Locked Down

by Allie Hayden

My new boss is a multi-millionaire—and CEO of a huge tech company—but I swear I didn’t know that accepting a job as his live-in housekeeper.

It will be just the two of us in his great big mansion for eight months. Not once did it cross my mind as being risqué.
Not even after he accidentally walked in on me changing—and saw me naked.

But nothing happened because I, Cynthia Bauman, Art History dropout and not-so-proud owner of a 1970’s Sunfire sedan, have sworn Davin Tate is way out of my league.

His chiseled jaw, dark stormy eyes, and features that belong on an old Florentine coin only amplify the fact I’m his employee, and he is my boss.
Even when he’s protective of me and sends me gifts when he’s away on business. Even when he spends time getting to know me. Even when he defends me in front of his ex-wife.

But when we spend one night together—he kisses me. And I forget all my insecurities.

He may be a mysterious genius who spends all his time working on whatever business magnates do, but I’m so incredibly, irrevocably in love with him.

While his divorce isn’t finalized, his ex-wife will stop at nothing to ruin his life. On top of that, I haven’t told Davin the biggest potential dealbreaker of all... I have a five-year-old daughter.

Will we be able to make it through all the BS or ruin our only chance at happily-ever-after?

Genres: Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2022

Reviews

[Korinne Alves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a very heart felt story. It has a lot of situations that can be related to. I love the suspense in waiting for the custody outcome. The thing lacking unless to come in a future book is the happy ever after? Maybe this is the beginning of a series? . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Bauman wanted nothing more than to adopt her niece Kaylee after her brother died. Now every decision was made to accomplish that goal. So when she had the opportunity, Cynthia accepted a housekeeping job that would provide the financial freedom required.

They built the tech company from the ground floor into one that exploded. Everyone worked hard and did their part. Yet the man that made it all possible was none other than Davin Tate. Now going through a divorce, Davin was more concerned about finishing the code on the newest project than dealing with his ex-wife. Work was priority. Then he witnessed Cynthia ruining his grass. And Davin needed to know more.

Allie Hayden writes so pure. Characters leap off thep age and are instantly likable. While the ending seemed abrupt, the legal scene showed Cynthia’s determination to adopt Kaylee no matter who tried to stand in her way. While Davin is swoon-worthy, Hayden shows that this time he plans to put his family first. Locked Down is cute and a fun read. I do hope that Hayden continues the Billionaire Love Affair Series so we learn more about his partners and the women that tamed them all.

I received this book as an advance review copy free from Booksprout. I have read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
--Brenda, JustViews.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "LOCKED DOWN"
This was an interesting, intriguing, entertaining, story with a little drama, steam it holds your interest to last page.
Cynthia Bauman has been raking care of her 5yr old neice Kaylee for 4yrs since she lost her parents to an accident shed like to adopt her but she needs a job.
Davin Tate genius multi-millionaire & CEO of high Tech Company decides to work from home for next 8mos. but he needs a housekeeper he's going through a divorce.
Davin hires Cynthia for the job there is an attraction there but he's so out of her league she gets closer the more they work together he likes to srnd her gifts when he's out town on business & he's protective of her even infront of his ex-wife who likes to cause trouble.
Cynthia & Davin spend a hot night together he makes her feel better about herself but she's keeping a secret from him he doesn't know about her daughter Kaylee.
I definitely recommend to get this delightful heartwarming romance you'll love the characters will Cynthia & Davin get their HEA when her secret comes out you must get this book to send how it all turns out.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia is just trying to show that she is responsible enough to adopt her niece. She gets a job at a ranch where she can only see her niece once a week but its for the better because she'll make enough money to support them while she is looking for another job. She meets Davin when she shows up to be his housekeeper. Sparks fly between them and soon Davin wants her to go on outings with him. Things are going great between them and he even meets her family. However, his soon to be ex-wife isn't happy about Cynthia and tries to make trouble for them. Can they find a way to be together? Will she be able to adopt her niece?

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.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our heroine just wants to earn enough money to adopt her niece while our hero is more interested in work than a relationship. But forced proximity changes things.

This is a contemporary romance with something of a forced proximity theme. The story is well written and easy to read with a pretty simple cast. The characters are well done, although rather stereotyped. I found the initial premise to be a little challenging to me with our heroine effectively cutoff from her family for eight months. But once the hero and heroine started to really interact, things got more interesting rather quickly and I really liked the way it ended. So overall, it was a fun story and worth hanging around until the end.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Davin and Cynthia's story. He part owner of a tech company started with his high school friends. She's currently jobless but needs one quick to be able to proof stability to adopt her niece. Love was the last thing they were looking for, but being alone together, the attraction and chemistry became too much to continue denying. I love the build up on the story. It's not a instalove. It took a while for Davin to start opening up to Cynthia due to being busy with his project. But I think it worked well and made the plot interesting. I was so proud of Cynthia at the end. She stood her ground, refused to be bullied, and successfully adopted her niece. Davin stood right by herself. I would like to know that the antagonist got her comeuppance, but she's not important. A very good read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy DeMaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a good story. A few typos. There were several parts that seemed a little rushed. Like sections were missing, even though they weren't. There could have been more from when Cynthia started working for Davin to when they got together. There wasn't a lot of interaction. The last two chapters felt very rushed. There were things that could have been expounded on to close the story up nicely and not leave the reader wondering what happened.
It was a sweet story with a HEA.
I received this ARC from the author for an honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fairly quick read about a multi millionaire, Davin and his new live in housekeeper Cynthia. The heat between the two of them was noticeable right from the start. I enjoyed the banter between them and was waiting for the drama which I was sure would be kicking off and was not disappointed when Davin's soon to be ex wife showed up. Cynthia also had things she was dealing with concerning her niece. No spoilers from me! Great story and characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia and Davin start as employee/boss and gradually come together. It's an interesting story with her working toward getting custody of her niece when his ex causes problems. The author brings some steam, family love along with the vindictiveness of his ex. In the end there's a happy ending. It's well written, moves fluidly and is an entertaining read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Anne (Izzie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a shortish light romance between Cynthia, and Davin. Cynthia is in need of a secure job whilst she tries to gain custody of her niece following the death of her brother and his wife. She becomes the live in housekeeper to Davin, a multi millionaire who is the CEO of a huge tech company. They get on well with each other, despite interference from his ex wife, and their relationship starts to grow. This is a pleasant quick read, but to me the ending was too abrupt and needed more.

[Angela VanOstrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was beautifully written. Davin and Cynthia danced around their attraction for one another. When they finally got together, their romance was beautiful. I enjoyed how they worked well with one another. Kaylee was a great addition to their love story. I enjoyed that they became a little family in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really enjoying this book. I was attracted to the characters. The plot was good and interesting and entertaining. Then at page 125 it abruptly ended. I reread and decided that was the ending. Whaaa? It was very disappointing.
I'm still giving 4 stars. Because it is good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Bauer]

Davin and Cynthia…their story was complex alone, but beautiful together. This story can contain triggers of grief for many people. How it is not dismissed, but not over analyzed is great. Love the story as everything is not always perfect and easy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can never go wrong with this author. This is the story about Cynthia and Davin-told in the dual, first person point of view which is a deal breaker for me. I loved both characters.
I read this one in one sitting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia needs money so she can adopt her niece, so she got a job as a live in housekeeper for Davin. Their story is filled with drama, a meddling ex, and lots of steamy chemistry. Allie has written a superb book with a HEA!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced story that seems rushed at times but still enjoyable. A bit of drama, chemistry that sizzles and an ex that won't leave things alone. Slowing the story down a bit could have helped it flow more smoothly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cynthia is determined to make a better life for her orphaned niece. She takes a housekeeping job out of town knowing that with the new salary, she can be in a better position to better provide for her. Her attraction to her new boss, Davin, isn't one-sided, but he isn't completely free to love her... Or is he?

This fast-paced read was enjoyable, but seemed a bit too rushed in some parts.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great wonderful story with emotional drama his soon to be ex-wife and her trying to adopt her niece but the chemistry between these two had you reading for their hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nrobez2015 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I absolutely loved the storyline. The characters were well written. Just great all around. I kind of really hope there's a redemption story for his Ex in the works. .

[Debra Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

You definitely get involved with the characters. The story flows pretty good. I will read more from this author.

I hope there is a next book to this one. It almost felt like a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffee Chat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story that is well written. The characters are captivating and well developed. I enjoyed reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and insta but okay.
It was very abrupt and somewhat disjointed in the story. I think a longer story would smooth it out.

[R Huiszoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allie Hayden, ‘ Locked Down’.
Billionaire Love Affair, Volume 0.

As an ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.

Rating: 3 (of 5 stars).

In general: From intimidating boss to lover.

Main characters:
- Cynthia Baumann.
She studied in San Francisco but four years ago she returned home to her parents in Bradley (Cal) to look after her niece after the sudden death of her brother and sister-in-law. Now she looks for a job to earn enough money to adopt her niece Kaylee.

- Davin Tate.
He’s the co-owner of a very profitable firm in electronic products solutions and a talented, wealthy designer of soft-ware programs. He retires to a mansion so he can concentrate on designing a new, revolutionary and lucrative computer program. During this assignment he needs for eight months a housekeeper.

Davin hires Cynthia for housekeeping. At first they have a distant boss-employee relationship. But there’s a mutual physical attraction and step by step the workaholic boss gets interested in the personality of his housekeeper. And the author, Allie Hayden, describes how they fall in love.
I’ve varying feelings about the quality of the story: the end is cozy and well written but - for me - the first half is not always credible. The boss is ordering dates without much regards for Cynthia’s feelings and she is said to be loving her family but during her first months in the job it looks like her parents and niece don’t exist in her thoughts. And there are more descriptions of the luxurious life of her wealthy boss than explanations of her feelings for him. So a book with a nice, sweet HEA, but some parts that are more difficult to understand for me.

R. Huiszoon.

[Vinessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this is a boss/employee romance. It is slow burning and a little light on the family details. Davin, a divorcee is in need of a live in housekeeper for a few months while he works on his latest invention. Cynthis is in need of some stability because she wants to adopt her orphaned niece, Kaylee. This book is not really a flowing book, it has great chemistry between the characters, but the overall story line is lost in the shuffle. Cynthia and Davin have a straightforward working relationship until they don't. Davin Ex is a bit of a drama seeker and Davin is a little bossy and pushy once his and Cynthia get personal.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Davin’s and Cynthia’s romantic love story. It was well written and the characters were well developed and likable (except for his ex!). The plot was entertaining. There’s no cliffhanger and they get their HEA. A very good read. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the author*

[Lisa Tantsits · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Allie Hayden keeps you turning the pages to see what’s going to happen next! Davin hires Cynthia to be his housekeeper while he hides away to work on his next project. He didn’t know that she would be the key to open his heart again. This book has romance and just enough drama to keep you wanting more.

[Susan Foulkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, light read.

The main characters, Davin and Cynthia, were likeable, and they had well described back stories.

There were touches of humour that mainly came courtesy of the supporting characters.

Whilst the premise of the book was intriguing, and different, the plot was only too predictable. Hence only 4*

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romance and a touch of drama, this is the book for you!
Locked Down is filled with complex characters and a bunch of romance! There are several really steamy bits, too! I hope you enjoy it, as much as I did.

[DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia wants to adopt her niece. Gavin needs a new housekeeper. She's insecure, he's a workaholic. They slowly get to know one another, the sparks fly and love follows.

I loved this happily ever after.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced story. Almost an instant love attraction between Cynthia and Davin. Wish the ending had a little more of a clearer conclusion. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.