Work Husband

Bad with the Boss #2

by Gemma Snow

Ever since his marketing company took over her boutique agency five years ago, Ainsley Locke has been doing everything in her power to ignore her attraction to Max Elliot, her not-exactly-boss with mysterious eyes and a silver-streaked beard and the uncanny ability to make her want to let down her guard.

But when her date to her sister’s wedding pulls out at the last minute and a well-meaning friend lets it slip to Max, Ainsley finds herself spending a temptation-filled weekend sharing a New York City apartment with the man she can’t stop thinking about. And he’s determined to make her see just how good they could be together.

Max knows Ainsley well enough after five tortuous years of working together to understand she’s not the type to blur professional lines. But the desire he’s felt for her since the day they first met goes so much further than physical lust. He wants her by his side, in work, in bed, and in life, and this wedding weekend, he’s going to do his best to prove it.

Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Gemma Snow loves high heat, high adventures and high expectations for her heroes! Her stories are set in the past and present, from the glittering streets of Paris to cowboy-rich Triple Diamond Ranch in Wolf Creek, Montana.

In her free time, she loves to travel, and spent several months living in a 14th-century castle in the Netherlands. When not exploring the world, she likes dreaming up stories, eating spicy food, driving fast cars, and talking to strangers. She recently moved to Nashville with a cute redheaded cat and a cute redheaded boy.

Visit https://gemmasnow.com/ to learn more about the author.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a steamy hot romance book. This was a super short and easy read. My biggest problem with this book was it did not feel real, and I also do not feel there was a plot or storyline other then the characters having a lot of adult hot steamy times. I also did not like how the characters talk and acted around each other. I think honestly think the book needed to be a little longer, so the setup would be better. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. Any longer and it wouldn't be the same.

I was a little surprised that the steamy stuff didn't start immediately but that's a good thing. It's a nice mix of pining and doing something about it.

The plot is simple, I don't think that hurts the story (or lack thereof) though. It's kind of sweet too. I like how her family accepted Max asap and there wasn't any awkwardness.

Actually there was some, with the way Max thought sometimes. It felt a little unnatural.

It's easy to get to know the characters which is a plus.

I will admit I laughed a few times while reading but that's because I got reminded of some real life things.

Definitely a nice feeling to take into the new year.

*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an e-ARC for which I'm leaving a review voluntarily*

[Patricia's Book Kingdom · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You wanted to see me, sir?"
Yeah, he wanted to see her, spread out across his desk, in his California king, against the glass wall of the office...

Max and Ainsley have been attracted to each other for the past five years, but neither of them have done anything about it. Then one day, Max overhears Ainsley telling her colleague that she needs a date to a wedding and thus Max is presented with a great opportunity to insert himself in Ainsley's life.

I liked how confident Max was and how he is not afraid of telling Ainsley how he feels about her. It did sometimes came across as if he wanted nothing more than sexual relationship with her, just from the way he was talking but then when you get glimpse into his thoughts you learn that he wants more than that. I really liked Ainsley, she was very relatable. While she was attracted to Max, she did not want to start a relationship with him because he was technically her boss and she thought that would make it awkward. I liked that she did not give into Max's seduction straight away and made him work for it a little bit.

Work Husband is short, sweet and steamy standalone romance where a boss falls in love with his employee. Ainsley and Max have great sexual chemistry but I wish that the book was a bit longer so there was more character build up and for their relationship to progress a bit more naturally. But I must say that the sex scenes are super hot, with a little BDSM being thrown into the mix.

*ARC provided through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was okay. Not much substance or plot and minimal emotional connection. This story was all about lust. Unless I missed it, these characters didn’t even say “I love you” to each other once throughout the book. While it might’ve been implied when they said they cared for each other, I like when characters (particularly the hero) are very explicit about the depth of their feelings for one another.

The writing was a bit clunky at times but not overly so. The biggest problem for me—besides the absence of actual love between the characters—was the lack of transition between the male and female perspectives. There was no differentiation between the two, just suddenly it would switch and I would eventually become aware that I was reading the other character’s POV. In the future, I recommend either putting the character’s name or a symbol like *** to indicate that the POV has changed.

It definitely wasn’t a terrible read and I didn’t have to force myself to finish it, but I didn’t enjoy it enough to read more of the author’s work.

*I received an ARC of this novella. This is my complete and honest review.*

[Boring Brielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this free ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a short and easy read that did do a good job of pulling me in. However, it was so short that the interactions between the main characters Ainsley and Max required some oddly placed exposition. I think if it were a bit longer and had a little bit more set up it would've allowed the scenes to progress more naturally. There were also some odd word choices that didn't really fit with the overall tone which caused me to be thrown out of it a bit. A longer story would also aid in building that sexual tension and allow the characters coming together to be a more focused high point.

In terms of Erotic Romance this isn't anything ground breaking but it was nice to see some conversation around sexual health between partners. Again, because it was so short the conversations were in less than ideal locations within the story.

Despite the stereotypical word choices, the writing was well done and I'd be interested in checking out more from this author.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a modern Gemma Snow novel--I had read only the historicals before. It has her same flawless writing style and emotional tension as well as great little and large sexual encounters. It shows how devoted Max and Ainsley become to each other after they break the boundaries of the office during their days in NYC. They have been attracted for a long time and finally, she allows the chemistry to take over her professional scruples. He isn't actually her boss-he bought her company, which she still runs.

There is so much more than sex in this story, but the sex is delicious!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ash J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this short but steamy read. The book had mostly steamy sexy scenes but I thought that was okay because they did not start right away, Max had put in work to get to that point because Ainsley was afraid that going out with her boss would be awkward. The reason I gave this story four stars instead of five is because they characters didn't seem to have a close connection and it seemed like they only wanted each other for the physical aspects, but at times in their thoughts you could tell they wanted more. I received an advanced review copy of this story and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[SereneReadingBox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is this snappy, feel-good, and sizzling novella where the boss man is all about pining after Ainsley to win her over. Ainsley, she's a solid heroine, not jumping into a relationship with the hero in a rush. The chemistry between Ainsley and Max is off the charts. But here's the scoop: the final chapters could've used a bit more than just the physical stuff. I was really looking forward to seeing their relationship grow beyond the steamy scenes. Some extra build-up and feels in those closing moments would've been awesome.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Gemma Snow for providing the ARC for an honest review.

This romance involving a woman bringing her boss to her sister's wedding is short and sweet - so if you're looking for a story to keep you busy for a short time, this is the right fit!

You definitely get to know the characters, but I found myself wishing there were more pages. There's enough there to grab your interest, but not enough to answer all the questions in your mind. I would have loved to have seen more pages on the wedding and interactions with Ainsley to her sister.

A quint romance that makes you wish for more.

[Vanda O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Ainsley have been working together for five years and have been attracted to each other from day one. She needs a date to her sister's wedding in New York, and he decides it's time to show her what their life together can be like.
Max is a man sure of his feelings and he isn't affraid to follow them. Ainsley is a bit skittish and reticent about a relationship with her boss.
Their chemistry is amazing and the sex is hot.
Great story and the characters are very relatable.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Catherine Tijerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma created a good storyline with this one. Ainsley has been keeping Max at a distance for a variety of reasons including he's her boss. They end up sharing his apartment for the weekend after her plans go wrong. Will they get their HEA? This book does have BDSM and steamy sex so if that is a trigger best not read it. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a short steamy read over 18. I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here

[Mireille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book, it was so romantic Max wants Ainsley and has done for five years, Ainsley wants Max but feels like it should be kept professional because he’s technically her boss. Once Max gets Ainsley to accept him as her date to her sisters wedding, all gloves are off and he’s taking it to the next level. All I can say is wow, this is a hot read. I received this book from BookSirens. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley knew Max since he took over her business, giving her time to be a painter instead of paying bills and payroll. They were both drawn to each other but never acted upon it till Ainsley asked Max to be her date for her sisters wedding. Both being wonderful characters, sparks start to fly. They get the HEA and fun getting there.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ainsley and Max seemed to orbit one another. Drawn to each other but at a distance because she saw him as her boss. But once the walls came down they were so hot together. Steamy, sexy and so sweet. Definitely more than sexy and he was determined to show her that. And wow for such a short story to go from 0 to 60 with touches of BDSM thrown in was awesome. Very hot.

[Karen Lathbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ainsley and Max have worked together for 5 years and they both habor an interest in one another. When Ainsley needs a date to her sister's wedding in New York, Max offers to be her date since he has a meeting there. When issues arise at the hotel where she is staying she stays with Max. Staying together they act on their feelings for each other.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Snow is one of my new favorite authors! She writes characters that are warm and sweet but also very hot and sexy. Great balance of action, thought and really steamy see. Loved Max and Ainsley! I want a Max - funny, thoughtful, emotional and HOT!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, whilst knowing where the story is heading the journey to get there was a fun, well written story. There are some very erotic scenes , and the characters are very likeable. Will definitely read more of this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Spatula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually cautious about the Boss trope, because it can come with some troublesome power dynamics. imo Gemma Snow does it right in Work Husband. It's sexy, it's fun, and it's the right kind of naughty. And the count to 7 scene... ho boy. Enjoy this nugget.

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

[Gigi Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read on Radish. Quick, hot read about Ainsley and Max. After five years of working together, he finally gets her on a date to her sister’s wedding.

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley needs a date for her sister's wedding and her boss Max is available. She tries to maintain a professional relationship, but it becomes harder when they begin feeling the chemistry they have together.
I don't have any complaints about the story whatsoever. We get to see their relationship evolve from coworkers to lovers, and we get a very steamy romance scene (touches on some BDSM aspects, but nothing too hardcore). What else could you ask for?

*Advanced Copy Reader, but leaving my honest review on my own*

[olovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author. I think the plot was great and the heat and chemistry was on point. My only thing was I found myself getting a bit confused at whose thoughts I was listening to. It would switch between Max and Ainsley and I would have to reread a couple of times to get back on track.

The pace was steady and you were able to read about how they have had feelings for each other for years.

Great read.

I was given an ARC and this is my honest review