know what the future has in store for Ethan and Julia.
When he created his company, Julia was by his side and they didn’t think that anything could come between them.
When tragedy strikes their relationship never recovered and Julia doesn’t see any way that it can be repaired but she agrees to give Ethan one hour to show her otherwise.
This is the first part of a duet, so it does end on a cliff hanger that leaves us wanting to know what the future has in store for Ethan and Julia.
July 7, 2019
Wow, I am a bit emotional after reading this. It is a quick read that will totally sucks you in. It wasn't what I was expecting but I loved it! I really liked the way the author told the story of Ethan and Julia. Ethan and Julia's friendship is easy at first until it becomes complicated. There is so much sexual tension and angst between them. The ending though...😢😢 This is the first book of a duet so I am totally hoping to be all 😁😍 after Mostly My Girlfriend.
I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 19, 2019
It's a shame, because the writing style is good, but I absolutely will never condone straight rape. And just because the woman is the aggressor doesn't make it any different. I read a lot of dark romance, but even those have the element of both parties being fully conscious and an oh-no-I-mean-yes-take-me thing going on. This didn't :(
August 12, 2019
What the actual fuck? Weird. Weird. Rapey. Unhinged and also boring. A cliffhanger. I just... yeah, no.
June 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this. It was an original story. The couple had a unique and captivating connection. Everything was messy and complicated, not in the overblown soap opera drama way, but in the way that real life and love is sometimes.
I took off a star because there was a scene that I just couldn't get down with. SPOILERS WATCH OUT:
This made me really uncomfortable. Heroes show dubious consent in a variety of ways in romance novels, but it's usually in a very specific, in-the-real-world-it's-fucked-but-in-the-story-it's-kind-of-hot way. If a hero were to pull the type of shit that Julia did, this would be viewed as a much darker, niche, fucked up kind of book. Or more specifically, if Ethan had taken advantage of a passed out Julia in the same way, he would need a hell of a lot to redeem himself in the reader's eyes. It would be a whole hullabaloo. Julia experiences no such repercussions. We're supposed to just take it and move on.
Other than that though, it really was a great story. This book we got some understanding of their past, so I think the next book is when we see them in the present. I still have so many questions!
****EDIT: UPDATE: NEXT BOOK SPOILER:
I took off a star because there was a scene that I just couldn't get down with. SPOILERS WATCH OUT:
This made me really uncomfortable. Heroes show dubious consent in a variety of ways in romance novels, but it's usually in a very specific, in-the-real-world-it's-fucked-but-in-the-story-it's-kind-of-hot way. If a hero were to pull the type of shit that Julia did, this would be viewed as a much darker, niche, fucked up kind of book. Or more specifically, if Ethan had taken advantage of a passed out Julia in the same way, he would need a hell of a lot to redeem himself in the reader's eyes. It would be a whole hullabaloo. Julia experiences no such repercussions. We're supposed to just take it and move on.
Other than that though, it really was a great story. This book we got some understanding of their past, so I think the next book is when we see them in the present. I still have so many questions!
****EDIT: UPDATE: NEXT BOOK SPOILER:
August 30, 2020
This was a pretty emotionally intense story set at a time in people's lives that is full of transition and new beginnings. The start of college life. The title is a little misleading, because this is more of a coming of age story. There are some unhealthy elements, but I feel it rings true to college life and the author handles them pretty well.
I really enjoyed Ethan and Julia's friendship. They are extremely codependent, but again, life when you start college is filled with angst, anxiety and meeting new people. The story does flip back and forth between present and past, but I liked that it was with an independent third party to help mediate between the hero and heroine and their emotional ugliness.
I really enjoyed Ethan and Julia's friendship. They are extremely codependent, but again, life when you start college is filled with angst, anxiety and meeting new people. The story does flip back and forth between present and past, but I liked that it was with an independent third party to help mediate between the hero and heroine and their emotional ugliness.
August 24, 2020
Fun, quirky read
I wasn’t really sure how I would feel about all the jumping back and forth in time. But Doyle did a good job telling Ethan and Julia’s story going back and forth over 12 years. Their dynamic, conversations, quirks were fun to read and left me wanting to know what happens next!
I wasn’t really sure how I would feel about all the jumping back and forth in time. But Doyle did a good job telling Ethan and Julia’s story going back and forth over 12 years. Their dynamic, conversations, quirks were fun to read and left me wanting to know what happens next!
August 27, 2020
This was a freebie, and I knew it was gonna cliffhanger. I've read stuff by this writer before, so I knew it was coming. STILL! Which just goes to say that this thing hooked me like a fish, and now I'm kinda dying to know how it ends! If you are a West Wing fan, these two really do have Josh and Donna Vibes! Happy Reading!
February 20, 2021
Ethan and Julia a friendship like no other
This is a very interesting story. It's about two odd balls finding each other, building a unique friendship, so special they overlook the importance of their feelings. Mistakes are made, secrets and betrayals, immaturity being a factor, but this leaves on a cliff hanger and hopefully it's the hea we need!
This is a very interesting story. It's about two odd balls finding each other, building a unique friendship, so special they overlook the importance of their feelings. Mistakes are made, secrets and betrayals, immaturity being a factor, but this leaves on a cliff hanger and hopefully it's the hea we need!
April 22, 2021
I loved this but...
I hate cliff hangers. Thank God the next book is available, because if I had known that the book ended on a cliff hanger and it wasn’t out yet I’d have had a fit. These characters are so damaged and broken, yet so loyal to each other and accepting of each other’s faults. I love the characters, but I won’t say I love the book until I finish the story.
I hate cliff hangers. Thank God the next book is available, because if I had known that the book ended on a cliff hanger and it wasn’t out yet I’d have had a fit. These characters are so damaged and broken, yet so loyal to each other and accepting of each other’s faults. I love the characters, but I won’t say I love the book until I finish the story.
February 25, 2021
3.5 stars. A surprisingly good free romance novel on Kindle Unlimited. I liked how Doyle explored Jules and Ethan's past through couple's therapy, and I found the multiple timelines easy to follow.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance.
March 1, 2021
Yass-yada’ed over the FL at best sexually assaulting the ML, at worst raped
Other than that the story was fairly typical friends to lovers
I did like the the way the story was framed as therapy and flashbacks
Other than that the story was fairly typical friends to lovers
I did like the the way the story was framed as therapy and flashbacks
March 6, 2021
Cliffhanger
Ugh. I'm glad that I didn't get emotionally invested in this book because it continues in the NEXT book. I didn't realize that - did I miss that warning somewhere? Boooo
Ugh. I'm glad that I didn't get emotionally invested in this book because it continues in the NEXT book. I didn't realize that - did I miss that warning somewhere? Boooo
May 14, 2020
This duet is one of those rare finds. I'm totally in love with this series. It's clever, original, and had me swooning in all the right places.
Want to read
August 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/19/2020)! 🎁
January 14, 2021
Different
Julia and Ethan's story was so different. The counselor, the flash back and current story. Absolutely enjoying this story and can't wait to read book two!
Julia and Ethan's story was so different. The counselor, the flash back and current story. Absolutely enjoying this story and can't wait to read book two!
February 24, 2021
It would be a higher star rating but I dislike getting to the end of an ebook to find it's a series.
March 3, 2021
This book has been back and forth and very entertaining. Need my next fix.
June 9, 2021
Frustratingly Good
Oh, I wanted to slap these characters so bad!! But besides the few editing errors, the book was good! Ethan & Julia just needed time to grow up separately.
Oh, I wanted to slap these characters so bad!! But besides the few editing errors, the book was good! Ethan & Julia just needed time to grow up separately.
July 6, 2021
Really good
This book was recommended. So far I really like it. Too bad it is in two books and ends with a cliff hanger.
This book was recommended. So far I really like it. Too bad it is in two books and ends with a cliff hanger.
June 2, 2023
I loved this series when I read it. It sucks you right in and doesn’t let you go. The writing mechanics were spectacular and the characters break your heart.
July 29, 2019
Wow. What a very intense first part of the story of Ethan and his Jules. The genius and the social outcast. Finding each other the first days of college and creating a relationship that is both odd and somewhat loving at the same time. These two have been together for 12 years as the best of friends and now the cards are on the table to see whether or not they are meant to be or should part ways forever.
I loved how Doyle uses time with a 'couples' therapist to tell the story of how Ethan and Julia first met, became each other's savior so to speak and then find themselves as 'boss' and assistant, all the while harboring secret feelings of love the neither have directly admitted to. It's a long and tedious adventure as they finally admit to the love they feel for the other but it's not the happy instance it should be. Instead, there is a world of hurt as they relay events that show that perhaps they didn't know each other as well as they always thought.
Julia is the most frustrating since her lack of emotion and definitive action both now and through the years together with Ethan tempted me to scream at her more than once. But I understood how she felt for the most part and I could only hope she'd get her act together and realize what she could have with her Ethan was more than just the business partnership they were on the brink of destroying.
This is a story that will undoubtedly force some readers to want to throw their Kindle but I found the actions of both Ethan and Julia to be exactly how they would react as we get to know them very intimately in this last ditch effort to save any kind of relationship they might have now and in the future.
I enjoy Doyle's writing and her penchant for creating love stories that feature the very best in having opposites attract. And now i'm on to book two with fingers crossed these two crazy kids can find a common ground and simply love one another.
4 solid stars!
I loved how Doyle uses time with a 'couples' therapist to tell the story of how Ethan and Julia first met, became each other's savior so to speak and then find themselves as 'boss' and assistant, all the while harboring secret feelings of love the neither have directly admitted to. It's a long and tedious adventure as they finally admit to the love they feel for the other but it's not the happy instance it should be. Instead, there is a world of hurt as they relay events that show that perhaps they didn't know each other as well as they always thought.
Julia is the most frustrating since her lack of emotion and definitive action both now and through the years together with Ethan tempted me to scream at her more than once. But I understood how she felt for the most part and I could only hope she'd get her act together and realize what she could have with her Ethan was more than just the business partnership they were on the brink of destroying.
This is a story that will undoubtedly force some readers to want to throw their Kindle but I found the actions of both Ethan and Julia to be exactly how they would react as we get to know them very intimately in this last ditch effort to save any kind of relationship they might have now and in the future.
I enjoy Doyle's writing and her penchant for creating love stories that feature the very best in having opposites attract. And now i'm on to book two with fingers crossed these two crazy kids can find a common ground and simply love one another.
4 solid stars!
August 2, 2019
Cliffhanger!
The book description didn’t say this was only part 1, but part 2 was also kindle unlimited so I didn’t mind at first. I mention this in case someone was going to pay for it and didn’t know that it’s a cliffhanger.
Since this is just one long story my review here will be similar to the one for part 2. I missed the author’s warning that the main characters will be frustrating, so that’s on me. But too many things frustrated me to enjoy this book. If you enjoy lots of angst and drama then you may like this duet. I’m not one who enjoys reality shows or angst because I like characters to be people I admire, at least at the end.
Spoilers:
There were a lot of flashbacks, which worked for the story but good to know in case you prefer linear writing.
Ethan kept sleeping with random women even after he knew that he loved Julia, excusing it by saying that it didn’t mean anything because it’s just physical. This is a hard no for me. He put his needs first and used her.
Julia was a bit of a doormat. She let Ethan use her to compensate for his weaknesses and took way too long to tell him that be hurt her. This is also a hard no for me. She was too much of a martyr, taking responsibility for making other people happy at her own emotional health.
They had an unhealthy codependency until the end. I wasn’t expecting to read a second volume but didn’t mind at first because I borrowed this from kindle unlimited. I don’t think the description for the Mostly My Boss wasn’t clear that it was part 1.. Ethan’s groveling kept me reading, plus the writing is compelling. But now I resent that there wasn’t much growth in the characters for a 2 volume book. It was more like, hey you’re codependent so it must be love. I still thought they were a train wreck.
The book description didn’t say this was only part 1, but part 2 was also kindle unlimited so I didn’t mind at first. I mention this in case someone was going to pay for it and didn’t know that it’s a cliffhanger.
Since this is just one long story my review here will be similar to the one for part 2. I missed the author’s warning that the main characters will be frustrating, so that’s on me. But too many things frustrated me to enjoy this book. If you enjoy lots of angst and drama then you may like this duet. I’m not one who enjoys reality shows or angst because I like characters to be people I admire, at least at the end.
Spoilers:
There were a lot of flashbacks, which worked for the story but good to know in case you prefer linear writing.
Ethan kept sleeping with random women even after he knew that he loved Julia, excusing it by saying that it didn’t mean anything because it’s just physical. This is a hard no for me. He put his needs first and used her.
Julia was a bit of a doormat. She let Ethan use her to compensate for his weaknesses and took way too long to tell him that be hurt her. This is also a hard no for me. She was too much of a martyr, taking responsibility for making other people happy at her own emotional health.
They had an unhealthy codependency until the end. I wasn’t expecting to read a second volume but didn’t mind at first because I borrowed this from kindle unlimited. I don’t think the description for the Mostly My Boss wasn’t clear that it was part 1.. Ethan’s groveling kept me reading, plus the writing is compelling. But now I resent that there wasn’t much growth in the characters for a 2 volume book. It was more like, hey you’re codependent so it must be love. I still thought they were a train wreck.
July 4, 2019
For me there's nothing better than expecting one thing and getting something else, especially when it's an infinite number of times better than what you thought you were getting. I thought Mostly My Boss was going to be a lighter, sexy friends to lovers office romance read. And instead I got something I want more of! This story has an unexpected depth but it's sooo goood!
Ethan and Julia have known each other for 12 years. They've been friends and co-workers but something has broken the. I loved how the story unfolded to let the reader know why and I especially loved getting to see it all from the beginning. It doesn't help both of them are very similar- intelligent, driven and emotionally stunted. You can feel how much they care for one another but how afraid they are to change things because if they've had one constant it's been each other. I couldn't help but root for them and I don't think you'll be able to stop yourself either!
I've been an ardent fan of Stephanie Doyle's writing for a while and I can't really articulate why I loved this book so much. There's just something about it that calls to me. I can't wait to read Mostly My Girlfriend and find out more about Ethan, Julia, and their relationship!
Ethan and Julia have known each other for 12 years. They've been friends and co-workers but something has broken the. I loved how the story unfolded to let the reader know why and I especially loved getting to see it all from the beginning. It doesn't help both of them are very similar- intelligent, driven and emotionally stunted. You can feel how much they care for one another but how afraid they are to change things because if they've had one constant it's been each other. I couldn't help but root for them and I don't think you'll be able to stop yourself either!
I've been an ardent fan of Stephanie Doyle's writing for a while and I can't really articulate why I loved this book so much. There's just something about it that calls to me. I can't wait to read Mostly My Girlfriend and find out more about Ethan, Julia, and their relationship!
July 20, 2019
Julia and Ethan met their first day at Harvard; the poor farm girl and the rich city boy, two misfits who became friends. Mostly My Boss by S. Doyle, book one of two, begins twelve years after that meeting with flashbacks to their earlier friendship and alternating between characters. Ethan was a cocky genius with a vision and need to change the world. Julia believed in him and followed him after her graduation. The problem is that Ethan changed the rules without telling Julia, attempting to that friends to lovers move. But it broke them, causing Julia to quit working for Ethan. Now he has one hour with the assistance of a marriage counselor to convince Julia to stay. Before she will stay Ethan needs to understand Julia’s feelings for him, not just now but over the years.
Ms. Doyle wrote a wonderful and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters but left me unexpectedly hanging at the end. Now I have to read book two to find out if Ethan and Julia work things out. I highly recommend Huge to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Doyle wrote a wonderful and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters but left me unexpectedly hanging at the end. Now I have to read book two to find out if Ethan and Julia work things out. I highly recommend Huge to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 26, 2019
I like friends/boss etc stories like Hero by S Young and then also Hating Game - which isn’t that trope but it’s office
But these two characters never get to the office... the whole book is mostly flash backs to Harvard where she had a chip on her shoulder about being a small town farm girl and he’s a genius who lacks people skills.
I liked the readability of it and I did get invested In the two MC but now as I reflect on it... firstly the author says this is some west wing tribute and I did not get Donna:josh from them at all!! Secondly... the whole incident that they describe seems so ... far fetched and then he knows but forgets he knows.... and his characterization seems inconsistent and they keep referencing Big Bang theory - is he supposed to be like Sheldon? Or Leonard? Because I don’t get either of those from him. I don’t usually like male POV but I definitely don’t get ‘awkward adhd genius from his inner voice’ at all.
I realize there is a book two and I will be reading it but if it wasn’t free on KU I would not be.
But these two characters never get to the office... the whole book is mostly flash backs to Harvard where she had a chip on her shoulder about being a small town farm girl and he’s a genius who lacks people skills.
I liked the readability of it and I did get invested In the two MC but now as I reflect on it... firstly the author says this is some west wing tribute and I did not get Donna:josh from them at all!! Secondly... the whole incident that they describe seems so ... far fetched and then he knows but forgets he knows.... and his characterization seems inconsistent and they keep referencing Big Bang theory - is he supposed to be like Sheldon? Or Leonard? Because I don’t get either of those from him. I don’t usually like male POV but I definitely don’t get ‘awkward adhd genius from his inner voice’ at all.
I realize there is a book two and I will be reading it but if it wasn’t free on KU I would not be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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