Disobeying My Boss

Lovers' Lane #3

by Summer Brooks

My boss hired me while I was drunk out of my mind at a party.
Wobbling around, whining about being unemployed.

But… it was no charity.
I’m qualified over-qualified for this job.
Seriously, I’m really, really good.
So good that that I got drunk (again) and fell into Simon’s bed.

Mr. Simon Cox.
Uptight. Freakishly organized. Too proud. And way too rich.
All the things I’m not.
All the things I never want to be.
Imagine his reaction when he enters my Brooklyn apartment that looks more like a pig sty than a home.

Anyhow, he came over to ask for a favor.
And he came prepared… with a contract in hand.
The fake fiancée contract.
All I have to do is sign on the dotted line and get fake engaged.
Is this why he hired a drunk mess like myself?
And is now the best time to disobey my boss?

This standalone is Simon and Fallon's story! Have fun reading this crazy office romance with a happily ever after and no cliffhangers!

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2020

Reviews

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. This series kept popping up in FB ads and other authors' newsletters and I decided to give it a try. I binge read the first three books of the series (available at the time of review) after reading the first one to see if book one was a one off or if the author's writing was consistently like book one. Though the stories are set in NYC, there are timing issues and phrases used that make me believe that the author may not have ever been to NYC. Other phrases used throughout the series, and the writing style in general, also lead me to believe the author is not from the US, though I had trouble finding actual author information to confirm that. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though it did pull me from the story a little bit. More noteworthy is the inconsistency between the books in the series. For instance, the engagement ring Vincent gives Emily in book one has an entirely different stone in the beginning of book two. Kiera's father is referred to with two different names in book one, which was distracting and could have been caught in editing. The hot scenes are hot, but are not as engaging as they could be. In addition, they feel very added in and don't all have much purpose to the story. As the series progressed, I also found them somewhat repetitive from book to book. None of the three books use protection, which some readers will find very offensive. All three books could benefit from greater character development and better plot detail and development. This is especially apparent during the end of each book. The resolutions to the conflicts seemed abrupt and unbelievable. This series was marketed as Rom-Com, but I honestly did not find them very funny at all. This too may have benefited from further development prior to publishing. These dual POV stories are quick reads with some heat. If you are looking for a hot book without a lot of substance they will suit your needs.

In book three, there is slightly better character development. I really wanted to like the hot mess Fallon is. Simon is older, but doesn't seem to have the maturity I expect from someone in his late thirties. It is tough to believe that Fallon has been a successful personal assistant in NYC when she can't even put herself together in a professional manner. She honestly would have a hard time getting a job as a personal assistant in any small US town. What bothered me the most was that she recognized that she was a mess (not just an "I am a free spirit" kind of mess) but was committed to not making changes just to be who she is, even though she realized that made her grossly unlikable to many. I don't understand that. I will say that Simon was likable and it was very sweet how he took care of Fallon when she was injured.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait for Fallon and Simon’s story since we first met them in, Crushing On My Neighbor: Lovers’ Lane #2 and the wait was SO worth it!! My sides and cheeks hurt from laughing so hard at these two especially Fallon. You got the impression that Fallon went through some bad stuff in COMN that made her the feisty, crazy, sassy woman she is today and after reading her back story I understood her 100% since I could relate to her.

This story was fantastic. I had a love/hate relationship with these two and loved every second of it. I can’t wait to read, Marrying My Ex Boyfriend: Lovers’ Lane #4, next to get Olivia and Michael’s story since these two had my mind going crazy a few times. Plus I love everything Summer Brooks gives us readers. 🖤♥️🖤

[Christina Rybka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallen was drunk and Simon gave her a job. Simon is always in control and likes the finer things in life. Fallen is a red hot mess but they both feel alone. She is always challenging him and they are always fighting. There is intense attraction between them. Can they stop fighting and get together? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Awesome book.

[Evy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this book was even better than the other two!
I laughed with tears envisioning the interview and the coffee ( if you read the book, you will understand me)
I adored the way he behaved to win her over and he was so sweet at the wedding.
You must read all three books and fall in love with each guy!
You just have to!
Thanks Summer!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacy Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

It wasn't as good as the previous 2 books, there wasn't the anticipation of will they get out of their own way to be together. There needed to be a bit more substance in order to really feel like these two will make it to forever.

[Angela Hurdle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish

I was bored but then the description of the security guard and that whole interaction was so weird and uncomfortably racial.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic story.
Oh my word I loved this book & couldn't stop reading once I started desperate to know what was going to happen next. I loved Fallon she was sassy, funny, told it how it was but there was a soft tender side & that she didn't show as vulnerable, lonely so when she met Simon her best friends future brother-in-law at their house party he seemed a little uptight but fun at the same time but hot having drunk a bit too much she woke up the next morning her phone waking her up with a woman saying she should have been at the office to start her new job & was late which suddenly made her hangover worse when she remember Simon gave her a job. She rushed there but was in for a rude awakening from Simon finding out he was totally different from the man she'd met the night before & she told him so that he was rich, bossy, stuck up, annoying, thought he was better than everybody else & that having been at the same party as her he should know how she would be feeling so when he laughed at her she got upto go telling him even though none of her friends really liked her or believed in her she was really good at her job & there was no need for him to be little her offering her job for a laugh or in pity, he got up & quickly closed the door to stop her telling her that wasn't why he was giving her the job & that he'd been in touch with her previous employers who said how good she was getting her to sit back down. He made her a coffee to relieve her hangover then began explaining the job to her but when he told her the pay in shock she spat her coffee all over the place some getting on him she was embarred & sorry but he carried on every do often she kept interrupting then when he'd finished he gave her as one forms to fill in & went to get changed as he walked back in the office she opened the door bumping in to him spilling her hot coffee all over him, he pushed he back into his office quickly stripping off his trousers as the coffee was so hot it was burning his legs,she apologised again & left thinking she don't be getting the job anymore but he shouted to her that he'd call her about the job. When she'd gone he sat down thinking about her she everything he should dislike & normally would have shouted at them as soon as they walked on the door but there was something about her & the chaos she caused that threw him off balance which only made him like her even more. They both felt the same way there was a spark between them, mega hot sexual chemistry but kept things professional, she peed him off but he liked that she called him out on things sometimes. When they were on a business trip he was shouting at her in the car & was angry at her but when she fell backwards out of the car banging her head he was distraught quickly checking she was OK holding her until the paramedic got there he was holding her trying to keep her awake & soothe her calling her 'crazy girl' which he thought it was cute as a pet name for him. She was given the all clear but told Simon not to let her sleep for 3 hrs, she cuddled upto him on the sofa then woke up the next morning in bed. It was obvious she was on his penthouse not the room she'd booked for her, they were going gift shopping for his brother's wedding but following an argument she stormed off refusing to go, he tried to apologise but she wouldn't listen so he went on his own. They both got drunk him in a bar & her in the hotel room, when he came back they ended up having Drunken sex telling each other that they'd wanted this since they first met but the next morning he was shocked to see her realising what they had done stormed out of her room then sent her a text saying they were leaving, he ignored her all the way home then she didn't go into work for days choosing to work from home. She was devestated because it was obvious now that he never wanted to be with her just like everyone else even her dad left her when she was younger. He eventually agreed with himself that he loved her & would proof it to her before his brothers wedding & took her on a date, gradually they both admitted they wanted to be together & that the fake engagement they'd made whilst she was drunk was what they wanted for real. This sort had me laughing at the banter between them but then it got emotional & I couldn't help the tears falling down my cheeks, luckily nobody was about to see, this was a fantastic story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that is about friends around you finding their loves and planning their wedding. This makes Fallon wonder if she is missing out or will she be the woman left to make everyone else happy and not find her love? Fallon goes to a party thrown by her friends, Jason and Kiera, as they are getting ready for their wedding. She sees how happy all the couples are and gets a little sad but decides to dance on the table to make everyone have a greater evening. She is dancing and is asked what she needs so she states her desire was for a job. At the time this happens she is offered a job by Jason's brother, Simon Cox, who is a billionaire and just fired his person assistant, Olivia. Olivia was going to quit because she has fallen in love with Simon's partner, Michael. They have been dating and Michael has decided he no longer wants any more to do with Olivia and she has fallen in love. Simon decided to fire Olivia instead of letting her quit because she would receive more benefits. The next day Fallon arrives at work late because of the long, drinking night. Simon has many rules and being "late" is the top one he would fire someone for. But he does not fire Fallon but gives her another chance. Michael comes in Simon's office and explains Simon needs to go to Los Angeles to take a meeting that Michael is unable to attend. He decides to take his new personal assistant, Fallon, with him. Of course, they get to travel on the company jet and stay at the expensive hotel. As you read through his story you will see that Simon goes from cold to hot back cold so Fallon is having a difficult time keeping up with his emotions. Fallon is a spirited, strong willed young woman that Simon is attracted to and is thinking maybe she could become his one forever. After they have an argument he leaves and finds a bar to do some drinking as he thinks about what is happening to he or I should say happening between him and Fallon. It is one the most interesting book emotion wise I have read. Please pick your copy and see how it turns out for Fallon and Simon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alis Renzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ah ... non so se conoscete quella sensazione di aver letto una grandissima cavolata,una lettura che potevate evitare... però c'è da dire che in certe parti vi è anche piaciuta?

Ecco questa sera ho avuto il piacere/dispiacere di aver questa sensazione... e non per un libro ma per i primi 4 libri di questa serie che secondo me poteva avere una buona base se e solamente se i personaggi maschili non fossero così tanto arroganti e presi dalla propria vita, senza rendersi conto che la gente attorno a loro ha dei sentimenti...
La gente a volte prova delle sensazioni che non sono sempre belle, perché trattano la loro controparte femminile come delle cose che loro possono muovere a loro piacimento. Ma scherzi no?!?!

Partiamo dal dire che il primo libro è un romance tra due migliori amici, il secondo è un romance di seconde possibilità, il terzo è tra due nemici è il quarto è un matrimonio a sorpresa.

I primi due libri rientra non della parte che mi è piaciuta non al cento% perché è i personaggi maschili sono abbastanza arroganti ma può starci per la situazione in cui sono messi(uno viene ricattato dai genitori e l'altro viene ingannato dal fratello).
Ma il 3º e il 4º non hanno scuse, Sono solamente due personaggi maschili egocentrici che non prendono in considerazione neanche per un singolo istante che la persona che hanno davanti e che loro dicono di amare abbia dei sentimenti come un umano normale e sensato.

Questi 4 primi libri sinceramente mi sono bastati per ora. Infatti lascio un pochettino perdere la serie e passo ad altro perché ci sono momenti come nel 2° o nel 3º, in cui veramente mi veniva da buttare via il kindle, ma proprio da lasciar perdere completamente... Ma ho voluto finire comunque fino ad un certo punto perché mi piaceva molto come era scritto. Uno stile molto frizzante e divertente, dove certe scene meritano davvero ma altre ti fanno cascar le braccia perché non hanno senso di essere!
Non puoi trattare una persona come un oggetto, non puoi Pensare che vada bene poter maltrattare e riprenderti quando ti pare la persona che ami... non è lì, alla tua mercé, né per i tuoi singoli bisogni!

Voto medio della serie è un triste tre stelle!!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Head tornado turns him around! This story is about Fallon and Simon. Fallon’s best friend is marrying Simon’s brother who is the NASCAR racer from the last book. Simon and his brother haven’t had a great relationship after what he did to his brother, but Simon is working to make things right. The night he meets Fallon, he is head over heels for her. She is something to be reckon with as she doesn’t backdown from anything or anyone. Simon ends up offering her a job as an assistant as he had to fire, (or better yet – give his current assistant a better deal of firing her), but not knowing that the next day Fallon was going to be hung over and late for her interview. He offers her the job, but the interview in itself was hilarious. You know he had to be in love already with everything that happened, and she still gets the job. Well going to LA with him to meet a client was no trip in the park for either of them, but things do change, and it had a beautiful ending. The question now remains what will happen with Michael and Olivia. Also note, I love the pets in this story – Poe and Rome need to meet being that they will be living in the same household, how would this go, there needs to be an extended epilogue just for this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is the last time you have read a great book, that stuck in your mind? I've got to be completely honest. I read daily and while it takes a whole lot to impress me, Ms. Summer Brooks sure has pulled at my heartstrings with this publication.

Disobeying My Boss is the 3rd installment to The Lover's Lane Series, and the storyline just impressed me to no end. While I definitely am one of those people who do not like to give away any part of the plot, so that I do not ruin it for other readers... This will be a challenge.

Mr. Simon Cox, a self made business man, gorgeous and pompous at times, has met his match at his Brothers housewarming party and her name is Fallon. Fallon is as unique as they come, loving life and those around her. Yes, this fiery redhead has no filter and offers no apologies. She couldn't be any more the opposite of Simon, however, they work together; now that he's offered her a job. Will she conform or will she bring him to his knees? Follow along as Fallon shows Simon how the other half live.

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced readers copy of Disobeying My Boss in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion.

The overall effect of this release is beyond beautiful.

[Maxine Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book by summer brooks.

Fallon and Simon meet at Jason and Kiera wedding party where they start talking and having shots and she gets drunk dances on the table and says she wants a job and then Simon hires her.
Fallon and Simon are wonderful characters and they suit each other very well.Fallon brings Simon out of his boring life style and makes him a better person.Fallon feels like she doesn’t fit in the same circle as her friends and she puts on a brave face but Simon see though it.
The chemistry is there from the first pages of the book and it’s enjoyable and entertaining all the way through.
It’s steamy and sexy at the same time and enjoyable to read.
All the other books are standalones but the characters interact withi each in the other books.
I really recommend reading this book and going to add this to collection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Fallon and Simon’s story! You have Fallon who could care less about what she says or who she says it too! She is beautiful, funny but yet feels she doesn’t fit in. Simon is the total opposite, he’s rich, very organized and it has to be his way. Well when he meets Fallon at his brother’s party, he is immediately taken by her even though she’s three sheets to the wind. He finds out she needs a job and he offer her one and so the fun begins. I loved the banter back and forth between these two and their chemistry was undeniable. She doesn’t take nothing off Simon and that’s what he likes about her. Their story will keep you laughing and yet it’s so sweet they way the start to fall for one another. I only wish we could have just a little more of their happily ever after.:)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon met Fallon at his brother’s housewarming. Simon was an uptight rich businessman. Fallon was a personal assistant whose life was chaos.

The night they met she got drunk on cheap tequila. Simon offered her a job. The next morning she was hungover and knew she did something she didn’t remember. As she replayed the night she remembered she had been hired. She called the company to make sure. She was told she was expected there in 20 minutes.

When she got there Simon was uptight and all business. They were attracted to each other and both fighting it. Fallon was a tornado waiting to happen in Simon’s calculated life.

What will happen when she agrees to work for him and they go on a business trip together? Will they continue to fight against the attraction or give in? Can Simon handle the tornado that has come into his life?

Read to find out!

[Candy Ottarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect romantic comedy! Summer Brooks nailed it with this one! Simon Cox and Fallon Roberts were about as different as two people can be. Simon is a CEO, sex on a stick gorgeous, reeks of money, and demands respect. Fallon is the complete opposite. She is a firecracker with red hair, speaks her mind in all situations, and basically a mess. Simon and Fallon were at a house-warming party. Fallon was sloppy drunk and dancing on the table telling Simon she needed a job. Simon gave her a job without question as his personal assistant. When she shows up late the next day in total disarray and opens her mouth, he quickly realizes maybe, just maybe he made a mistake. This book takes you on an adventure until the very end. I highly recommend this book!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boss hired me while I was drunk out of my mind at a party.
Wobbling around, whining about being unemployed.
But… it was no charity.
I’m qualified over-qualified for this job.
Seriously, I’m really, really good.
So good that that I got drunk (again) and fell into Simon’s bed.
Mr. Simon Cox.
Uptight. Freakishly organized. Too proud. And way too rich.
All the things I’m not.
All the things I never want to be.
Imagine his reaction when he enters my Brooklyn apartment that looks more like a pig sty than a home.
Anyhow, he came over to ask for a favor.
And he came prepared… with a contract in hand.
The fake fiancée contract.
All I have to do is sign on the dotted line and get fake engaged.
Is this why he hired a drunk mess like myself?
And is now the best time to disobey my boss?

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great humor with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me up all night! Fallon and Simon were dynamite and I didn’t want it to end. Summer Brooks is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite authors, not only are her books steamy and vivid for the reader, the depth of the characters and detail around the plot makes her books hard to put down! With just the right amount of humor and add in the fact that we got more glimpses into Jason and Kiera’s story (Crushing on my neighbor), makes this book a MUST read! I love how her books give you a little more of your already favorite characters!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon is drawn to Fallen when he meets her. When he learns that she needs a job he hires her even though she's wasted when they talk about the job offer. Fallen is a little late for work the next morning but she still can't believe he hired her. Fallen is taken his personal assistant job because the woman working it quit because of his partner. Things heat up between them and soon they give into temptation. Fallen is confused by Simon because one minute he is nice and the next he is cold towards her. Will Simon see she's the one for him before its too late?

This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Fallon is a walking tornado. She does not have it all together and it spills out everywhere. But she loves fiercely and she craves to be loved in return. Simon is uptight and pretentious. He always has order and gets what he wants. The two together is a disaster in the making. It’s a fun story with a good dose of heat. I feel like it was a little disjointed story the end, the connection, but I could see where she wanted to go. A few more chapters before the epilogue would have sealed it for me. Either way it was still fun and a good addition to the series.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series and this is book 3 in the Lover’s Lane series I loved it it’s hilarious the banter between the main characters was excellent and this is Simon’s and Fallon’s story. Sorry guys I’m not going to give any spoilers because the blurb practically says it all, it’s a love / hate relationship and Fallon is sassy with a bit of crazy added which is the complete opposite of Simon. I loved this story it’s a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Brooks actually made me like my two least favorite characters in the “Lover’s Lane” series which can only mean one thing... she’s a brilliant writer! I love how this book helps you to understand why Simon and Fallon are built the way they are. In the end, I had empathy for them which I know I didn’t have any for them in the beginning but everyone deserves a chance at love. Especially the Simon’s and Fallon’s in our lives because we each have at least one of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like when a steamy romance also make my laugh and this one did. It is well written and has a nice storyline and plot. The characters are well defined and described. They develop nicely through the story. The fit well together. The chemistry is nice.
Both characters needs one to balance them and they get that. She is a sassy girl that speak her mind. He is a stuck up suit that needs to loosen up.
Absolutely a story that has a lot in it and is worth the read.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic book three in the Lovers Lane series! The story line is well developed, well written, quite the page turner, full of drama, emotions, LOL humour, twists, turns, witty banter, steam, and hotness. The characters are perfect together; the chemistry between them is intense and fiery. I loved it and I am looking forward to the next book. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Omg. I LOVE Fallon, which is funny to start off with because Simon is just begging to be added to the hot alpha book boyfriend list! Fallons smart mouth and don't care attitude is a breath of fresh air not just to Simon Cox but to romance novels everywhere!!! I love her spunk and her back talk as much as Simon's sexy in charge attitude. This is a must read. Third in the series, but can also be read as a stand alone! Can't wait to read the next one in July!!!

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has again given us characters we can care about. Fallon lives life any way she wants and does not care what people think of her. Simon is straight as an arrow and only cares about the impression he leaves with people. The problem now is that they have an instant attraction with no future due to their different views on life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daena Guest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the last two this story had better characterisation but I start seeing repeating patterns in the stories. They are fun fast reads though that give heat and this one did make me laugh once or twice but I wouldn't nessesarily call them RomComs.
The FMC is a hot mess and I don't know how she was employed at all.
The MMC is a bit of an entitled prick who has control issues.
Still it was enjoyable to read.

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific!
I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I selected this book. What I got was one of the most delightful books I've read in a super long time. It's funny. It's sweet. It's a wonderful love story. It's also very well written which makes it easy to read.
If you like romance that's not too sweet but still conveys the devotion between two people then this book is most definitely for you!

[Roxanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever, funny romance!

Fallon is an accident waiting to happen. Simon is an uber wealthy very dignified businessman always in control. But when they meet the sparks fly. The brilliantly clever use of humor in this story will warm your heart and keep a smile on your face til the happily ever after. This is my first time reading this author but won't be my last. Well done, Summer Brooks!

[Lorraine Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon & Fallon

Fallon is the tornado that Simon needs in his too predictable life. They meet at his brothers party and she is nothing like he ever met before. She is outspoken and a breath of fresh air who tells it like it is. Simon is grouchy and way too put together. While she is drunkenly dancing on the table at the party she blurts out that she is in need of a job which Simon is all to happy to offer her the position of his personal assistant. Funny, sweet and sexy read.