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Love and Embezzlement #1
Truth or Daire
Daire is completely off-limits...
Serena Jackson falls hard a handsome stranger who comes to her aid when her skirt and the windy city conspire against her. But as she's flying high, he strolls into her office as, Daire O'Dowd, her new subordinate. Canceling their date is easier than ignoring her feelings for him, which only grow more intense as the months tick by.
When Serena discovers money has been embezzled from the PR firm, and that the theft began after Daire joined the team, she realizes the handsome Irishman starring in all of her fantasies could be the thief. Her business trip with him just got even more complicated.
Daire has a secret—and it’s better concealed than the desire he has for his boss. Keeping it hidden grows harder when an unfortunate booking error forces them to share a room... And a bed...
Can they deny themselves a temptation too delicious to resist?
Serena Jackson falls hard a handsome stranger who comes to her aid when her skirt and the windy city conspire against her. But as she's flying high, he strolls into her office as, Daire O'Dowd, her new subordinate. Canceling their date is easier than ignoring her feelings for him, which only grow more intense as the months tick by.
When Serena discovers money has been embezzled from the PR firm, and that the theft began after Daire joined the team, she realizes the handsome Irishman starring in all of her fantasies could be the thief. Her business trip with him just got even more complicated.
Daire has a secret—and it’s better concealed than the desire he has for his boss. Keeping it hidden grows harder when an unfortunate booking error forces them to share a room... And a bed...
Can they deny themselves a temptation too delicious to resist?
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2022
About the author
Marty Vee
13 books33 followersMarty Vee is the midwestern gal who is going to banter her steamy contemporary small town into only one bed, time after time. The friends will become lovers, and so will the enemies.
She lives in the Mitten State with her introverted husband, two feral children, the fluffiest house cat, and is the emotional support human to her tender-hearted rescue dog.
She loves singing (constantly) and meandering hikes through the woods.
She lives in the Mitten State with her introverted husband, two feral children, the fluffiest house cat, and is the emotional support human to her tender-hearted rescue dog.
She loves singing (constantly) and meandering hikes through the woods.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 7, 2023
Okay I LOVED this.
The chemistry these two have is just phenomenal! Marty Vee is such a talented author and the tension! I am super bad at leaving reviews so I'm just going to stop it here. Oh, but the spicy scenes? Very hot. Was very surprised. Read this. I'm going to read Just Faked Married next.
The chemistry these two have is just phenomenal! Marty Vee is such a talented author and the tension! I am super bad at leaving reviews so I'm just going to stop it here. Oh, but the spicy scenes? Very hot. Was very surprised. Read this. I'm going to read Just Faked Married next.
May 12, 2024
TRUTH OR DAIRE by @martyveeauthor out August 26, 2022 available for preorder now!
Her- “It was reassuring proof that you’re human, and capable of mistakes.”
Him- “Oh, I’m very human. And I’m contemplating a couple of mistakes as we speak.”
Serena and Daire meet in the most meet cute of ways but they soon learn that they are off limits to each other.
Serena is tasked out to pull in Hunchington Enterprise a huge client that will help Garcia Public Relations with their reputation among the other big names PR firms.
When her partner Willow is injured in an accident the only other option is for Daire to help.
The only catch is she has to be a spy if you will and see if she can get information from him that will connect him to the embezzlement happening at Garcia all while fighting her frowning attraction to him.
Will they be able to get the big client? Will Serena and the firm find out if Daire is responsible for embezzling money from the company? Will Serena and Daire be able to keep their relationship professional?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
I am extremely happy that my ARC cherry has been popped!
I loved this book! I was so engrossed in this book that I forgot I was cooking at one point (sorry kids the foods not burnt it’s just flavor)
You should definitely add this to your TBR!
Workplace romance ✅
Forced proximity ✅
Slow burn ✅
Steamy ✅
What’s not to love? I can not wait to read the next book and the next and the next!!!
Her- “It was reassuring proof that you’re human, and capable of mistakes.”
Him- “Oh, I’m very human. And I’m contemplating a couple of mistakes as we speak.”
Serena and Daire meet in the most meet cute of ways but they soon learn that they are off limits to each other.
Serena is tasked out to pull in Hunchington Enterprise a huge client that will help Garcia Public Relations with their reputation among the other big names PR firms.
When her partner Willow is injured in an accident the only other option is for Daire to help.
The only catch is she has to be a spy if you will and see if she can get information from him that will connect him to the embezzlement happening at Garcia all while fighting her frowning attraction to him.
Will they be able to get the big client? Will Serena and the firm find out if Daire is responsible for embezzling money from the company? Will Serena and Daire be able to keep their relationship professional?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
I am extremely happy that my ARC cherry has been popped!
I loved this book! I was so engrossed in this book that I forgot I was cooking at one point (sorry kids the foods not burnt it’s just flavor)
You should definitely add this to your TBR!
Workplace romance ✅
Forced proximity ✅
Slow burn ✅
Steamy ✅
What’s not to love? I can not wait to read the next book and the next and the next!!!
August 4, 2022
3.75 ⭐
Well the starting of the story was smooth and started with a little meet cute moments and sooner they realised that they are going to work in the same firm so they try to maintain their professionalism but the pull between them was irresistible.
When Serena was given a task to spy on Daire she was in a big state of trouble and can't accept the fact that he might be the one behind the peculation.
The second half of the story was interesting but the ending was little rushed it could have been elongated and also Daire's daddy issue could be enlightened.
This book is quick read and the workplace environment was good. Those who prefer workplace romance, closed proximity, slow burn can prefer this.
Thanks to Marty Vee for providing me this E-ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Releasing date: August 26
Well the starting of the story was smooth and started with a little meet cute moments and sooner they realised that they are going to work in the same firm so they try to maintain their professionalism but the pull between them was irresistible.
When Serena was given a task to spy on Daire she was in a big state of trouble and can't accept the fact that he might be the one behind the peculation.
The second half of the story was interesting but the ending was little rushed it could have been elongated and also Daire's daddy issue could be enlightened.
This book is quick read and the workplace environment was good. Those who prefer workplace romance, closed proximity, slow burn can prefer this.
Thanks to Marty Vee for providing me this E-ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Releasing date: August 26
August 6, 2022
This was a quick, steamy read! I read it in one sitting! Daire is a sexy Irishman with a past. Serena is his boss. They immediately have chemistry and the banter is perfect. Forbidden workplace romance, close proximity on a business trip with only one bed - definitely spicy!!!! The one part I felt was a bit lacking was not going into Daire's secret past as it seemed to shape who he was. Maybe it will be revealed in future books since we know the story continues!! There are some definite cliffhangers so I'm looking forward to additional books in the series.
Thanks to Marty Vee for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Marty Vee for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2022
The story
Serena is a partner in a PR firm. On a windy day, an attractive Irishman saves her from exposing herself on the street and then asks her out. She finds out soon afterwards that he’s her new report. Serena and Daire try really hard to hide their attraction for each other.
My thoughts
I enjoyed this debut novella, which has a great pace and storyline. When Serena and Daire eventually give into their attraction, the steamy parts are pretty steamy 😉 I appreciated how the characters listen to each other and are quick to communicate and apologise when they haven’t been fair to each other. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
Serena is a partner in a PR firm. On a windy day, an attractive Irishman saves her from exposing herself on the street and then asks her out. She finds out soon afterwards that he’s her new report. Serena and Daire try really hard to hide their attraction for each other.
My thoughts
I enjoyed this debut novella, which has a great pace and storyline. When Serena and Daire eventually give into their attraction, the steamy parts are pretty steamy 😉 I appreciated how the characters listen to each other and are quick to communicate and apologise when they haven’t been fair to each other. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
September 1, 2022
Such a quick, hot, and fun read! Perfect read for a summer afternoon, and left me looking forward to spending more time with the crew at Garcia PR
January 6, 2024
Cute little read!! Spice is definitely there!
August 24, 2022
“Our eyes locked. In the emerald depths of her gaze lay suppressed heat. An itch unscratched. I recognized a mirror of what lay just below the surface in me as well. A growing need for her—a whisper becoming a shout.”
What to expect:
🦋 Office Romance ❤️
🦋 Only One Bed 🛏
🦋 Sexy Irishman 🍀
🦋 Successful Female Boss 💋
Hero rating: 5 ⭐️
Heroine rating: 5 ⭐️
Sexual tension rating: 5 ⭐️
Sex scenes rating: 4 ⭐️
Sex scenes frequency: 3 ⭐️
Plot rating: 4 ⭐️
*******************************
Overall rating: 4.5 ⭐️
I don’t normally like books on the shorter end. I find it’s really hard for author’s, especially in the romance genre, to write a story with actual plot and not feel rushed.
That being said, this author found the perfect mixture of plot, spice, and comedy and I👏🏻ate👏🏻it👏🏻up👏🏻
This book is the definition of short and sweet with a heaping tablespoon of spice 🥵
There was angst, longing, & lust in perfect amounts. I couldn’t put the book down because I was just waiting on these two to combust. 🥵🔥
I’m already excited for Willow’s book. We get just enough information about each friend to feel invested but not overwhelmed with information. 😵💫
The dialogue felt natural and I loved that for once it was a female boss and male employee instead of the other way around. It’s ✨refreshing✨
Lastly I’d like to say that I just simply LOVED the writing. I highlighted so many quotes simply because the wording was impressive. 😍
How to make this a 5 🌟 read:
🚨Spoiler Alert🚨
My only complaint is not getting to find out who the real embezzler is. Maybe this is coming up in a future book? But I’m invested and need to know 🤣
Also, I would’ve loved a few more chapters to see these two reconcile and come back to each other. Their conversation on the bar patio felt a little too easy considering how they left things. But maybe I’m just being nit picky! 🫣
🦋I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.🦋
What to expect:
🦋 Office Romance ❤️
🦋 Only One Bed 🛏
🦋 Sexy Irishman 🍀
🦋 Successful Female Boss 💋
Hero rating: 5 ⭐️
Heroine rating: 5 ⭐️
Sexual tension rating: 5 ⭐️
Sex scenes rating: 4 ⭐️
Sex scenes frequency: 3 ⭐️
Plot rating: 4 ⭐️
*******************************
Overall rating: 4.5 ⭐️
I don’t normally like books on the shorter end. I find it’s really hard for author’s, especially in the romance genre, to write a story with actual plot and not feel rushed.
That being said, this author found the perfect mixture of plot, spice, and comedy and I👏🏻ate👏🏻it👏🏻up👏🏻
This book is the definition of short and sweet with a heaping tablespoon of spice 🥵
There was angst, longing, & lust in perfect amounts. I couldn’t put the book down because I was just waiting on these two to combust. 🥵🔥
I’m already excited for Willow’s book. We get just enough information about each friend to feel invested but not overwhelmed with information. 😵💫
The dialogue felt natural and I loved that for once it was a female boss and male employee instead of the other way around. It’s ✨refreshing✨
Lastly I’d like to say that I just simply LOVED the writing. I highlighted so many quotes simply because the wording was impressive. 😍
How to make this a 5 🌟 read:
🚨Spoiler Alert🚨
My only complaint is not getting to find out who the real embezzler is. Maybe this is coming up in a future book? But I’m invested and need to know 🤣
Also, I would’ve loved a few more chapters to see these two reconcile and come back to each other. Their conversation on the bar patio felt a little too easy considering how they left things. But maybe I’m just being nit picky! 🫣
🦋I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.🦋
August 9, 2022
Ah, Truth or Daire….Daire or Truth, what can I say? It had spunk, an adorable meet cute caused at the hands of an unforgivable Chicago wind, and longing for days.
You have Daire who is starting fresh with a new firm he respects but fights within himself and what it could mean for his own principles.
You have Serena, the hardworking, take it by storm PR guru who just realized that the cutie patootie who saved her during a wind mishap is in fact now her employee.
Add in a naughty embezzler who may or may not share Mr. O’Dowd’s likeness and you have yourself a minor whodunit that you can’t help but want to get to the bottom of.
If you’re looking for a quick dose of romance with longing and temptation, this is your stop. Adorable and built with enough chemistry to keep you wanting to turn the page. Between Serena’s will power and Daire’s mysterious past it’s easy to want to jump into the next book just to catch a glimpse of them in the background.
Whatever I feel like I may be missing from this novella, I hope I’ll get to see as easter eggs and fun bonuses in Newsletter goodies or future anthologies. Can’t wait to see what the next installment of the series brings.
Thank you to Marty Vee for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Keep on keeping on and I look forward to your next project!
You have Daire who is starting fresh with a new firm he respects but fights within himself and what it could mean for his own principles.
You have Serena, the hardworking, take it by storm PR guru who just realized that the cutie patootie who saved her during a wind mishap is in fact now her employee.
Add in a naughty embezzler who may or may not share Mr. O’Dowd’s likeness and you have yourself a minor whodunit that you can’t help but want to get to the bottom of.
If you’re looking for a quick dose of romance with longing and temptation, this is your stop. Adorable and built with enough chemistry to keep you wanting to turn the page. Between Serena’s will power and Daire’s mysterious past it’s easy to want to jump into the next book just to catch a glimpse of them in the background.
Whatever I feel like I may be missing from this novella, I hope I’ll get to see as easter eggs and fun bonuses in Newsletter goodies or future anthologies. Can’t wait to see what the next installment of the series brings.
Thank you to Marty Vee for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Keep on keeping on and I look forward to your next project!
August 9, 2022
Truth or Dare is a great book about a confident, successful woman (Serena) who meets a handsome, gallant man with a great accent (Daire). They agree to go on a date but, unfortunately before this can occur they realize that they are coworkers and that Daire would be reporting to Serena who is one of the managers. Even though they have agreed not to date, there are some touching moments where we can see they both regret this decision. In the midst of all this is a mystery because someone in the company is embezzling money and Daire is a suspect.
Serena and Daire have to go on a business trip where they are forced to share one room with one bed. While on this trip Serena was told to pay attention to Daire to see if he is the one stealing from the company. Although Serena doesn’t believe he is, she is willing to observe him.
The humor and witty repartee between the two characters in the hotel room was hilarious. I loved how the author had these 2 characters behave in these circumstances.
This is the first book in a series and I am eagerly waiting for the next book which features another manager and hopefully gives us the reader insight into who is embezzling and why. The secondary characters are an interesting mixed group who we can expect to learn more about in subsequent books.
Serena and Daire have to go on a business trip where they are forced to share one room with one bed. While on this trip Serena was told to pay attention to Daire to see if he is the one stealing from the company. Although Serena doesn’t believe he is, she is willing to observe him.
The humor and witty repartee between the two characters in the hotel room was hilarious. I loved how the author had these 2 characters behave in these circumstances.
This is the first book in a series and I am eagerly waiting for the next book which features another manager and hopefully gives us the reader insight into who is embezzling and why. The secondary characters are an interesting mixed group who we can expect to learn more about in subsequent books.
July 31, 2022
I absolutely loved this book - Serena and Daire's meetcute is adorable, and I felt so much for them when they realise that a relationship is off limits to them.
The dynamic between the characters was amazing - the tension between them when they realise there's only one bed was so good. The way it all blew up with that study scene was insanely hot.
I also really like the underlying story regarding the company embezzlement, dying to know who is stealing the money (I have suspicions so will be reading the next book the second it's available to see if I'm right)!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The dynamic between the characters was amazing - the tension between them when they realise there's only one bed was so good. The way it all blew up with that study scene was insanely hot.
I also really like the underlying story regarding the company embezzlement, dying to know who is stealing the money (I have suspicions so will be reading the next book the second it's available to see if I'm right)!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2022
I loved every moment of this book. Marty Vee’s writing is all things funny, spicy, sexy, alluring, with a pinch of mystery. The words are incredibly authentic. The story is believable and you keep asking yourself how will they come together? While the tensions are broke later in the book, the build up is wonderful and rewarding. I could not ask for more from this book except, please just write more! Loved it through and through. I was given an ARC which means I have to wait a lot longer for the sequel than everyone else.
August 4, 2022
A fun read, not very long but nice if you’re looking for something pretty wholesome and refreshing. Or if you want to fantasise about a sexy Irish man. Good plot, would have liked to know a bit more about Daire’s past as it was only really hinted at.
Thanks Marty for reaching out with this ARC!
Thanks Marty for reaching out with this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 28, 2022Quick and very steamy office romance.
The meet cute at the beginning was perfection and I just adored it so much.
I hope we get more background on Daire’s past with his dad in subsequent books, that would help me understand his behavior and motives more.
The meet cute at the beginning was perfection and I just adored it so much.
I hope we get more background on Daire’s past with his dad in subsequent books, that would help me understand his behavior and motives more.
November 29, 2022
A quick must read
Slow burn. Forbidden lust. Dirty talk. Some spice.
This book has it all!
If you need a quick read this is a good one to choose! This is my second book by this author and I loved it!
Slow burn. Forbidden lust. Dirty talk. Some spice.
This book has it all!
If you need a quick read this is a good one to choose! This is my second book by this author and I loved it!
Read
July 28, 2022The scene where Daire pulls Serena into the study and she misinterpreted his intent and takes off her underwear, y'all I SCREAMED.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2022
A whole semi plot on someone embezzling money and yet no reveal has occur, what in the gods name is that? Also the romance is like every other book - one bed trope, workspace romance, etc. I simply found this boring no matter how hot Daire was. Also, what's with Serena and her attitude towards things? Ugh.. I might have liked this if some things were changed but oh well.
October 3, 2022
He's hiding a secret...
...and has a sexy accent! This was a fun adult romance read with an adorable resolution! I can't wait to read the next in the series!
...and has a sexy accent! This was a fun adult romance read with an adorable resolution! I can't wait to read the next in the series!
August 15, 2022
4.5 Stars!!
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author. The book’s description had my attention right away! It’s not often that workplace romances have the woman as the boss, but this one did! Not only was Serena Daire’s boss, but the majority of the company was run by women! Gotta love a book depicting strong female empowerment without diminishing men!
I have to say that Serena and Daire’s first encounter was quite memorable! The non-fraternization policy at work put a damper on things, but not on the desire they had for one another! Their interactions were laced with want and lust and had me glued to my Kindle.
I found the embezzlement mystery interesting, and I have my suspicion as to who the culprit is. Sadly, the answers I want will have to wait. That is the only reason why this book didn’t get a full 5 Stars.
I honestly can’t wait to find out the truth, see what happens with Willow and her PT, but I also want to see if there’s something there between Ford and Lexi!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author. The book’s description had my attention right away! It’s not often that workplace romances have the woman as the boss, but this one did! Not only was Serena Daire’s boss, but the majority of the company was run by women! Gotta love a book depicting strong female empowerment without diminishing men!
I have to say that Serena and Daire’s first encounter was quite memorable! The non-fraternization policy at work put a damper on things, but not on the desire they had for one another! Their interactions were laced with want and lust and had me glued to my Kindle.
I found the embezzlement mystery interesting, and I have my suspicion as to who the culprit is. Sadly, the answers I want will have to wait. That is the only reason why this book didn’t get a full 5 Stars.
I honestly can’t wait to find out the truth, see what happens with Willow and her PT, but I also want to see if there’s something there between Ford and Lexi!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 1, 2022
So, I am FUSSY when it comes to contemporary romance. I read it very rarely, usually if the book is by an author I’ve read for years or one I know via social media. For Truth or Daire it was the latter, and I’m so glad I did as it was great! The first chapter had me smiling almost instantly. Serena and Daire’s meet cute is both funny and adorable. Their chemistry is instantaneous, and so is their dismay when they quickly realise they’re new colleagues - in fact Serena is Daire’s boss.
The tropes - forbidden workplace romance and that absolute giant, only one bed - were expertly deployed in a punchy, interesting, emotional read. The romance itself was slow burn leading to high heat, and both Serena and Daire were likeable, well-rounded characters who were clearly perfect for each other. I loved the snappy dialogue, the mystery element of the plot, and the way the supporting characters were introduced with the clear purpose of showing they have HEAs of their own coming later in the series, which I will be reading with glee.
A touch more in-depth backstory on Daire’s traumatic past was the only thing missing for me personally. 4.5 stars happily rounded up to 5 on GR & Amazon. Loved it 😊❤️
August 19, 2022
If you like fun, sexy workplace romance then read this book. The writing is well done and quick paced. Can't wait to see more from this newly published author 🤗
October 19, 2022
This was well written and even though it was a fairly short book it didn’t feel like it. It didn’t feel rushed and you still got a connection with the main characters. You even saw enough of the secondary characters to be excited about upcoming books. I loved Daire and Serena’s connection and really felt for them as things played out.
January 5, 2026
Absolutely beautiful.
First book to be read by the author Marty Vee. The chemistry between Serena and Daire was absolutely phenomenal. Even though it was a novella, it had all the feels.
First book to be read by the author Marty Vee. The chemistry between Serena and Daire was absolutely phenomenal. Even though it was a novella, it had all the feels.
September 12, 2022
not feeling it
This just didn’t do it for me. Not even a kiss between the MCs 1/3 of the way in, and I didn’t buy into the instalove at all.
This just didn’t do it for me. Not even a kiss between the MCs 1/3 of the way in, and I didn’t buy into the instalove at all.
September 13, 2022
CAWPILE rating: 1/10
STAR rating: ★
Super boring and forgettable tbqh.
STAR rating: ★
Super boring and forgettable tbqh.
Want to Read
August 5, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/5/2023)! 🎁
September 10, 2023
This was a quick, easy read that was steamy and fun at the same time. I honestly enjoyed every part of it.
It's an easy 4 stars from me.
It's an easy 4 stars from me.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews