Donut Overthink It

by Shantel Tessier

Aiden Kyle—criminal defense attorney, ridiculously good looking, and the biggest prick to work for. Hadley Burns—the temporary secretary, hardworking, keeper of the donuts, girl-next-door type. Even though she wants him and knows he lusts after her, he is her boss. Crossing that line is a no-no until one misunderstanding lands Hadley in hot water and she needs Aiden's help. It was supposed to be just sex, to scratch that itch they both have, but things change. A new relationship is hard enough, but when you mix in secrets and a stalker, it either implodes or builds a solid foundation. Do Aiden and Hadley have what it takes to beat the odds?

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance

204 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018

About the author

Shantel is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. She lives in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book. Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her.

Email her at: Shanteltessierassistant@gmail.com

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did Not Like. Ranty Spoilers Ahead...

I did not like this story. I thought it was going to be a cute, light hearted romance but boy was I wrong. Aiden is beyond and a**hole and jerk. He has the hots for her but he knows he can't persue her because he is her boss so instead he treats her like garbage. To make matters worse he makes her work late and then brings back women to have sex with while his office door is open all to make her jealous. Hadley hates him but lusts after him and wishes she was one of his wh*res. I did like how she didn't give into his demands and stood her ground for a good part of the story. And when conflict did arise she let him have it. I don't understand why women fall for men like his, do women really like being treated like sh*t? I do not enjoy reading about heroes like this.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book relates to donuts as our main character Hadley Burns loves them and always brings them into the office for the staff to munch on. Hadley works as a secretary for Aiden Kyle who is one of three Kyles that are lawyers of the firm. Aiden it seems is the toughest of them all and a stickler for rules. During the book, we can see that there is chemistry bouncing off Hadley and Aiden but neither will go for it. Hadley believes her boss is a grade A-jerk who loves to push her buttons and wants her fired. About halfway through the book, the truth becomes clear to Hadley and Aiden that they both want each other but their worlds are complicated. Then just as their romance is starting to heat up, someone sends them photos of themselves together and then the police turn up to arrest Hadley. Who has told the police lies about her and who wants her out of the picture? Has someone else got their eyes set on Aiden and will do anything even if it means getting rid of the competition to have him for herself? I have to admit even though I finished this book, to me it was a borderline three stars as I felt the characters relationship was very slow burn for my liking and lots of mucking around to get from point A to point B - relationship endgame. If you like slow-burn romances and office flings, then Donut Overthink It by Shantal Tessier is the read for you.

[Harris Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was right up my alley. Its steamy, delicious and had some twists. This is a great short read.

Aiden is one hunky dominate manwhore that you can't help but fall in love with. Hadley has been dreaming about her boss for the past 3 months. The tension between these two is out this world hot.

[sophhhhh · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely hate when goodreads clitches out and deletes my entire review. :/ So let's try to remember what I had originally written, ahha.
Donut Overthink It is an office-romance with an alpha-hole boss who has feelings for his female secretary. The feelings are mutual, but Hadley [ the fmc ] doesn't know that Aiden [ male mc ] actually likes her. She just thinks he's an ass that wants to fire her and ruin her. I do find it a tad juvenile when men treat women like this, but that's fairly typical of this trope I suppose.

There's some twists in the book that involve the cops and such, but I won't ruin that for you.

Overall, I've read much better books by Shantel. This one was just okay. I didn't hate it, but I wouldn't read it again.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gahh!! This story was fantastic. Anyone who knows me knows that office romance is like pure crack to me. I loved this story. Aiden and Hadley had fiery chemistry, spitfire banter and a great connection.

Donut Overthink It was so fantastic. I loved the hot alpha male and the arrogant boss and the sassy assistant who brought him down to his knees. I loved how Hadley was the perfect match to Aiden and gave as good as she got. The back and forth was addicting and I never wanted it to end.

All in all, this was another fabulous read from this author and I can't wait for more in the future! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

[Mumma Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well I was hoping for a spicy office alphahole romance.. because of the well known author.

It’s fade to black for one… WHAAAT???? So spice level is half a jalapeño!

Story is somewhat rushed, I did like MMC, MFC development, but the whole stalker thing kind of gets forgotten, then remembered last minute. Whoops.

Also is a novella so it’s quite difficult to fit too much in, but there was a fair amount attempted, that ended up being brief, rather than focussed on.

Did I mention fade out … not spicy! Booooo

[~*Michelle R*~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick read!

[Michelle Jerome · Rating 4 out of 5]

(May contain spoilers) So this was my go to book when I found myself in a little bit of a reading slump and needed something to pick me back up and help with my book numbers this month.

For a short book there was Romance, plot lines (with great twists) and a slow burn that had me itching to turn the page. I was hooked to this book & read it within a day. Only criticism was that I feel the end was rushed & wanted a little more…I’m a romance girlie, I love, love & I want all the details 🥵😍

[Tania's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. It was steamy, intense and hot in a short read.

Hadley was a bada$$!! I thought that since it was an employee-boss love story that she was a doormat but boy was I wrong!! She was nowhere close to being anyone’s doormat. Aiden I must say it took a looooooooong time for me to actually like him because damn he was an a$$!! It was so hard to like him at first because of his ways BUT when he stepped in when Hadley needed him I started softening a little bit.

These two danced around their attraction and damn they had so many obstacles that I thought they would never get together. They had so many issues trying to separate them that it was unbelievable. I don’t know how much more they can take. But when Hadley did what she did to defend herself I loved it!!!!!!!

These two FINALLY got their HEA but damn it was not a walk in the park. Now Aiden’s brother Asher intrigued me.

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shantel has done great yet again with Donut Overthink it. It’s a sizzling, angsty, boss to lovers , enemies to lovers trope romance that will have you rooting for the H/h in this read. What I loved was the Possessive , Dominating Alpha along with the Sweet, Sassy Heroine. This story has it all- secrets, tension, drama, angst, passion, push and pull , Lust, hot chemistry and steamy romance. Aiden is a jerk but he is a hot jerk boss, Hadley is his secretary and she is a sassy and independent secretary. Will they ever come together? Will Aiden admit how much Hadley means to him? Will the twists and turns bring them to their HEA or break them apart? Only way to find out is to read this red hot novella. I know I would love to read Aiden’s twin brother’s story someday soon!!


My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shantel has done it again with Donut Overthink It! it is a sexy, hot read.
This book will have you sucked in from the start and you will be on the edge of your seat as secrets are revealed few twists and turns. That will have you turning the pages to find out what going happen next.
You have the Dominating Alpha male, and a sassy sweet and innocent female. It is a hate to love romance it is a fun read too. However, it is antsy and there are a few surprises along the way. I read this book in one sitting I enjoyed the storyline.
Aiden was a bit of an A-Hole but so sexy at the same time I love how Hadley stood up to him. The sexual tension is off the charts with them. The two of them that try to stay away from each other but cannot.
The other characters were great too.
Great fun sexy summer read. Very well written.

[Jennifer Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word talk about hotness and yes I Am talking about this book after you read this book you might have the emotions of screaming and throwing the device your reading on because Hadley and Aiden boy these two can really do it to you. Hadley works for him and he holds so many secrets and when they come out will she run for the hill. Such a great book! Loved it.

[Stacy Curiale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shantel does it yet again! This was such a good and fun read! You have you Alpha male and the innocent assistant there is so much push and pull between them. Will they get together? Be happy? Donut over think it and read this book! Highly recommended

[MrsHReadsALot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I overthunk it

This was not was I was expecting and I read all the reviews hoping for spoilers too!!! No such luck lol!! But that was a good thing because this was a really good grumpy boss/office romance/ insta-lust turned into love bumpy roller coaster of a story. Aiden and Hadley had the hots for each other big time, but tried to keep it professional since she was his new temp assistant. My gawd Aiden is a real piece of work lemme tell ya!! Wanted to slap him around for good measure he was infuriating. He is a huge manho!!! Has been for years but in his own twisted and severely immature way goes for broke and rubs his slutty ways with a different woman each time in her face while at the office during the brief time Hadley starts working for him.
In his POV it’s because he wants her so badly he needs to make her jealous. Like what it that gonna get you??? It just makes her treat him with thinly veiled contempt because she doesn’t want to get fired. I get the impression that he eventually stops before ever making is first move and all his moments with other women are told in flashbacks from Hadley’s POV
Hadley wasn’t a total doormat, she’s a bit ditzy. Doesn’t see herself as a great catch and feels like she’d never stand a chance with her boss anyway because the women he brings around are supermodel types. But want he does. I thought it kinda funny that the jerk was even possessive of Hadley after all the BS he puts her through.
To say I didn’t believe their connection is an understatement. And if this little ditty wasn’t already packed full with the push and pull of their attraction there’s also someone out to destroy Hadley’s reputation and a huge secret that Aiden has been hiding. But everything is written just so well that it hooks you. Even though I didn’t fall in love with these characters I was extremely curious to see how everything ended. Ending felt very rushed. This had moments that made me boil, made me chuckle, exasperated and want to fan myself. All in all this author can pretty much dabble in any genre and make it interesting and addictive.

[Bobo's Book Bank · Rating 4 out of 5]

DONUT OVERTHINK IT is an office romance novella and a sexy standalone.

Aiden Kyle and his twin brother, Asher, are defense attorneys. They're rich, smart and great at what they do. Hadley Burns is Aiden's secretary. She's a hard worker, easygoing and has a sweet tooth for donuts. Aiden and Hadley are extremely attracted to each other but office relationships are forbidden. They resist it until Hadley runs into trouble. Will one night together satisfy the pull they have towards one another?

Friendly warning/small spoiler: The cover and title might make it seem like a lighthearted romantic comedy but it's not. Also, Aiden is an asshole.

Let me elaborate. In the beginning, Aiden is the quintessential anti-hero, he's bossy and rude, constantly forcing Hadley to work long hours. Really, he's more like an overgrown child...punishing Hadley because he can't have her. There's a lot of push and pull between them. Honestly, it took me awhile to warm up to him. But then the twist is introduced and suddenly, it makes sense! We get some of Aiden's background and he becomes more human, approachable. I'm glad I ploughed through until this turning point because once Hadley and Aiden come together...WOWZA, their chemistry is crazy hot and the more affable Hadley was able to smooth all those jagged edges of Aiden's personality!

There's a bit of suspense, a sense of impending doom that runs throughout but it mostly just acts as the catalyst for Hadley to reach out and grab Aiden. After an unsure beginning, Shantel Tessier managed to successfully endear Aiden to me and I ended up enjoying this quick, steamy office love affair! Told from dual POVs with a happy ending. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Deborah Harrell-jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley and Aiden heat up the pages

Shantel has given us drama,comedy, lust, alpha males, snarky assistants and a little suspense rolled into a great book. Hadley is the assistant to a man that makes her life miserable. That's because he is grumpy and impossible and she is also turned on by him. Aiden is all hot alpha with a penchant for trying to get under Hadley's skin. When they are in the same room their chemistry heats up and the tension is thick. They will have you laughing with their antics and the supporting characters are a treat to get to know.

When things start happening to Hadley, Aiden is there to make his move and take their relationship out of the realm of professional. While he makes moves his past chimes into the picture and throws Hadley for a loop. All isn't as it seems and they must work through it all but Hadley is a stubborn one. I love this book with Hadley's flair for th dramatics, Aiden's sexiness, and their intensity together makes the best combination.

[CheysBookLoverReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Donut Overthink It" by Shantel Tessier serves up an irresistible mix of sizzling attraction, workplace tension, and suspenseful twists. Aiden Kyle, exuding charm and arrogance as a criminal defense attorney, finds himself ensnared in a tempestuous dance with Hadley Burns, his hardworking, donut-yielding secretary. While Aiden attempts to mask his feelings with prickly behavior, Hadley meets his challenge with unyielding defiance, leading to an electrifying dynamic between them. When Hadley becomes the target of a stalker and requires legal aid, their simmering attraction ignites into a blazing inferno. Tessier expertly weaves a tale of passion and plot twists, keeping readers enthralled with steamy encounters and heart-pounding suspense. While the conclusion initially felt hurried, the epilogue masterfully ties up loose ends, elevating the story to a satisfying crescendo. "Donut Overthink It" is a must-read that leaves readers craving more long after the final page is turned.

[Jasmin Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Shantel wrote it, I will read it. I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book based on the cover, but it definitely wasn’t this! I picked up “Donut Overthink It” because it looked like a cute, fluffy read. I was very wrong. This novella is a wild ride from start to finish. The characters are great, the story is engaging, and the spice is off the charts. A dream sequence with actual spice on the first page? I was sold! I couldn’t predict the twists and turns of the plot. I don’t think I’ve ever had such strong emotional reactions to a 150-page book. I loved the chemistry between Hadley and Aiden. The tension between them was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I devoured this book in one sitting. I do wish the ending wasn’t so rushed, but that’s my only complaint. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, steamy read with a little bit of plot.

[Ya Kaday Kamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick love story to read, I liked this story, absolutely got so much hooked into it🩷✨

I won’t say it’s one of my favourite due to too high expectations and so on✨🦋

But otherwise, I liked Hadley and Aiden together even tho he was the biggest asshole and a prick I had ever seen in this book but he really did changed for her after he had realized that he hurt her feelings completely after a huge plot twist 😳🦋🫧

I find him cute but I still wanna slap the shit out of him lmao, I see him more like a fictional big brother☠️✨😂💜

At first I was so confused in this storyline until it came together and made sense to my mind, I couldn’t stop put the book down at school, internship, even at home too😭🥳💜

And the fight between Hadley and Bianca got me exciting and imagining a fight in a movie 👀✨💜

So I’ll give the book a well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 out of 5 stars 💜

[Cat (catnapsnbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just want to read about an alpha-arsehole who you can love to hate and a woman with sass woman who will tame him. Shantel Tessier creates amazing characters you can totally relate to and she has done so again in Donut Overthink It.

Aiden is a manwhore with secrets who copes with his lust for his assistant Hadley by turning his wicked ways up a notch. Hadley channels her attraction for Aiden into donuts and sassing her boss. The chemistry between these characters is amazing and you won't believe the road they take to their HEA.

For a novella this story packed a punch with so many twists and turns included. Donut Overthink It is a sexy story filled with heat, romance and suspense and I would definitely recommend it.

[Ashley Jeffers · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you know it's going to be an amazing read? With a steamy laugh out loud opening scene, that's how! Being that it was a novella, details were limited but it still gave me everything I was looking for. A forbidden and sexy office romance with an alpha hole boss and the sweet secretary who both secretly want each other. There's so much packed into this but it keeps you intrigued with it's twists and unexpected ending. I love the different approach Shantel took writing this and I've gotta say, I'd love it is she wrote more Rom-Com based novels like this. She's a phenomenal writer and I just devour her books.


Tropes you can expect

👔 Alpha-hole boss
💋 Office romance
👔 Boss employee
💋 Forbidden love
👔 Dual POV

[Carter Chaos §Book Obsessed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Donut be suprised

For starters, this book was too short. It was a good quick read but there could have been so much more to the story the twist and turns in the book like finding out that Aiden was married and had a kid but find out that the marriage was an arrangement and the kid wasn't actually his but his friends. This book had me saying "what is going on" and then "no way" and "are you serious"??
Overall it was a good story. Normally Shantel's books make me want to give her five plus stars but this book ended like a slap in the face because it could have been a lot longer and I felt like it ended way too soon. Nothing to do with the book or the writing just the fact that I needed more!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a Ride!

My first read from this author. Based on the title and cover, I expected frothy rom-com. It has lighthearted moments, but it also had intrigue and plot twists and several OMG moments. It also had plenty of super steamy sexytimes. Me likey. Definitely recommend for readers looking for a slightly condensed erotic comedy with suspense elements.

Oh, and while the cover is super cute, it has nothing to do with the story. Pretty sure none of the characters ever wore jeans, and Aiden and Hadley certainly didn't. And there's never a point in the story when either of them are actually *in* a donut shop; Hadley just shows up at the office with donuts sometimes.

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

I like this author and find her books enjoyable, but this book I didn’t quite like. I found the female lead a bit annoying and for a lack of a better word, dumb. The story also didn’t do it for me either. After a bad date you do not consider the guy your friend. I kept wanting her to be more of a bad ass, but sadly it was not to be. The ending was too rushed and it didn’t explain anything. I also think even if it’s a romance book, research should be done. Being arrested for prostitution because the cops got some photos?? Maybe because I work in the legal field I expected too much from a quick romance and was waiting for the extra info, that never came.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is also a novella, but it's 150 pages, and I felt like the story was complete. In Donut Overthink It, Hadley works for defense lawyer Aiden. Aiden is an alphahole boss who has the hots for Hadley but can't act on it, so, instead, he is rude to her. After some pictures of them in what looks to be a compromising position are leaked, Hadley finds her whole life as she knows it threatened. They must work together to clear her name and figure at exactly what is happening. Will they admit their mutual feelings, or will another road block get in their way?

* Alphahole/sunshine
* Workplace romance
* Romance with a little mystery
* Donuts

[Sarah Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems unlike any of Shantel's previous books

But, don't let that put you off.

Certainly not a dark read. Quite a sweet read with a little spice.

I think had this been a full story it would have been amazing, I just don't think we got enough of these two.

Hadley, their must be more to come from this spit fire.
Aiden, the drty talking attorney with his bossy bedroom antics; i think a little more detail to his and Hadley's encounters would of turned out sweet donuts into a delicious treat 😋

[Gemma Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aiden and Hadley

I've had this on my bookshelf for ages and glad I finally got round to reading it. This is different from the normal books I have read from Shantel and in my opinion not her best work but still was good.

Workplace romance where we have a grumpy playboy boss who has his eyes set on his new secretary but because she's good at her job, he can't have his way with her and fire her so he's a douche to her.

It got me out of a reading slump so I did enjoy it.

Now off to read Asher's story!

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Overall I enjoyed this story. Plot was good and kept me entertained. But while I was reading I felt there were inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story because I felt like I had to go backwards in the book to double check.

The build up was a good pace but then it all felt rushed right at the end; like one paragraph to finish the story. Then the epilogue answered a few things but I felt I still had questions that were unanswered.

Overall I'd definitely recommend as a fun, quick read. Not overly spicy or steamy but I was curious about what else this author can do.

[Bella Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: This was such a good short story. My only issue is I wish it was longer! A great plot that if a full length novel, would have been even better. Obviously there wasn’t too much character development but for as short as the story was, there was enough! & the spice? Perfect! Not too much, not too little; perfectly placed to build the plot and character relationships.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes: Possessiveness, Broken family, Brooding love interest, forbidden love, bully/enemies to lovers (sort of), boss/employee, dual POV, A-hole boss