The Powerful Boss She Craves

by Joss Wood

In this steamy workplace romance from Joss Wood, her boss tempts her unlike any man has!

Her compelling attraction…
…to the CEO she shouldn’t want!

South African event planner Ella Yeung is done with men who call the shots. So when commanding Micah Le Roux requests her assistance in finding a last-minute venue for his sister’s society wedding, she can’t believe she’s even considering it…

Only there’s something about her steel-edged new boss that intrigues and attracts Ella beyond reason. Yielding temporarily to the passion between them may help them both move on from the past. But the intensity of their connection tells a different—more permanent—story!

From Harlequin  Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

 Read all the Scandals of the Le Roux Wedding 

Book 1: The Billionaire's One-Night Baby
Book 2: The Powerful Boss She Craves
Book 3: The Twin Secret She Must Reveal

Genres: Romance, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin, Contemporary

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

Joss Wood loves books and travelling— especially to the wild places of Southern Africa and, well, anywhere.

She’s a wife, a mom to two teenagers, and is bossed around by two cats and a Great Dane X the size of a baby cow. After a career in local economic development, she now writes full time.


Be sure to follow Joss on BookBub for the latest on my releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joss-...

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked both H and h. Both had issues, which they both helped each other through.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so ponderous and slow. Far too much exposition; lots of ‘telling’ not ‘showing. This was so far removed from being a romance - and far more a treatise on sexual abuse, harassment, female empowerment and the importance of consent. These are all really important issues, but in a category romance they should underpin the romantic story, and not become the story.

For me, the constant hectoring tone about the sexual abuse/harassment/consent issues dragged me out of the story of Ella and Micah and I could not believe in the love story at all.

I found Ella a total pain in the neck throughout and Micah a blinkered fool. His guilt about Brianna is something he should have got over after twenty years. Ella’s fear about being alone with a man would have been more convincing if she’s actually gone off and learned self-defence techniques before, rather than thinking about it after turning Micah’s job offer down. For all her much vaunted refusal to get involved, her volte-face seduction of Micah made no sense at all.

JW is a good writer but this book focussed so much on making political points that the romance fell by the wayside. If Michal had sought Ella’s consent any more, that first sexual episode would have ended in sheer boredom! This really was like reading an IKEA manual on ‘seeking consent from a sexual partner’.

I reiterate - I absolutely believe that sexual consent should be sought by both partners and that it can be withdrawn at any time - but there aren’t enough words in a category romance to spend as much time as the author did. She simply kept flogging that horse for far too long.

Sorry, the quality of the writing is excellent but this story was really disappointing. I read Mills and Boon for romantic escapism based in reality, but I didn’t want to be reminded too much of the harsh realities of the real world.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - "You are the switch that flipped light into my life..." Stars!

Book two; The Powerful Boos She Craves, of Joss Wood's The Scandals of the Le Roux Wedding Trilogy was just as enjoyable as its predecessor; The Billionaires One-Night Baby.

I loved Jago and Dodi's story, and Joss offered up another emotive and sexy read with Micah and Ella's addition to the trilogy, with both of them dealing with their own demons, and coming together as a couple helping them process both their pasts.

I can't lie though I am desperate for Thadie's book; because the man she's currently planning to marry isn't the man she appears to be ending up with in the book, due for release in November, and I am dying to know what is going to happen!

ARC generously provided by the author, via Booksprout inexchange for the above honest review.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love this author’s writing and read her quite a bit. This particular book just missed the mark for me.
The second book in the Scandals of LeRoux Wedding, takes us right to the scandal with Micah and Ella. Both characters have some baggage, and some would say broken. Can They heal each other?

As we expect with a book from this author, there is drama, some mystery, plenty of twists, heat, and emotion.

Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started this out of curiosity, and It quickly became a train wreck. I finished it...I guess out of curiosity to see if it could be salvaged.

FMC has been sexually assaulted by a client. Boss & HR push her out for reporting it. Surprise visit by the firm's owner (MMC) gives her the chance to confront him about the company's handling of it, and the MMC takes it seriously. Okay, unusual, but so far, so good.

The next day, despite promising he won't act on his attraction to an employee that just got sexually assaulted, and further harassed by his company, he tells her he's sexually attracted to her and (some of) what he wants to do with her. "But I won't act on it." as if saying that doesn't make it harassment itself. He also pressures her to work with him--traveling with him alone. And despite recognizing why she's reluctant to do so, does he use his billions to hire another assistant to accompany them? No, she just "has to trust him."

The FMC was no better. She notes that his behavior would be creepy if he wasn't good looking, but since he *is* good-looking, she's okay with propositioning him...well, more than propositioning him...on their work trip. Because he's hot and took her complaint seriously, sex with him is "healing". (I just rolled my eyes.) She ends their affair & books a flight to the UK when...after knowing him for 2 weeks...he (understandably) chooses to talk to his twin about the pending death of a childhood friend before talking to her.

Beyond that, putting the whole Brianna thing aside, he moves her into his house after a few days, and proposes after less than 3 weeks. It's not clear why he should trust & confide in her more than his twin. One conversation about his teen years and lots of sex are not a foundation for a life long commitment. Just kind of felt like people with serious issues making rushing in to poor decisions. Not a HEA.

Then there's the tokenism. She's "Chinese, white, maybe Indian." Last name is Chinese, so that comes from her estranged father...and it's all just brought up for nothing? The estranged father never makes an appearance. Her Chinese background is totally irrelevant, other than for her took look "exotic", I guess. Similarly, the black African butler/"grandfather" character also felt like tokenism and a stereotype.

This feels like it would have passed for romance in the year 2000, but not in today. Times and expectations have changed.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Ella (Events Planner) and Micah (twin brother of Jago who we met in The Billionaire’s One Night Baby and also virtual South African aristocracy). This is part of a series, which has a thread running through it about the twin’s stepsister’s upcoming wedding to an ex-rugby player and the sabotage happening to her plans. It is this very sabotage that gets the couple together as Micah is looking for someone who can pull a rabbit out the hat in terms of securing an alternative wedding venue.
There is much going on in this book, Ella is leaving her job due to sexual harassment and looking to move abroad; Micah is tackling the harassment issue at corporate and personal level; Ella is damaged due to the manner of her Mum’s death and ongoing estrangement from her Dad and Micah is dealing with huge tragedy from his childhood/young adulthood (in a story-line about vegetative state patients, which runs through this book and possibly beyond) and consequently has resolved not to get involved.

Throw in a difficult relationship with his stepmother for Micah and a catty-bridesmaid who clearly has a story to tell it is easy to see how this book is busy and where the emotional tension comes from. Micah is modern, sensitive and quite capable of articulating his feelings - an easy character to like. Ella is a character who stands up to Micah and is strong, clear-headed and likeable, but for me not quite as appealing or well-drawn as Micah.

The story is fast, glamorous and also truly contemporary in terms of its themes and how those themes and the characters are articulated. Ms Wood writes books where you can have impossible glamour (houses and cars in this one); feel like you are reading about real people with values which are relatable and have contemporary (& often difficult) social & emotional issues explored. That mix is not easy to pull off and I think it is done well here, as with many of Ms Wood’s books.

This is a booked packed with romance, plot and issues in a fun read. The characters and emotion will not stay with me long, but I enjoyed it in the moment. I will be looking for another in the series.

Oh and just a word about the title – please, please, please can we stop with these ‘women is at the whim of the man’ type titles which are fit for the 1970s and are a real off-putter.

I read an advance copy of this book.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

I found The Powerful Boss She Craves to be a very intense story for several reasons. First, there is the underlying story of a client sexually harassing Ella and the lack of response from those in control of the company at the management level. She will leave this company because of this encounter, and it will scar her emotionally for now she’s on edge at not being believed, and at the memories that simply will not go away at will. She has been fundamentally changed and that is a powerful message to put forth within a romance. There are consequences to actions both good and bad, they’re very real and deserve to have a light shone on them.

From Micah’s viewpoint, there is a long-ago incident that has had long-lasting results for many people. His guilt drives him in so many ways and ensures that he will remain alone in life unless he can face the past and put it in perspective. Dealing with a life-altering event such as this one is a powerful element to include in a romance. Yet, both Brianna’s situation and Ella’s situation deserve to have a light shone on them for this is reality. Yes, I read to escape, but when real-life situations find their way into the stories I read it increases the enjoyment as it becomes more believable, even realistic to know that fictional characters can face reality and eventually find their way to love and happiness.

Micah and Ella have individual issues to deal with, and while the story itself is fast-paced in some ways, their unraveling of those issues that have changed them is more slowly resolved. I was moved by The Powerful Boss She Craves in ways that some may disagree with, but I do feel that these subjects need to be more freely spoken about – and were handled with care and sensitivity here. I loved this couple and wanted that hard-fought-for happy ending to be lasting for them. I usually would not have gone into such details in a review… but this time, I feel it’s necessary. This one will make you feel so many emotions… and, in some ways, come to your own conclusions.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own -good, bad, or indifferent.*

**I also own a Kindle edition of this one for my own collection.*

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joss Wood continues her Le Roux Wedding series with the second fantastic installment, The Powerful Boss She Craves.

South African event planner Ella Yeung is sick and tired of arrogant men telling her what to do. Ella has had it with being pushed around and bossed about, so when Micah Le Roux comes to her with a last-minute request to find a wedding venue for his sister, her first instinct is to refuse. However, Micah can be very persuasive as she soon discovers...

Ella intends to keep things strictly professional between her and Micah, but that soon becomes impossible. Yielding to the incendiary attraction that sizzles between them, Ella and Micah quickly give into temptation. They agree that theirs is purely physical arrangement, however, it quickly transpires that Ella and Micah keeping wanting more and more!

Will Ella and Micah admit how they really feel about one another? Or are they about to let this chance at happiness slip through their fingers?

Joss Wood's The Powerful Boss She Craves sizzles with passion, desire and intensity. A red-hot workplace romance with a fantastic heroine, brooding hero and plenty of emotion and sensuality, The Powerful Boss She Craves is a must-read for Harlequin Presents fans!.

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

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like his brother, Micah grew up with deeply flawed role models, but Micah also has the added burden of having been told by almost everyone around him that it was his fault his best friend has spent years and years of her life in a coma she’s unlikely to ever wake from. Ella is a survivor. She’s had to be, because since her mother died, no one has been there to look out for her. In fact, it’s starting to feel like the world is actively out to get her. Will these two broken souls be able to heal one another’s hearts, or will their time together only leave them further broken? I loved that, in a lot of ways, it was their brokenness that brought Micah and Ella together, but in order to stay together they had to fix those issues. This book has lots of emotional turmoil, and maybe should have come with a trigger warning about the discussions about sexual harassment that take place. However, I fell in love with this pair as they were falling for each other, and I adore the ending we see for them. Now, that’s another Le Roux sibling down, and only one more to go. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the “Scandals Of Le Roux Wedding Series”. I so love reading Joss’s books. She has a way of writing the perfect romance. Her books are oh so good and this one has a bit of mystery to it. Joss has a way of drawing you in and will have you thinking that you’re right there with her characters rooting for them all the way to their HEA.

Ella and Micah are broken but together these two can heal each other. Ella is a beautiful feisty woman with a heart of gold. She knows what she wants and goes after it. She is good at her job as an event planner and she is having some difficulties with a client and her employer. I love how great Ella is at reading people seeing the good and bad in them. Micah is a super sexy alpha billionaire who was once a bad boy but has toned it down. Micah and Brianna were once best friends but Brianna wanted more and Micah just wanted friendship. Brianna was always in Micah corners. Micah feels guilty about Brianna being in accident that left her in coma for 10 years. He is a fixer, fixing any and everything that is wrong after Brianna’s accident. Thadie’s Micah’s sister is in need of a wedding venue after someone cancelled her wedding venue. So Micah heads to one of offices for an event planner and he gets more than he bargains for in Ella.

This is an awesome read that is emotional, entertaining, betrayal, mystery, drama filled, action packed, great hero, great heroine with an awesome plot.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Scandals of The LeRoux Wedding Series and it is Ella and Micah's story. This Book has twists and turns along with betrayal, mystery, suspense, drama and some emotional situations that is written with so much care and compassion which is just what you would expect from a Book written by Joss Wood. When Ella is harassed by a client she will not go away quietly and as a events planner she is used to this type of situation. Micah needs help with a venue for his sister's wedding and that is where Ella comes into the picture. The attraction and chemistry between Ella and Micah is strong right from the start but will it lead to anything permanent, well you will just have to read this book to find out but you will not be disappointed. I absolutely loved this book and even though Ella and Micah were both a little bit broken and had baggage they worked so well together and absolutely complimented each other in every single and I can't to read the next book in this series.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A high profiled client harassed Ella and when she reported it nothing was done, and she was left to her own devices. After handing in her resignation, she learns that one of the big boss's was in the building and she made a point to find him to talk to him about what happened. Micah is stunned by what Ella is telling him and assures her he will be taking care of it. The next day changes start happening within the company and Micah comes to her with a private project. He offers her quite a bit of money to work on this project. While she is working on this project Micah is having the client that harassed investigated to get more women to come forward. Sparks fly between Ella and Micah and soon things heat up between them. Will Micah be able to find a way to convince her to stay? Can they have a future together?

This is a great story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

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

[Shelley-Ann Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow Joss Wood so that I can be front of the queue to read her latest release. I was so looking forward to this book and the story did not disappoint. I was very impressed with how Joss dealt with sexual harassment and how it makes the victim feel. She also dealt with ending vegetative life and the guilt and hatred that is associated with the trauma. Some very powerful topics that were handled so sensitively, making the story more interesting and enjoyable. However, first and foremost this is a love story with steamy sex and loads of feels. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written story and recommended it as a feel-good, easy read that leaves you happy and satisfied. I cannot wait for the last Le Roux to find her Happy Ever After.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatic and addictive! With the second book in the Scandals of Le Roux Wedding we jump into the heart of scandal with Micah and Ella. I was quickly drawn into the story line and it held my attention throughout. I would have liked to have seen a little more development in what felt like a rushed ending, but overall it was an enjoyable and emotional read. I'm looking forward to Thadie's story!

I recommend this book and as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a bit of family drama mixed in with sibling interaction and rich and powerful players as each sibling pairs up with their forever.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Event planner Ella Yeung is down but not out. When she is harassed by a celebrity who uses his position to intimidate her, she is determined not to be silenced. Business owner Micah Le Roux needs venue help. It’s immediately clear they can assist one another professionally. Their mutual attraction is also quickly evident.

Joss Wood’s emotional story is the second in her enthralling Scandals of the Le Roux Wedding trilogy. Ella and Micah are well matched. Both self contained and fiercely independent, they meet with a determination to remain so, but find in the other the safety of the harbor when someone genuinely cares. A lovely romance.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Yeung is an event planner, and she has been dealing with a lot of bossy men who think that can run over her. So she made a pact never again, that is until this CEO steps into her life. They is something about him that makes her melt inside. So when he tells her, he needs her to find a venue for his sister's wedding she does.
Micah Le Roux finds himself attracted to Ella. He is amazed that she doesn't fell right at his feet. He is so use to getting everything he wants when he wants it.
Until they both give in.

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

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story may deal with a tough subject for some people, especially if you’ve experienced it. The author deal a wonderful job of portraying Ella and how she deals with her experience. This story is centered around Ella and Micah. Micah is Jago’s twin and I have to say, I loved Jago and Dodi’s story and highly recommend that book too. Grab your copy of this book and see if Micah will finally open up to Ella about what he’s dealt with from his youth and what happens when they finally give in to their attraction.

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

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Scandals of the Le Roux Wedding Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a heartfelt office romance between Ella and Micah. These likeable characters, the strong connection, and the unique plot make for an entertaining read. It is a love story with drama, mystery, humor, steam, family dynamic, twists and turns, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. The story flows smoothly and the chemistry between the main characters is combustible.

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features the romance between Ella, an event planner who was recently sexually harassed by a client, and Micah, the billionaire big boss of the company where Ella is employed. After a fiery meeting, sparks fly between Ella and Micah as they work together, but Micah is reluctant to act upon his feelings due to her recent experience. Both characters have to overcome past issues which have affected their lives if they are to be together. This well written book has unexpected twists, drama, and steamy chemistry.

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

[Jodi Virea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok book, I read Joss Wood’s book for Harlequin Desire and I have to say I like those stories.

I will say, It’s me,

I know this is not real life, but her last couple of books have been based in South Africa, because I guess that is where the author is from and she wants to base her stories there, so that readers can appreciate her county. 🤷🏽‍♀️

However, I cannot get pass the history of that county’s apartheid when I read about her wealthy Hs. I end up irritated every thing I try to read her HP’s. I may read the last story in this series, but then sorry, I am done reading her books.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new "Scandals of the Le Roux Wedding" story. We meet the characters in a previous read but now we get to see how their story develops. The story is about wedding planner, Ella, and Micah, a wealthy man and twin brother of Jago. Jago got his story in The Billionaire's One Night story. Ella and Micah both have issues they most move past to be together. Their story is nicely developed and very captivating. They are perfect for each other.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love best about a Joss Wood novel is that she's celebrates women. Whether in moments of courage or heartache, these she-roes touch the soul. Ella is one of the most beautifully, complicated, characters. She's a little bit broken, yet her greatest strength is facing her weaknesses. Love is just the icing on the cake.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although interesting and good written story with great and developed characters I must say that I didn't enjoy it as I did in previous books. But both Ella and Micha are interesting and have a lovely story that leads them to HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really liked Ella and how strong she is. Micah is a fixer and he fixes her current issue at work. However it is Ella who fixes Micah so he can allow himself love. Micah becomes the perfect man for Ella and together they can take an anything.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old hurts.

Ella is resigning her event planner job due being accosted by their main client and being forced out.

Micah is one of the owners, drives a fancy car and is riddled with guilt, though he does do one night stands. He does pack some serious baggage.

They are both ridiculously attractive and yet they can help heal old hurts.
Recommend.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah and Ella are great characters. They complement each other and draw strength from each other. The book was fast paced with complex characters and a wonderful storyline. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The storyline was easy to follow and kept me engaged throughout. The characters had good chemistry and in true Harlequin style a HEA.

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

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. I liked Ella and Micah. I liked their chemistry and their passion. I liked the story line. I liked how Joss wrote their steam.

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

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Scandals of the Le Roux Wedding Series. This story is an amazing read with likeable characters. This book is an CEO powerful steamy office romance.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provocative and enticing story that keeps you reading until the very end. Great characters to follow along with. Love the intensity between the characters. Good read.

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