Bad day at work? Try having someone steal your beloved hotel. Oh, and the new boss is absolutely the worst. Work hard and ye shall be rewarded… Wrong. The Maxine Hotel was supposed to be mine. I invested my meager savings into the upkeep. I slept in a freezing-cold attic like Cinderella but with way more overeating. I dealt with entitled guests and feral children on a daily basis. Then Mike Svensson swaggers in with his billions and his bad attitude, steals the hotel from me, and starts bossing me around like he owns the place. (Which, to be fair, he does, but that’s not the point!) My boss is going down. But he’s harder to get rid of than I thought. Snack-addicted raccoons, angry squatters, and ghosts—nothing seems to faze him. It’s time to bring out the big guns—I have two of them strapped to my chest! Also, my bra is…not in the best shape, so I’m going to upgrade my underwear, then I’m going to make Mike fall so hard in love with me that he’ll give me the hotel. Sounds like a terrible idea? You would be correct. Are you listing a million ways this could go wrong? Yep, me too. But it’s worth a shot, right? After all, big risks mean big rewards, and Mike is huge. Wait, no, not like that! This is a full-length, full-on, balls-to-the-wall (and, er, something else) enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy. If you love hot guys, supersized families, a heroine who stress eats because her life is a complete freaking mess, and a happily ever after better than a pumpkin-spice latte on a cold day, then the Manhattan Svensson brothers are all for you!
I love reading this author’s novels because of how hilarious they are. The gist of all of them are pretty much the same but the characters and the whole storyline changes every time. I loved Maxine and how the story has so many different events, Everything was so well described and it was so much fun to read this book. The story is fantastical but so easy to imagine. And I don’t mean fantastical as in paranormal, but as in the story is crazy.
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reading this book felt a lot like how I imagine reading a Fawlty Towers script must be: pure chaos and mayhem. I was actually kind of grateful for all those shenanigans, they kept me distracted from how long it took me to warm up to our leading couple. I found it difficult to connect with Phoebe and Mike because they spent so much of their time hiding things from one another. Mind you, if the pair of them had been open and honest about everything that was going on, it would have been a much shorter book, and a lot less fun. I know I can always count on the author to give me a rollicking story filled with absurdities to keep me laughing and emotional growth that will make my heart sigh. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for these poor unsuspecting Svensson men. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Book 1 is a mess but an entertaining mess. This book was a mess in the not so fun way. I did not like Mike in the slightest. He did nothing, absolutely nothing that made him likable. At least Becks antics were funny if sometimes absolutely ridiculous. Mike's antics with Phoebe were downright cruel. Yes, they were using each other, but at least Phoebe apologized when she went too far. Mile went too far almost every time and did NOTHING to apologize. Why she's even with him or attracted to him beats me.
Also, if the issues with Mike weren't so bad, this whole storyline with Greg and Belle is pissing me off. Their issues shouldn't be mentioned a million times in another couples book. Just no. They are supposed to be side characters right now. Not main. It was insane how often they were mentioned.
When I finally got to the end, I was even more disappointed. It was an open-ended ending, and to get the "actual" ending, I had to go and be a part of the mailing list to read it. I don't mind signing up for an authors mailing list and getting a bonus epilogue, but not the actual ending of the current story. Just no. I do like this authors other works, but I'm unsure if I really want to continue on with how bad this book ended.
The only reason this story isn't a 1 star is because of side characters like Princess Alice, the raccoons, and the girls.
“Lusting after?” I sneered. “What are you? One of those girls who reads Pride and Prejudice and thinks that they’re going to be the protagonist swept up by the rich man when really they’re just a background character?— 🫧🎂🧡🌷
Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style! (The Manhattan Svenssons #2) by Alina Jacobs
This was such a fun book with quirky characters all around and loved the story. 5 star review. But then about half way through when she started sleeping with the lead guy suddenly the book was all pussy, cock and fucking for a number of chapters and the plot disintegrated to a steady repeat of pussy, cock and fucking. Pussy, cock and fucking. It eventually got back on track, stayed fun and campy never taking itself too seriously. Some huge leaps in the plot and a lot of them hating each other at the end before finally coming together and it was all tied up neatly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of The Manhattan Svenssons series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Phoebe intelligent, the general manager at The Maxine Boutique Hotel, a small historic building in Manhattan, invested her own money to keep the hotel repairs up and even taking a decreased wages with every intention of owning the hotel. Only to find out the current owner broke the promise he made to her by selling the hotel to the Greyson Hotel Group breaking her heart because she loved t her home the quirky, historic, small hotel. Mike sexy as all get out, COO of Greyson Hotel Group, just bought the small unique hotel, but upon inspection having second thoughts about the purchase because the residents, the workers, let’s not mention the squatter, a unique cleaning crew and the hotel hosts although, the host has him thinking twice. Mike begins to see Phoebe in a different way with her creativeness having him wanting to know her better. Phoebe on the other hand has ideas of getting close to him for a whole different reason and throw in chemistry that neither of them want to admit and a fairy godmother (Alice 😊) and thing get a little out of hand crazy as it sems these to two are so funny, the way they interact with each other, but where does it all lead since he bought her hotel right from under her, can they communicate enough to see there is something real between them, and can they find happiness?
I LOVED Pheobe!!! I'm not sure words can fully express how much I enjoyed her character. She brought to life the entire book and stole every scene and interaction she was a part of. I think she beautifully captured the unique quirky spirit of The Maxine hotel. The author could not have, in my opinion, written a more perfect character for this story.
Not all of Pheobe and Mike's interactions were delightful, but most were. The tension and contrast between them was another great part of the story. It didn't matter if they were fighting, having fun or sharing a more intimate moment, aside from some inner dialogue I enjoyed everything about them.
On the other hand, Mike's interactions with Trinity triggered my inward cringe. I was really confused about one section of the story pertaining to Trinity and something she got approval for from one of Mike's brothers. There's a whole plot/sub-plot thing that seems needlessly put into jeopardy because of a move (change) Trinity makes while Pheobe and Mike are away at a conference. It gave me the feeling that not all of Mike's brothers were aware of the Cora possibility.
Mike's family is all sorts of messed up. There are too many of the siblings to keep track of, I'm sure they'll get the opportunity to shine in their own time.
Special shout-out to the side characters of the Maxine hotel, they all brought their uniqueness be it as an elevator operator, a Princess or even a cat. Don't even get me started about raccoons! Lol 😆
The Svenssons Brothers at Their Most Vulnerable. Alina Jacobs is a joy! I’ve yet not laughed throughout any of her books (and I’m still playing catch-up as well as reviewing the new storylines of The Manhattan Svenssons). I absolutely loved the main characters, Mike (Svensson) and Phoebe. They were awkward, fumbly and intensely attracted to each other which just lent to wonderful comedic escapades written with excellent timing and flow. There was a fairytale quality to the story with a resident Princess at The Maxine. Princess Alice who was more like Phoebe’s Fairy Godmother and had the quiet elegance in appearance but also worldly knowledge when it came to men’s psyche and body. Then there’s the Maxine itself. It was described in such a way that I wish it was real so I could spend a week there and have tea with the Princess, taste some of Phoebe’s delectable hors-d’oeuvres, and curl up in the two story library with a first edition. Of course the most important part of the book is the relationship of Phoebe and Mike. It’s obvious that their past impacts their ability to trust and be open. This inability resulted in secrets leading to all sorts of mischief and mayhem. Finally, while it’s not necessary to read the first two books of the Manhattan Svenssons, and this is confusing because the cover labeled, Book One isn’t really the first in the series. It’s, “The Hate Date” which is about Greg the eldest. Then it’s, “I Hate, I Bake, and I Don’t Date!” (Book one), which is about Beck. Then this book. I just think you get a full flavor of the overall arc by reading them in order. I’m definitely recommending this book (and the first two) for your reading enjoyment, pleasure and satisfaction. PEACE.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had a rough time with this book. It is overall interesting and I like the banter these two have. It is also pretty funny especially with the madcap secondary characters in the hotel. But it started to feel cruel. Not in their arguments, though sometimes they went a bit far, but in the supposedly sweet moments. Both of these two were using each other a bit. But sometimes when we were in Mike's head I truly wondered if he would be redeemable. I tried to figure out for quite a few chapters about why his internal dialog bothered me more than hers. And I think it might be that when in those sweet moments Phoebe sort of forgets the plot and has to be brought back on track by others. Mike never seems to forget that he is using Phoebe. He gets pushes from his brothers, but the thought is very present in his head. And yet he does things knowing it will hurt Phoebe anyway. And I guess there was a grovel. But it felt like Phoebe had multiple grovels after her misunderstandings. While Mike behaved awfully (their last few interactions were so messed up). And he barely had a sorry and even then he was arguably using her a bit. I guess in the end Mike never did feel redeemed and their HEA doesn't feel earned. I worry for Phoebe in the future. Also there seemed to be a whole other relationship that didn't make sense but was so focused on it felt intrusive. There is clearly some sort of backstory between Greg and Bella (one of Mike's brothers and an investor). But it is never explained which would be fine except it was commented on quite a lot. And I felt oddly frustrated trying to figure out if I should know what their deal is or not. greg felt intrusive
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me say Ms. Jacobs has an amazing talent from the first word drawing you in and not letting you go until the very last word, and I’m telling you the gauntlet of emotions in her stories are so real and down to earth you can really empathize with the characters and or the idea. Then all of a sudden she throws in cute and absolutely funny. I’m talking laugh out loud funny! Who doesn’t need funny now days? Hating and Dating Your Boss With Style is Book Two of the Manhattan Svenssons and its about Mike and Phoebe and their interactions over a historic hotel, and all the goings on of said hotel, plus the drama and timed need of a little sister of Mike’s. Phoebe is the General Manager of “ The Maxine” a 50 room historical grande dame hotel and pretty much a “Maid of All Work” the reason being she absolutely loves the hotel and the owner promised her if she worked hard and worked under minimum wages he promised her the hotel. Now along comes Mike who runs a hotel Division of the Greyson Group of the Svensson Brothers that buys small hotels and turns them into 5 star boutique hotels…he buys “The Maxine” right out from under Phoebe before she even knew what hit her! The story has lots of laughs, drama, surprises tossed in, plots and twists, unforeseen passion along with plenty of heat and the chemistry is off the charts hot! The supporting characters are wonderful as well. You grow to love them all. I really enjoy these stories. Cannot wait for the next book. I highly recommend. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.
Some of the dialogue is laugh out loud hilarious. I have to say that while I like most of the characters and the storyline ...I absolutely cannot stand Belle.
Her part in arranging for a reality tv show for polygamist sister-wives to find new men or cults, and to pawn off their own daughters was disgusting. Especially knowing first hand how that lifestyle does damage due to her ex-boyfriend being the product of a polygamist cult.
Belle’s lack of remorse - or any feelings - at being a primary catalyst in endangering a young girl makes her an irredeemable character. Instead Belle tells Phoebe, how terrible Belle’s ex’s family is & how untrustworthy they are! Some nerve she has! There should have been dialogue with her sincerely remorseful & apologetic to her ex, to his family which includes the H, Mike; and as well as to Phoebe (the h) for dragging her into the drama & mess.
Belle’s part in this ruined the book for me. This why only 3 stars - I considered only 2 stars but decided the rest of it was good. I never like when authors in attempting to depict a strong, independent woman- make her unlikeable. Instead of being in Belle’s corner - I just want to see her knocked off her smug high horse. Not on her side at all. In future books - especially the completion of Belle’s story with Greg, I’d like to see her take responsibility for the awful thing she did and sincerely apologize to all parties affected.
Mike buys the Maxine the hotel where Phoebe is the manager and the two clash right away, Phoebe despises corporate hotels and loves historic hotels like the Maxine, whereas Mike doesn't know how Phoebe keeps the Maxine open with its many problems. Racoons and a squatter, as well as a lot of used dumpster finds furnishing the hotel. Phoebe decides she needs to make Mike quit which she tries by making him do mundane jobs at the hotel and making him believe the hotel is haunted when that doesn't work she goes to her other plan. The plan to make him fall in love with her and give her the hotel. When Phoebe hosts a sister wives convention where one of Mike's lost little sisters will be attending Mike must distract her to have a chance to plant surveillance and get information and he goes for seducing her. The two of them start to hook up, date and even like each other but this is ruined when Phoebe unknowingly stops Mike from getting his sister back and Mike's employee decides to destroy the Maxine without Mike knowing. I liked this book more than the last book and enjoyed both Phoebe and Mike as a couple and as main characters. Phoebe stood up to Mike and didn't let him push her around and I liked that she didn't let him off the hook easily when he did something stupid. A lot of their problems could have been solved with better communication but that's common with most book couples. Alina Jacobs can be counted on for a funny, fast and fun read and I can't wait for Liam's book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Slow-burn, hilarious steamy episode in this series. 4* Alina's books always promise a good storyline, guaranteeing to make you laugh, so I recommend you don't read it on any public transport, or you'll get some funny looks from fellow passengers. The book started with great momentum that continued onto about a third into the book. After that the story became a bit farcical, which unnecessarily lengthened the book. However, this Svensson brother, Mike, the COO to the Svensson empire, like all his other brothers and sisters due to their cult upbringing, is also severely traumatised. They are loving but are a somewhat dysfunctional family. He purchases a historic, half falling apart, boutique hotel which is a total mess, as is the hotel’s general manager, Phoebe, a curvy, sassy beauty, with whom, Mike plays a kind of cat and mouse game. They each hold secrets from one another, and each has an agenda. Imagine a steamy love affair inserted into that mix. Well, Alina managed it with her usual flare. After several tension points, there is an HFN ending, with a promise of a short epilogue in a free but separate section. All of Alina’s novels are entertaining and endearing and this novel is no exception. I would happily recommend this well-written tale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style by Alina Jacobs is a romantic comedy full of drama, humor and funny scenes. This was a feel-good read with a great storyline that had me laughing out loud at some of the antics the characters in this story had. In this book we meet Phoebe and Mike. Phoebe, a manager for The Maxine Hotel, has been working herself to death in trying to keep the hotel up and running smoothly. She has a vested interest in the hotel, putting her heart and soul (and wages) into the place, thinking that she will hopefully own it one day. When she learns that the hotel is sold with plans of renovations, she's willing to fight tooth and nail with the new owner to ensure that the boutique hotel maintains its historic charm. Mike is the COO of Greyson Hotel Group. He buys hotels and revamps them to turn them into profitable establishments. He isn't prepared for all the problems at The Maxine Hotel. Furthermore, he wasn't prepared for the feisty manager to challenge him at every turn. I enjoyed reading this story. I loved the sassy, witty banter and the enemies-to-lovers vibe this story had and the love/hate, push-pull connection between Phoebe and Mike. Phoebe was such a great character. She was quirky and fierce but also kind and caring. This is a good story for those who love romantic comedies with crazy antics, colorful characters with chemistry and tension.
A theme in my reading life this year and last has been a whole bunch of moody finickiness and Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style! was just one of the many books that I started and stopped last year. I’ve read a good number of Alina Jacobs’ books, but every once in a while there’s a book of hers that takes the third times a charm before I actually finish it and that also happened with this book as well since I’m positive that I went back to Phoebe and Mike’s story that November and just didn’t finish it because I’m a freak. I got it done this November which was totally unintentional on my part by the way, I had just read Ms. Jacobs’ Good Elf Gone Wrong, wanted to keep reading her, and thought that coming back to Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style! would be a good idea.
Anyway, I feel like that last paragraph was all over the place, but I’m just here to tell you that yes, while it took me a little over a year to finish this book, I really did enjoy it, especially this last stretch! I was glued to the last third of Phoebe and Mike’s tale and I’m so glad that I picked it up again! Despite the year off, I was still able to mostly recall Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style! ~ Sonja, 5 Stars
For Phoebe, The Maxine, isn't just a historic, maybe a little run down Hotel, it's her home. She has put her own money into it's upkeep and repairs, and as far as she' concerned the old hotel belongs to her. Until the current owner announces that he has sold her hotel to the Greyson Hotel group and it is now owned by billionaire Mike Svensson, her new boss. As far as Phoebe is concerned, it's time for the gloves to come off, and she will fight with everything she has to save her beloved hotel. For Mike the acquisition of the old hotel is business as usual. He will let the current staff of The Maxine stay until the renovations are well underway and he hires his own staff. Then he will fire them. Unfortunately, the best laid plans can sometimes backfire and he just might lose his young sister when he doesn't inform Phoebe of his suspicions about a convention she has booked. Fast-paced and intriguing interactions between fascinating and well written characters. Laugh out loud funny, sexy romantic comedy with unexpected twists, and a happily ever after. I laughed all the way through this book, so I think it is definitely a must read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
'Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style!' by Alina Jacobs is the second book in her The Manhattan Svenssons series and tells the story of Phoebe and Mike. Phoebe has worked as a general manager at The Maxine hotel for the last few years at a lower wage in the hopes that she would be able to purchase the hotel when the owner decided to sell. But Mike, who is a Svensson, has purchased the hotel out from under Phoebe. Mike is known for buying smaller hotels and reestablishing them as unique, boutique hotels that are very expensive to build and to stay in. Unfortunately, what he purchased was not what he expected and as far as he can tell the whole hotel is just a tear down and rebuild. Phoebe is determined to save the hotel from demolition and to make sure that the people whom rely on the hotel are taken care of regardless of Mike's plans.
Ms. Jacobs has written a fabulous addition to her series. The interactions between Phoebe and Mike are at turn funny and aggravating but always sizzling. This story has laughs, drama, surprises, twists, passion, and plenty of heat. I really enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next one. Highly recommend!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I so wanted to give this book 5 stars, I really did. I mean we’ve got a real life princess that’s a resident, raccoons that work in the hotel, and sheep in the pool. But once again, there’s a repetitive nature to the whole father being in prison for running a cult. Also this time some of the sex scenes felt like the author added them because she was trying to make the book longer. I still liked the story, very much so. I mean we’ve got Phoebe who expected to get the Maxine Hotel, she’d been working there and not really getting paid so that the money was going to pay for the hotel. Then the owner sold the hotel out from under her, never said a word, and sold it to a Svensson. They own mega hotels, not little boutique hotels like the Maxine. I mean it needs so much work. Phoebe had spent her savings on the upkeep. She slept in a cold room there, it was not only her place of work, but her home and now it was gone. Funny thing is though, none of the eccentricities that make the Maxine special doesn’t faze him. He’s bossy, arrogant, and hard to please. He’s also taken in a sister as well. You don’t have to read book 1 to read book 2, but I recommend you do. If you like rom-coms or enemies to lovers, I recommend Hating and dating your boss.
Alina Jacobs is a genius. Story a series about brothers escaped from a polygamist cult. She has an endless supply of brothers to torture with the women that brings them down. But only in the best of ways. This story features Mike who is COO of Greyson Hotel Group. And Phoebe a struggling general manager of a historic hotel in need of some repairs. She has been making ends meet by great sacrifice and lots of personal elbow grease. Then in swoops Mike Svensson who buys it out from under her. She tries everything she can think of to either scare him off or convince him to let her have it. And with that note the hilarity begins. I literally laughed until I cried. And just when you think he is going to come to his senses his gold digger assistant makes it worse. Will he find a way to forgive Phoebe? Can Phoebe find a way to forgive Mike? Maybe the Princess can fix it. Oh did I forget to tell you there is a real life Princess living there. There are so many more details than I could mention. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series. I did receive an advance copy for my honest review.
This is quite a quirky rom com. Phoebe is the manager of The Maxine, a historic boutique hotel. She’s been fixing it up for ages and working for low pay because the owner promised her a stake in the hotel. It’s a mess when he sells out to a soulless corporation. Enter Mike, our H in this story.
This is a fun read filled with colorful characters, crazy antics and heart. Phoebe and Mike have instant enemies to lovers chemistry and tension. He’s uptight and she’s free spirited, he grumpy and she’s sunshine. They have genuine feelings for each other but also working toward different goals are using and trying to trick the other. It ends up being quite angsty with all the layers of deception and genuine feelings.
Story 4/5, Heat 3/5, Angst 3.75/5
Slow-ish burn, they finally sex it up around 67% but they start fooling around without going all the way around 55%.
Condoms used, no virgins, push away from both, lots of OW drama, small bit of OM drama, there is a separation but I was fuzzy on exactly how long it was. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the Manhattan Svensson series. I liked the first book, because of the family dynamic with the young sisters. The brothers can be kind of mean with each other, but are so sweet with their younger sisters.
In this book, Hating (and Dating) Your Boss with Style! Phoebe meets Mike Svensson when he buys her hotel. Um, the hotel she’s been living in, working in, slaving in basically, because her boss said he would sell it to her. The sparks fly and it was HATE at first sight! Lust came a bit later after Phoebe started haunting Mike. When it came to the start of their relationship, it wasn’t open and honest on either side as each was hiding something from the other. Unfortunately for Phoebe, the Svensson brothers have a traumatic past and Mike is cruel when he ends their short relationship.
This series has been entertaining so far. I really like the dynamic between the Svensson brothers and the younger sisters. I get a tad emotional when the relationships fall apart. The Svensson brothers really know how to twist the knife during the breakups. Each story ends on a high note though leaving me looking forward to the next book in the series.
When does hate become love....when it involves a sexy Svensson man
Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style! is the second book in The Manhattan Svenssons, which is a spin-off of the original The Svenssons Brothers series. This book continues the perfect blend of rom-com making the story about Mike and Phoebe such a fun read. This couple are such a fun pair that are so lovable and in a love/hate relationship because her boss broke a promise to her and Mike's family company is the one who benefits instead. Add in a number of outrageous supporting characters, just think of them as color commentary, who add to the timing of this story-line. I loved this book and would definitely RECOMMEND IT to other readers, whether you are already a fan of Alina Jacobs are looking to discover a new author who can add some sweet romance and laughs into your life.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
As with all Alina's story this made me laugh out loud! I don't know how she keeps coming up with the most outlandish stories! If you are keeping track this is Mike's story. If this is your first welcome to the crazy world of the Svenssons. Mike has meet his match when he takes over the hotel that Phoebe thinks she is going to get once the owner sells it to her. What I loved was all of the build up between the two, but it seemed to go on a little too long and too many different stories that to wrap up at the end making the ending seem rushed. I would of love to see more around the Princess Alice and interactions with Belle and Greg. This was the first time where the secondary characters were not as much in the story as previous stories. Overall, you will be entertained and find your self laughing out loud.
I really loved this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable with plenty of laughs and cringeworthy moments. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. There were a lot of secondary characters that added charm and life to the story. Princess Alice and the raccoons cracked me up! Phoebe was planning on taking over the Maxine hotel one day. Unfortunately, the owner sold the hotel to Mike Svensson and his hotel group. Phoebe was certain and Mike would never appreciate the Maxine the way she deserved to be appreciated. Mike was pretty sure he shouldn't have bought the Maxine. There were plenty of hijinks, lots of scheming, and a ton of fun. I loved their happy ever after and I recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was had an interesting combo of enemies to lovers, dating/get them to fall in love with me to get what I want. I actually enjoyed that they both had secret plots, but Phoebe seemed a lot more innocent or seemed to get lost in the moment and not as motivated by her goal of getting the hotel. Both of them kind of have bad influences, the brothers & Daria/Princess Alice.
The antics were silly, fluffy. The spice was plentiful, but not terribly wild or varied.
The ending felt rushed, and forgiveness came way quicker than I expected and with less explanation/communication
The cult plot was much more prevalent for me in this one. While it has been brought up before as reasons why the brothers have their various issues or their struggles to take care of the girls, the sister-wives convention brought it front and center.
Phoebe Smith is the general manager and Jack of all trades of The Maxine, a 50 room grande dame (old money shabby) hotel. The owner Stan promised her she would get the hotel if she worked hard and accepted below market wages.
Mike Svensson runs a hotel group that buys small hotels and turns them into boutique 5 star hotels. He buys The Maxine out from under Phoebe.
Pheobe and her friends make a plan to get the hotel back though the execution is a series of comedic errors. Pheobe and Mike eventually fall in love despite their best intentions and get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second book in the series feels identical to the first. The main character is nearly identical with only a slight shift in her interests. The main male character is equally a clone of the last novel’s male MC. That said, I enjoy the sassy and witty humor of these novels, and I’ll definitely be reading more. I’m hopeful one of the male leads will be something more than an arrogant asshole saved by the power of love from a strong woman. Overall, the story flows well with good progression of the plot and romance. The steamy scenes are decently written, and only occasionally feel like a forced break from the narrative. I definitely recommend this as a fun romantic read.
Mike Svensson is another blond, hot and successful Svensson... and arrogant too! He bought the Maxine Hotel, the place where Phoebe works. Now he is her boss and wants to change everything! Phoebe has slaved under the previous owner, taking a minimum wage job, hoping to buy the Maxine one day, and now she risks losing it all! So, wouldn't you try and use ghosts, raccoons, old Princesses, and more to win the battle with the enemy? This is another Svensson story: one hot man that lives for his business but will succumb to love! And in this case, Phoebe is the smart and resourceful girl that will win the battle of the heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.