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Brooklyn Nights #2

Ways to Tempt the Boss

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Seduction is the only way to save his company.

There’s a corporate saboteur at Dechamps cosmetics, and CEO Lucas Deschamps suspects makeup artist Blair Westcott. He vows to get closer to her and find out. But Blair’s beautiful, caring nature is at odds with Lucas’s suspicions. Soon, the irresistible passion between the pair makes the stakes – and any betrayals – much more personal.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2021

10 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Joanne Rock

567 books1,439 followers
Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
August 24, 2021
4 Stars!

Another great read by Joanne Rock, this is my second book by this author in almost as many weeks with Blair and Lucas's story having a little of the forbidden in it.

She works for his mothers cosmetics company, and he has been bought in to root out a corporate spy. The finger of suspicion initially points firmly towards her, it doesn't take long for Lucas to realize that he is more than attracted to her, and although all of his instincts tell him she isn't the culprit, when the evidence appears to stack up against her will he trust his instincts or not...

Great Hqn/M&B storyline, I loved the characters and back stories both of them bought to it as well.

ARC generously provided by the author Via Booksprout, in exchange for the above honest review.
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Profile Image for Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews).
1,475 reviews142 followers
September 16, 2021
Ways to Tempt the Boss is the standalone second book in Joanne Rock’s Brooklyn Nights series. The series centers around three women in creative fields brought together by cosmetic heiress Cybil Deschamps. The women are chosen by Cybil through a lengthy detailed process to live in her rented Brooklyn brownstone at a reduced rate. The goal is to help young women live out their dream of making it in New York City.

In Ways to Tempt the Boss, Blair Westcott is trying to make a name for herself in the cosmetic world. Blair is a talented makeup artist who Cybil personally chose to hire and live at the brownstone. Blaire has an upbeat personality, she’s friendly, everyone loves her, and she loves to bake. It’s nothing for her to show up at work with trays of cookies or other desserts. But Blair’s rays of happiness and sunshine are hiding a painful secret.

Lucas Deschamps is Cybil’s son and only child. While he has his own successful company outside of the fashion and cosmetic worlds, he’s currently splitting his time trying to help his mother save her company. Deschamps Cosmetics is Cybil’s pride and joy, after Lucas, of course. She built the empire after her disastrous marriage to Peter, Lucas’s father ended. Now luxury brand conglomerate DLH Luxe International, headed by none other than Peter is trying to force Cybil to sell to them. Lucas knows his father would do anything to make his mother look bad and take away something she loves wholeheartedly. Lucas suspects DLH has planted a mole within Deschamps, and he believes too good to be true Blair is that person.

Oh, these two! Ways to Tempt the Boss is an enemies to lovers/office romance. Blair and Lucus like to push each other's buttons, but for very different reasons. She puts on a brave face while dealing with a family situation. He thinks she's fake and is really trying to sabotage his mother's company. Their attraction to one another sizzles through the pages. This story really encompasses friendship and girl power. Before moving into the brownstone together, Blair and her roommates Sable and Tana didn’t know each other and came from different backgrounds. But when they need someone, they step up and are there for each other, no questions asked. I really loved that about their friendship.

The next book in the series is The Stakes of Faking It, featuring Tana. I’m looking forward to reading it because Tana has been something of a mystery. I can’t wait to see what she’s all about.

~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~

“Life is too short to spend it with people who don’t believe in you.”

“You can’t stop the efforts of well-meaning friends.”

“Trust was a fragile thing.”

“Sometimes half the battle is recognizing you were in the wrong.”

“Love changes everything.”

**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also purchased a paperback copy personally.**
Profile Image for ReadToBreathe.
870 reviews32 followers
August 30, 2021
3 Stars
The book was not boring and I did want to know the ending, but unfortunately I didn't feel the love or the attraction at all. The H's love confession came out of nowhere. I think I needed to see more interaction in the work environment to feel the attraction before they jumped into bed. I also think this book needs an epilogue.
9,376 reviews140 followers
August 24, 2021
Book two in the series brings Lucas and Blair's story. The author brings strong characters with a strong chemistry but have trust issues. She pulled me in with all the drama and tension as well as the undeniable pull towards one another. It's well written with perfectly painted scenes and is a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
August 17, 2021
I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. The writing is well done and the story kept me engaged. I really liked Lucas and Blair. The smartly crafted blend of rich emotions, powerful desires, tension, and drama was totally delicious. I felt very invested in these two and the pull between what was his duty to his family and company and what was in his heart gave my own heart a workout. I'm posting a impartial, independent review.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,972 reviews173 followers
August 18, 2021
A study in heartache becomes an inspiring tale of hope. Blair and Lucas play emotions like a broken harp string. Brutal, off key, but powerful just the same. Rock breathes new life into an overwhelming journey that touches a reader in the deepest way. Ways to Tempt a Boss finds it's song in the cracks of life and love .
3,712 reviews42 followers
August 11, 2021
This is book two in The Brooklyn Night's Series and it is Lucas and Blair's story and it is a must read. I absolutely loved this book right from the start and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner. I loved the chemistry between them and even though there were trust issues you find yourself hoping that they can sort out there differences and get a happy ending. I have read many Joanne Rock books and I have enjoyed reading every single one of them as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
51 reviews
August 12, 2021
I loved this book! It was a real page turner…I had a tough time putting this book down. It was interesting trying to watch Lucas Deschamps try to discover if Blair Westcott really is the corporate saboteur of his family’s company. Only their attraction for each other gets in the way. This is book 2 in the Brooklyn Nights series and I recommend reading this whole series (the 3rd book, The Stakes of Faking It is out in October). I recommend all books by Joanne Rock…they’re all fabulous!!!
Profile Image for Sharon.
144 reviews
August 27, 2021
*SPOILERS* Joanne Rock delivers another episode in the Brooklyn Nights series. This story, the second of three, is about another of the roommates in the Brooklyn Brownstone owned by Cybil Deschamps. Blair Westcott is a make up artist just trying to build a better life for herself and pay for her Mom's medical treatments when she comes under the watchful eye of Cybil's son, Lucas Deschamps. Lucas is suspicious of the overly nice, kind, warm-hearted Blair and thinks she might be trying to use her niceness to cover up corporate espionage. Blair just wants to keep her job and uses her spare time to bake - which she shares with the office. The chemistry between the two of them lights up from page one and keeps going until you really just want to root for them to make it. Of course, as expected, Lucas is quick to judge and screws things up until he realizes his mistake and begs forgiveness. This story kept me up all night wanting to find out how they get their HEA. Thanks Joanne for another great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann.
252 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2021
Ways to Tempt a Boss is a delightful, romantic read! There are a lot of ups and downs in this work romance story, for both the hero and the heroine, and their budding romance – and intense chemistry for each other – is hampered by the existence of an unknown corporate spy. Emotionally, this book is a doozy! I loved the clearly intense attraction the characters had for each other, and the complexities of both characters. The heroine and her friends at the brownstone owned by the hero’s mother (characters starring in the series books related to Ways to Tempt a Boss) are exciting and very much creative, dynamic, modern young women moving into exciting phases in their lives, and they’re in the story enough that you get a strong sense of family and support – which, it turns out, is just what Blair needs as she deals with her own struggles – and her feelings for Lucas. The spy issue is big, but isn’t drawn-out too much, letting the story really focus on the romance between Blair and Lucas, and their feelings. The book is great fun, and a great entry in the Brooklyn Nights series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,398 reviews19 followers
September 3, 2021
Joanne Rock has a winner on her hands with the 2nd book in the “Brooklyn Nights Series” with Lucas and Blair taking center stage to their journey to romance. The hero and heroine are awesome with family drama, mistrust, company take over, insider secrets, mom’s company takeover, antagonist ex-husband, insecurities, ill parent, easy read and fast paced; all the makings of a great summer book to read for your enjoyment.

This is an awesome romance with Blair being the alpha in the relationship and I’m so loving her in this role. Blair Westcott is a makeup artist and works for Deschamps Cosmetics. She’s also a great cook and baker. Blair sees Lucas and knows she wants him. He is sexy with muscles and oh so alpha.

Lucas Deschamps is CEO with his own company and he is at Deschamps Cosmetics temporarily helping out his mom to find out who is stealing her cosmetic secrets. Lucas spots Blair and he knows she is who he needs and wants.

Can the two get past their mistrust and find their HEA?

I received an ARC via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
August 25, 2021
Blair is an absolute sweetheart. I could kind of already see it in the previous book, but this one just cemented that opinion. Lucas is drawn to her inherent goodness like a moth to a flame, but he’s been burned too badly to easily trust in surface appearances. I loved watching these two trying to fight the chemistry that was drawing them ever closer together. As an outside observer, you just knew they were destined to fail at that. It was so sweet to see them opening up to one another and falling harder with every confidence they shared. I completely adored seeing Lucas realize that trust was possible and wouldn’t always be betrayed. I’ve only just finished reading this book and I’m already anxious to get my hands on the story of the third resident of their brownstone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
1,600 reviews13 followers
August 23, 2021
This is book two in The Brooklyn Night's Series featuring three housemates turned friends. Ways to tempt the boss is Blair's story. Desparate to make as much money as she can to help pay the medical bills for her mother, she is pursued by her former employer to turn over trade secrets. Lucas is her new employer's son on the hunt for the mole he knows is in the company. While the attraction between them is strong, so is his mistrust of her and they both have to fight for their happy ending when there is a theft that could ruin the company. I loved the way her friends pitched in to help save the day and I look forward to the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,037 reviews21 followers
September 1, 2021
Business can be pretty cutthroat that is true. In this installment from the Brooklyn Nights series we find Blair in the crosshairs of Lucas Deschamps who thinks that she is too nice and that behind that niceness might be someone who is trying to engage in corporate espionage. This leads to a lot of emotional chaos. They are definitely attracted to one another, but his suspicions lead to missteps by him that have an impact on their ability to get together. Blair is kind and she does share, not to throw people off the scent of her duplicity. Lucas is being protective of the family business but will he protect it to the detriment of his relationship with Blair?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,731 reviews29 followers
September 8, 2021
I just loved Blair Westcott she is smart, successful and has a great heart which Lucas Deschamps is drawn to, but also needs to find out who is trying to find out who is involved on the corporate espionage of his mothers make up business. There is loads of attraction between the two, however both have pasts to deal with whether emotional or exes and throw in what's happening Deschamps Cosmetics these two have a page turning story about an attraction that just gets stronger as well as mistrust and a mystery of who is trying to take down Lucas's Mums business. This was a great addition to this trilogy and I can not wait to see what happens with Tana in the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,298 reviews70 followers
October 3, 2021
Blair is a make up artist trying to make enough money to pay for her mother's medical care and not to struggle living paycheck to paycheck. Lucas is Cybil's son and trying to find out who is hurting his mother's company. Lucas suspects Blair is the one behind his mother's problems so he tries to get close to her. Sparks fly between them and soon things heat up. Will Blair forgive him for his deception? Will he discover who is causing the trouble? Will Blair give him another chance?

This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter on. 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.
1,896 reviews9 followers
August 27, 2021
Is something is in the air between Blair and Lucas?
Right from the start I feel for Blair’s predicament with her former company while working at Lucas’ mother’s company. Yet when Lucas discovers Blair’s connection to his father’s company, he believes she may be the weak link to bring down his mother’s company. Yet when he meets the innocent Blair, his change of tactic puts the two on a collision course for one steamy ride! Will Blair’s need for extra income be the tipping point for Lucas? Will Blair believe in herself to go for the perfect solution to her money troubles? I could not put the book down until I turned the last page.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
September 13, 2021
Blair is a great friend and a loyal daughter who just wants to do the best job that she can for Deschamps Cosmetics and provide for her mother. When she meets her boss’s son Lucas there is no denying the attraction between them, but can she trust his motives?

Lucas is a successful businessman who is trying to help his mother find out if there is a traitor in her midst. He believes that Blair is too good to be true, but will he allow his past to destroy the best thing to ever happen to him?

Intrigue, romance and angst combine into an entertaining story that has you wanting more of this series.
2,185 reviews15 followers
September 5, 2021
We get Lucas and Blair's story and what a story. They both are attracted to each other they have insane chemistry but their path has quite a few bumps in it. Corporate espionage, insider secrets, family drama, lack of trust,company takeover(s)to name a few but I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. I will say that I would definitely recommend this book as well as the previous book in this series. I'm looking forward to the next book in this great series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,523 reviews46 followers
September 21, 2021
This unexpected attraction heats up quickly! Book two of Joanne Rock's Brooklyn Nights series picks up with roommate number two finding herself as a suspect of corporate espionage in WAYS TO TEMPT THE BOSS. The characters are endearing and each of their back stories lay a nice foundation for the story carrying forward. I enjoyed their connection.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a group of friends supporting each other through thick and thin as each one finds their forever love.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,142 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2021
Was glad to find out more about Blair. She has the world on her shoulders. Caring for her mom with cancer when she allows it. Her former company trying to spy on the one she is working with now. Than add dealing with Lucas, her landlords son, the one helping keep the company going she is in a frazzle. When she goes away on a trip with Lucas they become close til a phone call. Can they work through the differences and be together? Can Blair do something she loves and help others? A sweet story that is a must read
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,699 reviews35 followers
August 24, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Both Blair and Lucas love their mothers and will do everything they can for them. Lucas is trying to find the spy in his mother's company and asks for Blair's help. The spy tries to frame Blair and unfortunately Lucas believes it despite the budding relationship they share. It takes Lucas' mom reminding him the most important thing is love for him to go after Blair and convince her of his feelings.
457 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2021
Joanna Rock is a new author for me to read. I was not disappointed. I thought this book was a great read and hope to read more from her in the future. This book was well written and I enjoyed the strong characters. The author brings the emotions and drama as Lucas is torn between the love of a woman and love of his family. When all evidence points towards Blair will he follow his heart or the evidence?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,138 reviews17 followers
August 31, 2021
What a delightful new story in the "Brooklyn Nights" series. This is a nicely developed story where seduction is the mission. Blair and Lucas have great chemistry. Lucas has been brought in to his mother's cosmetics company to help find a spy. Everything seems to point towards Blair at being the cooperate spy. What happens when lines are crossed? Is she the corporate spy? Such a good story from beginning to end.
4,936 reviews31 followers
September 2, 2021
Blair is the all around good girl always friendly and baking for everyone she works with but Blair is trying to find the corporate spy in his mother's cosmetic company and he thinks it all points to the well liked Blair. The more time they spend together he does not see how she could be guilty but he puts his foot in his mouth and realizes that he has made a terrible mistake and knows he has to make things right with her because he has fallen for her.
3,411 reviews19 followers
September 10, 2021
This book is the story of Lucas, CEO of Deschamps Cosmetics, and Blair Wescott, a makeup artist recently hired at his corporation. Lucas is attracted to Blair but there is evidence she may be a corporate spy. I really enjoyed this well written book with its independent characters and a storyline with suspicion, trust issues, and sizzling chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Esme Greiner.
1,921 reviews12 followers
October 4, 2021
Blair is working to help pay for her Mom's medical treatments. Lucas is attracted to her but is on the look for who is involved in espionage in his mom's business so is suspicious of Blair. He gets closer to her to investigate her but in doing that they get closer. What will Blair say when she finds out Lucas got close to her in order to find out if she had a part in the problems with the company?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,698 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2021
This was a great read. It has great characters with some drama, good chemistry, and a great ending. This was the first book written by Joanne Rock that I have read and I am looking forward to the next one. I think you will enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kwana Swain.
61 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2021
Lucas and Blair started out not liking each other. Lucas thought Blair was a spy trying to steal from his mom's cosmetics company. Even with the mistrust the attraction was to hot to handle. Love her brownstone girlfriends, they are the best.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
September 12, 2021
I've read several books written by Joanne Rock; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Brooklyn Nights Series. The story is well written and interesting. I loved the story line and the chemistry between Blair & Lucas.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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