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Falling for the Stars #2

Charming Co-Worker: Falling for a Sagittarius

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All I want for Christmas is Branson Ford.

I’ve been starry-eyed for my handsome boss since the day I started working for him at Empire Media. Problem is, he doesn’t see me as anything more than his sweet assistant.

I need help becoming a vixen. I need someone to teach me how to be sensual, how to be desired, and how to get the man I’ve pined over for the last two years. So, I enlist the help of my co-worker.

My very sexy, very charming co-worker, Hunter Johnstone.

Hunter loves the thrill of the chase. He’s spontaneous, honest, and just the man I need for a lesson in passion. When he suggests we start a fake relationship, I think he’s crazy, but who am I to question his jealousy-inducing ways?

His little trick works—maybe too well. The line between friends and lovers is blurred, but maybe that’s because it was never really there. And just as I’m about to start seeing clearly, my Christmas wish comes true.

227 pages, ebook

Published November 23, 2020

471 people are currently reading
819 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Runow

46 books1,331 followers
Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.


You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow

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Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow

Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...

or sign up for her newsletter at http://bit.ly/2NEXgH1

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,042 reviews25.3k followers
November 21, 2020
Charming Co-Worker, by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow, is a stand alone holiday romance which is part of the Falling For The Stars series.

“SAGITTARIUS
Optimistic, Honest, Generous, Passionate, Complimentary, Independent, Pushy, Energetic, Inquisitive, Spontaneous”




Katherine (Katie) McGee has worked for Empire Media for two years as an assistant to the boss, Branson Ford. Katie is twenty five years old. She has had a crush on her handsome boss the entire two years. But she can’t get him to notice her in any way other than as his efficient employee. She’s determined that at this year’s holiday party, she will finally let him know how she feels. But as always, her plan fails.

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Hunter Johnstone is thirty two years old and is the senior producer on one of Empire Media’s most watched programs. Every day Hunter is in Katie’s office for his daily meeting with Branson and it has become something they both look forward to. They’ve become friends. Katie can’t deny how good looking Hunter is. Nor can the entire female population at Empire. And he does have quite a reputation. He has dated a good portion of the women there. He dates them for no more than two weeks. Never a day longer.

Christmas fireplace

It’s Hunter who comes to Katie’s rescue after the party to cheer her up and it’s Hunter Katie turns to for help in making Branson notice her. What better way than a fake relationship?! But as these two spend time together, Katie begins to realize that she didn’t really know Hunter at all. Every assumption she had about him was wrong. And more often than not, when she’s dreaming about her own prince charming, it’s Hunter’s face she sees, not Branson’s at all!

Charming Co-Worker by Jeannine Colette & Lauren Runow – OMGReads

This was such a sweet, fun, sexy story that I couldn’t put down. It was a quick read, or maybe I just read it quickly! The chemistry between these two was fantastic from the start. And let me tell you that Hunter was so swoony. I mean, ALL…THE…SWOONS!!! My only complaint is that all but one chapter of the book was in Katie’s POV. I wanted, no needed, more of Hunter’s. This was a wonderful friends to lovers, fake relationship (which never really was fake I don’t think) romance that will just make you feel all the warm and fuzzies. I enjoyed it so much!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for MarvelUsReads.
359 reviews61 followers
November 23, 2020
“Like a moth to a flame, I’m being pulled in, and can’t find the strength to turn away.”

Lured in by the warmth, tenderness, and chemistry, Charming Co-Worker is an irresistible read. A Hallmark worthy Christmas romance, this endearing and dreamy story ignited our holiday cheer. Feeling absolute glee from beginning to end, this novel is the optimum balance of naughty and nice!

Eager to gain her boss’ attention, Katie enlists the assistance of her smouldering co-worker, Hunter. As a plot to seduce her boss, flourishes into an electrifying desire for Hunter. Katie must battle between the man she always dreamed of, and the man whom her heart so subtly grew to desire.

Colette & Runow mold such an enchanting storyline that it so effortlessly whisked us away. We could not have asked for more than the ideal dynamic and passion between this hero and heroine. Such infectious chemistry and delightful moments, Charming Co-Worker is a holiday must read!

Many thanks to Jeannine Colette , Lauren Runow & WordSmithPublicity for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

www.marvelusreads.com
Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,252 reviews317 followers
November 23, 2020
Plot: ★★★★★
Writing: ★★★★★
Romance: ★★★★★
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Steam: ★★★★★
Chemistry: ★★★★★

Charming Co-Worker is a standalone holiday romance in the Falling For The Stars series by Lauren Runow and Jeannine Colette.

Katie McGee has been in love with her boss since the day she started working for him at Empire Media. The problem? He doesn't see her as anything more than his sweet assistant. But this year, Katie is ready to jingle his balls, so if she has to become a holiday harlot for him to notice her, then that's what she will do.

Enlisting the help of her very sexy, very charming co-worker, Hunter Johnstone, was not in her plans, but Christmas and Whiskey together make her do crazy things, like ask him for help.

Hunter and Katie's holiday romance was such a charming surprise, a gift-wrapped to those who are ready to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the right blend of romance, comedy, and a little bit of heartbreak.

We know that there are so many holiday rom-coms during this time of the year, but I think this one set the bar high! Both authors give us their everything in this story, reminding us that sometimes we stare so long at the wrong person, we miss out on the right one standing right in front of us.

If you like feel-good holiday romantic comedies, Charming Co-Worker is the perfect book for a winter night-in. So cozy up on the fire and get ready to get lost in this heartwarming holiday romance novel.
Profile Image for diann bryan.
535 reviews
November 10, 2020
Christmas reading time Fun! This was a extremely fun story to read and there’s so many swoon worthy moments with a certain charming co worker, you will sigh with complete contentment when the story ends.

Jeannine Colette & Lauren Runow are on point with this Holiday HEA!

I can’t wait to see what they have in store for their next installment of this series!
Profile Image for Jean.
802 reviews51 followers
November 23, 2020
I really, really loved this holiday romance.  It was hard not to love Hunter and Katie!

Katie, who has been obsessed with her gorgeous boss, Branson, is in for a rude awakening when Hunter offers to help her get him to notice her. 

Hunter is upfront with all the girls he dates - - he is not looking for commitment, but is that really the truth? While Katie is waiting for her fairytale ending.

When Hunter surprises Katie with nighttime sledding in NY, he had me hook, line and sinker!  Seriously, their chemistry was unmistakable. He continues with his little surprises and it's obvious he cares for her deeply.



If you are looking for a happy holiday romance to put you in the mood for the season, this book will do it for you!  Looking forward to the next one from this duo!

P.S.  I want to go to Hunter's family home for the holidays!! Such a cool family!
Profile Image for Lori R..
1,411 reviews71 followers
November 23, 2020
There’s another SEXY AF book boyfriend in the Falling for the Stars series and his name is Hunter Johnstone.

Hunter Johnstone.
Just his name alone makes me swoon hard.

This story was fun, it was sexy, and had ALL the feels! Pretty sure I had heart eyes and was smiling through half of it. And getting tingles from the other half.

Hunter couldn’t have been any more perfect. Well, except for the whole 2-week rule he sticks to when dating women. He might be a player, but he’s kind and respectful and treats the women he dates like the queens that they are. And he remembers the important things, the little things.

Hunter and Katie are co-workers, and good friends. I loved their bond, I adored their banter and envied their friendship. I also felt their chemistry, their connection was a strong one.

Katie has had the biggest crush on her handsome boss, Branson Ford, for the last couple of years. But he hasn’t given her a second glance. So she asks for Hunter’s help, to help her be the sexy Vixen that she hopes will attract her boss’s attention.

So they make a deal...their goal is to make Branson notice her, by showing him she’s taken by another man. To make him want something he can’t have. To make him jealous.

Unbeknownst to Katie, Hunter has kinda had it bad for her since the first time he met her at work. And that was two years ago.

I couldn’t get enough of these two. There was no denying the sizzles and sparks when they were near each other. Little did they know, their fake relationship would only make their bond stronger, their chemistry burn hotter.

My gahd... these authors do a phenomenal job at making me feel those sparks... everywhere. The touches, the kisses, the looks. Did I mention the KISSES?!

I loved every minute of this romantic, holiday story. So many feel-good moments had me smiling and swooning and turning the pages faster. When I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t wait to dive back in.

Definitely another winner from this writing duo! Charming Co-Worker indeed.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
1,717 reviews154 followers
December 16, 2020
3.5 sweet, cute and romantic, I enjoyed this.

There wasn’t really any tension arising from them working together which was a bit of a let down and the end was way too sappy for me, but overall I enjoyed this.

Complete story, available on ku.
Profile Image for Cynema.
602 reviews102 followers
November 19, 2020
BRACE FOR ROMANTIC IMPACT THAT ROCKS THE HEART AND SOUL

“All I want for Christmas is Branson Ford … the catnip to my kitty. The one I’ve been prowling after for two long years.” … BUT … “I have the tiniest of crushes on Hunter … my co-worker. My very charming co-worker.” And therein lies the rub.

Charming doesn’t even begin to cover how much this smart, funny, and heart-melting co-worker romance was the antidote to my current book malaise.
I’ve been so ready for a pure-hearted, feel-good romance of substance, and this one was a huge epiphany. It not only made me fall in “book love with love” again like it was the first time, but it came with the heady realization that I’d become semi-jaded by a sameness baked into stereotypical romance heroes – but all heroes are NOT carbon copies or cookie cutter replicas of each other. Hunter Johnstone is in a panty dropper class all his own and simply blows all the competition away. In fact, Hunter totally broke the mold for me.

From the first page, this infectious, holiday-aura romance was pitch perfect and romanced the socks off me. After all, ya gotta love a true Sagittarian hottie – and it takes one to know one. We share the same Zodiac sign and I just “got” him on every level. Hunter mirrors the best of “Sag” attributes in living color.“I believe in a strong drink, clever conversation, an excellent first kiss, and a good fuck.” Ah, that’s my man Hunter in a nutshell. Straightforward as an archer with his arrow.

Smart cookie Katie’s an up-and-comer at a media company with aspirations beyond just being boss Branson’s incomparable assistant; and Hunter is one of their top producers. They dig each other, KNOW each other, share all kinds of flirty fun and insights in daily chats before Hunter’s meetings with boss buddy Branson. But they never cross the co-worker line. Hunter knows Katie’s gaga for Branson, and she’s well aware that women drop at Hunter’s feet. They aren’t compatible anyway, right? Besides he calls her “kid” (it’s a Casablanca thing) and he isn’t a long-term relationship guy. Right? Both are really just waiting for “the one” ... but just might be each other’s forest standing in front of the trees. Still, he’s a bright spot in her day. Easy on the eyes. A walking travelogue of exciting adventures. Zero mouth filter. Not someone to get serious about though. Not like the British hotness that is Branson. Besides, Katie’s diehard determination is to couple up with boss Branson at all costs. Oh, WE know who really belongs together, but this couple took me on one of the most entertaining, swervy, romantic rides-to-true love that one can share between the pages of an addictive book. It’s Notting Hill, Casablanca, and every swoony fairytale romance rolled into one.

It all heats up when Katie makes her big move … flops … and Hunter helps her win over Branson with a charade. What happens involves an earthshaking kiss, a deadline, some rules, and an unconventional romance that captured my heart. Katie’s a drop dead gorgeous sexy secretary, feisty and irresistible with the foolish idea of using one guy to get under another. Will Katie let what she thinks she wants get in the way of what she really needs? The nuances of this pair just clenched my heart: “Have you ever had a crush on someone like that?” ~~ “Yes”, he breathed. EVERYTHING he meant was stuffed into that one word.

Their conversations are about something -- NOT nothing -- as they get to know each other on a deeper level. Even her funny witticisms charmed -- NOT throwaway jokes, silly behavior, or filler dialogue to propel the story. “I’m not the man you originally wanted. I want you to want me more than you want him. I’ve been in love with you for longer than you can imagine. My Katie McGee.” There’s so much beneath the surface of this pair and if their romance doesn’t wrap around your heart, you don’t have one. Me? I got choked up and my heart beat like a hummingbird.

I lapped up every minute of the unfolding fake romance, real romance … whatevah. It was adorably winsome, sexy, and sigh worthy from start to finish. Clearly, each book in the series will be even better than the last, and Colette-Runow have barely hit their stride. Can’t wait to see what else they have in store for Zodiac-themed love. This book gave me romantic shivers all the way through, and OMG it truly is the perfect antidote to 2020.

“I don’t do anything unless it’s with intention.” ~~ “You can’t say things like that.” ~~ “Why not?” ~~ “That’s how girls fall in love,”I whisper.

Profile Image for Janet Taggart Baldwin.
904 reviews21 followers
November 18, 2020
This Dynamic Duo continues to shine like the tree at Rockefeller Center on Christmas Eve! Colette and Runow know how to write a romance with the perfect amount of humor, angst, and steam to wrangle you in and keep you enthralled to the last page!

Katie has had the biggest crush on her boss, Brandon Ford, for the two years she has been his Personal Assistant. He sees her as his highly competent employee, but nothing more, until Hunter, the handsome playboy of the office, offers to be her fake boyfriend. So why does it begin to feel so right? Hunter doesn't commit. He has an expiration date of two weeks on everyone he dates. So while Hunter's plan works in getting Brandon's attention, Katie becomes confused over who she really wants.

Katie can just be herself with Hunter. Her silly puns had me in stitches, as it did Hunter. She was real, honest. A rare gem in the world, and Hunter saw her worth the first time he met her 2 years ago. And as Katie realized what Hunter was like under his outer shell, watching the blinders fall from her eyes was breathtaking! Man, the chemistry! Hot! Hot! Hot! Cooking the gnocchi was so steamy! And the Epilogue! Oh! I LOVE Epilogues!

This book was so so good! This is the second in this series so we have 10 more zodiac signs to go! I am very excited for more from these two!
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,565 reviews488 followers
November 30, 2020
This is the absolute perfect Christmas story! I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this one and absolutely loved everything about it. It's just the perfect little Christmas story, co-workers, friends to lovers, super swoony hero. These two authors are very special and their writing is flawless. It's very well written, well paced, very likeable characters, absolutely kept me interested the entire time! Absolutely recommend!
Profile Image for Lita Thomas.
1,568 reviews27 followers
November 23, 2020
Charming CoWorker: Holiday RomCom Standalone by Jeannine Collette and Lauren Runow. Katie has been in love with her boss for the longest. It is her job's Christmas party and she is ready to shoot her shot. No she isn't a seductress. The dress she spent way to much money on is something she hopes to get his attention. Her friend Hunter who is also her coworker is helping her get the man of her dreams. When she steps to her boss, what she tried went right over his head. Disappointed Hunter comes up with a plan to act like him and Katie are dating. What started out as make believe has Katie realizing what a great guy Hunter really is. They have been friends for years. Hunter is extremely good looking and is in great shape. He is quite the ladies man. None of the ladies he dates make it past 2 weeks.  How he treating Katie has her questioning how she feels about Hunter and her boss. When Hunter's plan gets the results Katie wanted she is ecstatic. However the newfound attention from the boss is causing a riff between Hunter and Katie. This was a really good story. Eventhough Katie was great at her job she was so sweet and extremely naive.  She was definitely out of element and her boss was out her league. Hunter was everything. Yes he dated a lot but he was honest and knew what he was looking for in a woman. He was everything a woman would want in a man. He definitely knew how to make a woman feel special. Yummy. A truly fantastic Christmas gift and even better start to a new year. The zodiac series just keeps getting better and better.  Loving it. 5 wishes come true stars for me.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,030 reviews12 followers
November 11, 2020

ARC received from authors for an honest review

Charming Co-worker is a sweet, kind of Hallmark cheesy, but utterly adorable tale, one that is just perfect for Christmas

Runow and Colette give us a wonderful tale that will make you smile and light up like a Christmas tree.

It's a tale we have read many times before - kind of gave me a Bridget Jones vibe. Well, with a fake relationship thrown in for fun.

Hunter is just wonderful (plus, that cover, with the shirt sleeves rolled up? Yeah, that is my kryptonite I tell you!)

I love how punny this book is. I love a good pun, and Katie is a master at them. You can't help but smile whenever she is on the page.

Charming Co-worker was the perfect book to get me through this stupid head cold I have (yes, I am a whiney one today hahah).

I can't wait for the next instalment in this series.


Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,826 reviews45 followers
November 24, 2020
What's the old saying, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence?
Katie has been in love with her boss Branson and from not so far away as she is his assistant.
When she plans to make her move at the Holiday Party at work, Branson turns her down but Katie's friend Hunter is there to sweep her off her feet and help her get the attention of her boss Branson.
Fate steps in and turns the tide, and low and behold Katie sees that maybe it's not really Branson but Hunter who has the power to set her heart on fire?
You will love the humor and thrill of the chase found in this story laced with a bit of angst.
Definitely just the sort of story we all need right now to lighten our moods and warm our hearts.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,211 reviews220 followers
November 18, 2020
4.5 Star Review of Charming Co-Worker by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow
Charming Co-worker is the latest release from Jeannine Colette and and Lauren Runow and I loved it. From start to finish I was fully invested in Katherine (Katie) McGee and Hunter Johnstone’s story.
Katie has wanted her boss Branson Ford for over two years but he never looks at the the way she wants him too. So what’s a girl to do but ask for some help which is where her best friend and co-worker, Hunter comes in.
When Hunter suggest she fake date him to help kick start Branson’s interest, neither of the expect the scorching chemistry that sizzles between them. Their friends to lovers journey was heart warming as well as funny and I loved how much both Katie and Hunter grew as their relationship progressed.
Charming Co-Worker was a fun and entertaining story that left me with a smile on my face.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
November 23, 2020
All Katie wants for Christmas is for her boss Branson to see her as the woman he wants to spend his life with and not the woman he wants to work with. She isn’t about to let another year go by without letting him know how she feels but when her attempts to show him turn into an epic fail it is Hunter, her friend and co-worker, who is there to help her pick up the pieces.

From the first time that Hunter met Katie he has enjoyed their interactions and they have become friends. When he sees how hurt Katie is he can’t just stand by and do nothing so he comes up with the perfect plan and they both know the rules so what could possibly go wrong?

Hunter can and usually does have any woman that piques his interest while Katie yearns for the one man she can’t have but the more time they spend together they more they realize that what they really desire is each other. Between the banter that is sure to bring a smile to your face and the romance that melts your heart this is a story you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Leslie at SheReadsRomanceBooks.com.
728 reviews142 followers
November 23, 2020
4.5 stars!

Check out this book review as well as my romance book lists on my book blog, She Reads Romance Books and grab my exclusive list of Top 10 Book Boyfriends!

There is so much to love about this book! One of the best holiday romances worth reading.

I say this all the time. There’s just something extra special about finding a new book that I love that’s written by a new author to me. Or in this case, written by an author duo that I hadn’t read before.

Well this definitely won’t be my last book from Lauren Runow and Jeannine Colette.

Charming Co-Worker is the perfect Christmas romance book to get you in the holiday spirit (but it could honestly be read any time of year).

It’s already made my Best Christmas Romance Books list!

Katie has been pining for her boss for the last two years but this year she’s finally going to make her move and nab him as the best Christmas present ever.

But her moves fall flat and she realizes that she has to step up her holiday vixen ways. Eager to help her is her co-worker, Hunter. He offers her a fake relationship with the plan to gain her boss’ attention with a bit of jealousy, having Hunter as her new boyfriend.

But you know how fake relationships go in romance books…

Sure there’s often a typical trajectory for fake relationship stories where the line between fake and real start to blur but this book still felt fresh and authentic.

These authors crafted the BEST characters. I really liked Katie. She wasn’t portrayed as this sad or hopeless case, but was a really fun, awesome woman whom at least one man noticed.

And then there is Hunter…As far as book boyfriends go, he’s tops. I seriously loved everything about this guy.

The best part about him? He was a man who NOTICED. He and Katie had become friends over the last two years working together and he wasn’t shy on showing her just how well he knew her.

He seriously was this seriously sexy and snarky guy on the outside with such a kind and thoughtful heart on the inside.

The chemistry and connection between these two felt so real and authentic right from the start. You could tell they had a real friendship built on mutual humor and witty puns and their friendship had the perfect slow burn to something more.

I loved this book and plan to check out other books in their Zodiac series. Consider this a must read romance book to reread every Christmas season!

*Thank you to the authors for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,159 reviews74 followers
November 9, 2020
Adorable, adorable, adorable!! This holiday story will completely charm the tinsel right off your ugly Christmas sweater.

The journey that Katie takes when she enlists the help of her charming co-worker, Hunter, so she can become a holiday vixen is sweetly charming mixed with a whole lot of smoldering chemistry in this a page-turning book. 

I LOVED all of the holiday puns (I'm such a sucker for them), along with the "Bridget Jones Diary" type jealousy between Branson and Hunter. The thinking of men - you have something I want, so now I want it too. Not only do I love this movie...I adore how Lauren and Jeannine worked this kind of male thinking into their book, especially when Charming Co-Worker is written in Katie's POV. 

This holiday love story will not only make you fall in love with the upcoming season, it gave me a sense of family (which I know personally I will be missing out on this 2020), it also wrapped me up in everything that I know is cheesy about all of those Hallmark movies, but we pull them out year after year and binge watch them anyway (yes, Katie and Hunter even joke about them). Charming Co-Worker just made me feel good, which is why once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down. 
Profile Image for Favourite Book Corner.
808 reviews9 followers
November 14, 2020
4.5* Sexy Co-Worker Stars

I am enjoying the Zodiac Sign Series which are fun and sexy to read. The story of Katie McGee and her co-worker Hunter is cute, festive and sexy.

Hunter is everything you could expect in a Sagittarius man, he is funny, romantic and loves to live life to its fullest. Katie has been hankering after her Boss for ages but unfortunately, he is not reciprocating the feelings. Hunter who has been harbouring feelings for Katie since knowing her decides to help her get her Boss attention by being her “fake” boyfriend. What they do not expect is their “pretend” relationship to start to feel real.

They were so perfect for each other and the banter and puns between them hilarious. I really enjoyed this cute and sexy happy read.

An ARC was provided, and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,303 reviews30 followers
November 15, 2020
From the very beginning I was pulled into this story. Branson and Hunter are two very intriguing men but I held strong with #TeamHunter the entire time. This is a lighthearted read filled with a wonderful blend of friendship, romance and laughter. Katie’s personality is so gentle and caring that she doesn’t always see what’s right in front of her. This story is wrapped around the holidays but I see myself enjoying it year round.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,523 reviews130 followers
November 27, 2020
The latest release from Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow and I loved everything about this perfect love story in fact I have to say this entertaining read is a Hallmark worthy Christmas romance.
Katie McGee has hidden her feelings for her boss Branson Ford for over two years and she is at the point of needing to let him know how she feels but how do you tell your boss you fancy him....well you could have your best friend and fellow co worker pretend to be your boyfriend but what happens when you realise maybe the feelings you have are actually for the fake boyfriend and not the boss....
This is an entertaining friends to lovers journey that captivated me from the first page, I loved the characters and their story, the chemistry is sizzling, the banter is witty and Charming Co Worker is a heartfelt romance that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,819 reviews178 followers
November 12, 2020
Katie has lusted after her boss, Brandon Ford, for quite some time. Unfortunately he does not see her as anything other than an admin. assistant. But when she gets help catching his eye from a very unlikely source, she finds herself in the middle of her boss and her co-worker. Will Brandon finally open his eyes and see her for the woman she is? Or will Hunter Johnstone make an everlasting impression that knocks Brandon off his pedestal? You will fall in love with these characters from the opening pages. The reader will not only get a wonderfully written romance for the holiday but they will also get periods of laughter that will leave a smile on their face. Totally the entire package - romance and entertainment.
Profile Image for Melissa Machado.
512 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2020

  ***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***


Charming Co-worker is book 2 of the Falling Stars Series, which is Zodiac themed, this story being Sagittarius. It's a complete standalone contemporary romance that focuses on Hunter Johnstone and Katie Mcgee.

Katie is modest/conservative, intelligent, hard working, but she's also naive and at times clueless. She's a dreamer, wanting to live a fairytale love story. But who she thinks is Prince Charming actually becomes the villain, and she needs to see through the fog to see that she has her knight in shining armor right in front of her.

Hunter is sexy, smart, caring, fun, adventurous, but he's also cautious and guarded when it comes to his heart. He doesn't always trust his feelings. He doesn't want to break any hearts or lead anyone on. Katie invokes that spark he's been waiting years to find, the problem is knowing if it's the real deal or just a fluke of lust.

Their story begins days before Christmas and goes through the holidays. It's a feel good story with some cheesey moments, humor, a bit of angst, a classic ice skating scene, basically all the components you'd find in a Hallmark Christmas movie. So, if you love Hallmark Christmas movies, then you will love this book!

Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,536 reviews
November 23, 2020
I absolutely loved this story. Charming Co-Worker is the 2nd book in the Falling for the Stars zodiac themed series with each book focusing on the qualities of the men based on their zodiac sign.
The holiday novel was fun, sweet, sexy and yes charming and I was totally engrossed until the end. This novel included some of my favorite tropes including workplace romance, friends to lovers and fake relationship and is a lighthearted, fun read filled with romance, friendship, corny jokes and holiday puns.
This is Hunter and Katie's story and although neither of them knew it, these two characters were so perfect together and you could feel the building tension between them as their story progresses. This romance will touch your heart as it all unfolds and the story will have you swooning. Charming Co-Worker was the perfect holiday read and I would highly recommend it to all romance lovers.
1,117 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2020
Our Hero, Hunter, turns on the charm and romance to help our heroine, Katie, in this second book in Colette and Runow's Falling for the Stars, zodiac-themed romance series. Each book in the series introduces the zodiac sign and the corresponding characteristics, and this book does a better job of "reminding" the reader as those traits surface in our Hero.
The easy going friendship between Katie and Hunter makes it easy for her to agree when Hunter proposes a face romance with Katie in her quest to capture their boss's eye. The hot kiss they share while tipsy, to seal the deal casts a momentary doubt in Katie's mind. As they get together to "plan" out their romance, their friendly banter, jokes and puns causes Hunter to think about whether he wants Katie to succeed with landing Branson as a boyfriend. For Katie, she second guesses herself about whose world she enjoys more.
I loved Katie's character in the way she handled herself professionally and stayed true to herself. I loved Hunter's self reflective moments as he tried to decide on the future he wanted.
Profile Image for Angela's Book Addiction.
803 reviews
January 2, 2022
*** 4.5 Stars ***

Charming Co-Worker by Lauren Runow and Jeannine Colette is a contemporary, holiday, friends-to-lovers, fake-relationship, workplace romance told in first person. Except for one chapter, the story is told entirely from the perspective of the female main character. It follows the relationship between friends and co-workers Katie McGee and Hunter Johnstone as they fake a relationship to get their boss’s attention and make him jealous.

I loved Katie and Hunter’s story. I’m a sucker for the fake-relationship and friends-to-lovers tropes, and this did not disappoint. It was obvious from the start that Hunter was interested in Katie, but she was oblivious and had been pining after her boss for years. It was fun to see their dynamic change as they pretended to be a couple and the lines between fake and real blurred. A witty, sexy, heart-warming holiday read.
3 reviews
November 23, 2020
I enjoyed Charming Coworker as a sweet romantic comedy. Both characters, Hunter and Katie, were easy to connect with as developing characters.  Over the top arrogant and Richer than God type characters are a turn off for me.  

There is an underlying sweetness to Hunter that was especially endearing. He did not want to settle for a second-best partner that did not spark for him. He is speaking not just a sexual attraction, but also of innate feeling of enjoying being around someone he laughs and talks with. (He did not experience this feeling until a relationship with Katie developed over the span of two years as a co-worker. Not even with a fiancée that he ultimately broke up with before a wedding occurred.) 

Katie is an extremely sweet character who the reader learns in the first chapter of the book, is secretly (or not so secretly in Hunter’s eyes) pining for her Englishman boss Branson. Hunter engages Katie in conversation about those feelings for Branson after her failed attempt to finally make her move on Branson. Hunter tells Katie the best way to capture Bransons attention is to be desirable in other men’s eyes. He volunteers to assist Katie in that endeavor by fake dating her for two weeks. Two weeks is the length that Hunter judges and usually rejects the quality of a relationship and his desire for an enduring spark. Katie is reluctant to proceed with the plan, unaware that Hunter has been fighting his attraction to her for years. It is only after Hunter ambushes her in Branson’s office with a very public display of affection and endearments that she decides to try the plan out. That’s when the real fun of the story starts to unfold.  

This book is tagged as a romantic comedy. It did have me grinning several times because I as a reader could see Hunter’s actions belying his feelings for Katie, but it did not have me laughing out loud over the events in the book. As I mentioned before, the sweetness of the story was what sold me on this book.  

 

Positives for Charming Coworker 

The addition of several scenes with Hunter’s extended family throughout helped his character development. A book with a strong cast of supporting characters shows the reader the motivation of a person. Also, Hunter judges all his romantic relationships by comparing his relationships to the log lasting success of his parents’ marriage, even when his mom underwent a health crisis.  

Katie’s willingness to clearly communicate throughout the story her feelings in a down to earth manner. No immature running away from what she is feeling/thinking or degrading herself by demonstrating what she wants out of life is not important in comparison to the man’s wants or needs who are currently in her life. Equal rights and partnership are her goals in this book. Her actions back up her words as well. 

Hunter’s romantic gestures in this book, specifically his surprise trip to a place that followed Katie’s theme of trip designations she shared with her dad, and his proposal at the end of the book, showcase what a catch this man is for Katie.   

The only complaint I really have about this book is the premise of the book seemed to go by the wayside after a few chapters. Katie was supposed to be pining after her boss. However, after one night with Hunter she completely rejected the idea of pursuing Branson. After two years, I would have thought the author would have included more angst involving Katie’s change of affection, at least internally.   Also, the entire book spans two weeks time for Hunter and Katie to find there HEA, excluding the epilouge. Very fast in my opinion. The main characters did know each oter as friends/coworkers for two years before action of the book takes place.

 

I enjoyed this book. To be clear, I received this book as an Arc in exchange for an honest reveiw.
Profile Image for Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues).
777 reviews73 followers
December 16, 2020
*claps hands*

Ladies, sorry to interrupt your valuable reading time, but can I have your attention please! Trust me, you’ll thank me for it...

Imma gonna rock your world (well, not me personally) with two little words, one name, I give to you Hunter Johnstone.

And he goes straight to the top of Laura’s Unrealistic Expectations tree! *snorts*

*sighs*

Hunter could tickle my tinsel any time he liked *winks*.

Whaaa?

*coughs*

Okay, okay, straight face back on.

I loved this story! This is the kind of fake dating I could totally get on board with. I gushed (head out of the gutter!) – a lot. My face hurt from smiling so much at my kindle screen. And for someone with a permanent RBF that is saying something *smirks*.

I wanted Katie as my BFF (questionable crush on Branson aside). She is quirky and adorable. Her puns had me belly laughing. I snorted tea up my nose at one point. What can I say? The jingling caught me unawares *shrugs*.

Yet, despite all Katie’s intelligence, she can’t see what’s right in front of her face. Frustrated? Me? Pfft... okay maybe *giggles*.

Charming Co-Worker was a flirty, fun, and festive read which I didn’t want to end. It had the feel-good factor to the max!

JC and LR are writing duo gold and long may it continue!
Profile Image for Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms.
2,518 reviews
November 23, 2020
I want Hunter Johnstone for Christmas! Charming Co-Worker: Falling for a Sagittarius is a standalone within a series of Zodiac and is a Holiday Romance! And a book that I HAD to read since I too am a Sagittarius. This is the second book within the series. 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒– 𝐀 𝐙𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. Naughty Neighbor: Falling for a Libra was the first book.

I read this story straight through! What an adorably cute romance! And, I mean it when I said I want Hunter for Christmas.

Charming Co-Worker is Katie McGee and Hunter Johnstone’s story. Katie wants her boss Branson Ford to want her. Hunter her co-worker has become increasingly helpful and suggests a fake relationship between them. It works and Branson is now interested in her but so is Hunter.

This is a charming romance! A must read!!! My vote is for Hunter and I want him for Christmas! 5+++ Charming Stars. I love when Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow get together to write. They write great stories on their own but I think magic happens they get together!
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