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Gems of Love #1
Loving the Boss
It could be her fresh start. If only she can avoid falling for her new boss...
I'm in desperate need of a new beginning. Preferably one that's far, far away from my cheating ex.
So when I get a job offer in a luxury resort on a remote tropical island, I don't hesitate for a second.
The idea of being surrounded by deep waters might terrorize me, but this adventure will be exactly what I need—a fresh start and a chance at a heartache-free life.
The only unexpected snag in my bold plan?
My new, grumpy (and oh-so-handsome) boss.
Matteo firmly believes women complicate life. I know that trusting a man with my heart again can easily hurt me. So keeping things simply business between us should be fairly easy.
Except...it isn't.
Loving the Boss is a sweet contemporary boss/employee romance with lots of heart-pounding and toe-curling kisses. It's book one in Gems of Love series. It can be read as a stand-alone. Previously published as Pearl of Love.
I'm in desperate need of a new beginning. Preferably one that's far, far away from my cheating ex.
So when I get a job offer in a luxury resort on a remote tropical island, I don't hesitate for a second.
The idea of being surrounded by deep waters might terrorize me, but this adventure will be exactly what I need—a fresh start and a chance at a heartache-free life.
The only unexpected snag in my bold plan?
My new, grumpy (and oh-so-handsome) boss.
Matteo firmly believes women complicate life. I know that trusting a man with my heart again can easily hurt me. So keeping things simply business between us should be fairly easy.
Except...it isn't.
Loving the Boss is a sweet contemporary boss/employee romance with lots of heart-pounding and toe-curling kisses. It's book one in Gems of Love series. It can be read as a stand-alone. Previously published as Pearl of Love.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2019
542 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 29, 2022
The writing style was very juvenile and made it real tough to get through.
May 18, 2024
Just downloaded a 5 book package by this author….I am in store for some not well written books.
July 7, 2025
▪️First impression of the leads and side characters. Matteo seemed grumpy but still a good guy to be around. Elani seemed kind but also bite back att people. Rosalie was an b*tch and not someone who should be an boss. The roommate seemed nice and a cool person to be around
▪️she saved someone from drowning and suddenly had to change job to the dive team. She had no choice, the manager forced her. She scared of going on a boat because of her past trauma. Her mom died by a boat she had been on and seen.
▪️There is some miscommunication between them.
▪️she’s sexually assaulted and nearly raped by Nikolai (the bad guy). 61%
But then I read nothing about what happened to Nikolai and Rosalie. They were erased from the story even after what they had done. There was also no flashback or trauma after he had almost sexually assaulted her. There was no scene that showed the consequences for him.
▪️But overall the story was okay. Not the best and there was a lot of plot holes. But it was cozy in some ways. But also flat.
▪️she saved someone from drowning and suddenly had to change job to the dive team. She had no choice, the manager forced her. She scared of going on a boat because of her past trauma. Her mom died by a boat she had been on and seen.
▪️There is some miscommunication between them.
▪️she’s sexually assaulted and nearly raped by Nikolai (the bad guy). 61%
But then I read nothing about what happened to Nikolai and Rosalie. They were erased from the story even after what they had done. There was also no flashback or trauma after he had almost sexually assaulted her. There was no scene that showed the consequences for him.
▪️But overall the story was okay. Not the best and there was a lot of plot holes. But it was cozy in some ways. But also flat.
January 31, 2022
Loving the Boss was my first introduction to Agnes Canestri but it definitely won't be my last! Matteo and Eleni were just so cute, their story hooked me from the start and never let go. I honestly didn't know (OK, didn't remember) what I was getting myself into, except that the title included one of my favorite tropes. Surprisingly, it didn't play out like your typical "falling for the boss" story since Eleni doesn't start her work relationship with Matteo that way, but it was a good kind of surprise. Their chemistry is definitely off the charts, but I appreciated more their emotional connection (since they're in their late 20s/early 30s) and how caring and patient Matteo was with her. The author also paints the scenery in a beautiful, nearly breathtaking way, that makes one wish they could be there with the characters on that European island. I liked some of the side characters (mainly Matteo's family, and Eleni's roommate), and look forward to reading more of this series' sweet romance. ~4.5 stars
Content: This book deals with the themes of betrayal from a past relationship, as well as attempted sexual assault (keyword: attempted. It gets stopped in time but it's mildly described). There's no language per se, but there are plenty of its variations (from "friggin" to "crap" and "dang"). Also, mention of alcohol since they work at a resort.
Content: This book deals with the themes of betrayal from a past relationship, as well as attempted sexual assault (keyword: attempted. It gets stopped in time but it's mildly described). There's no language per se, but there are plenty of its variations (from "friggin" to "crap" and "dang"). Also, mention of alcohol since they work at a resort.
March 7, 2020
I received a free copy of this book to review: a sweet and sizzling (but clean) romance, set on a resort island - Eleni has come to escape a broken heart and Matteo is a dive tour employee. The attraction and chemistry between the two is palpable from their first meeting and Agnes gives us insight into their deepest thoughts and feelings, allowing us to walk alongside them in their journey of giving in to love. A delicious read; I devoured it in an afternoon!
For sensitive readers: there is mild sensuality with heavy kissing.
For sensitive readers: there is mild sensuality with heavy kissing.
February 9, 2023
The location was lovely and the author is great at description so it feels like you're there. Unfortunately the story itself was lacking and the characters underdeveloped.
Matteo and Eleni, to me, sounded like the same person. So, when the POV changed it never sounded different. Eleni's POV had a feminine sound and feel as it should, but so did Matteo's and it was very jarring.
I also found the two quite juvenile and their squabbles / arguments / disagreements could have easily been avoided if they didn't assume so much and just talked like normal adults. Like when they first kissed and Eleni totally took what Matteo said the wrong way even though the reader knew Matteo meant nothing by it. It was all just so juvenile and frustrating.
Then there were the 'villains' in Rosie and the Russian Dude (who I forgot the name of). They both just suddenly fizzled out and their story arcs were incomplete. Did Russian Dude just get away with nearly raping Eleni? Did Rosie just continue being bitchy woman?
There was a lot to like, namely the location and the obvious diving knowledge, but there was a lot that I just didn't enjoy.
Matteo and Eleni, to me, sounded like the same person. So, when the POV changed it never sounded different. Eleni's POV had a feminine sound and feel as it should, but so did Matteo's and it was very jarring.
I also found the two quite juvenile and their squabbles / arguments / disagreements could have easily been avoided if they didn't assume so much and just talked like normal adults. Like when they first kissed and Eleni totally took what Matteo said the wrong way even though the reader knew Matteo meant nothing by it. It was all just so juvenile and frustrating.
Then there were the 'villains' in Rosie and the Russian Dude (who I forgot the name of). They both just suddenly fizzled out and their story arcs were incomplete. Did Russian Dude just get away with nearly raping Eleni? Did Rosie just continue being bitchy woman?
There was a lot to like, namely the location and the obvious diving knowledge, but there was a lot that I just didn't enjoy.
November 21, 2022
Um romance bonito, calmo e que enche o coração. De começo não entendia muito o título, devido a eles serem apenas colegas de trabalho, mas logo fez sentido.
Sinopse (Traduzida por mim): ‘’ Poderia ser o seu recomeço. Se apenas ela conseguisse evitar se apaixonar pelo seu novo chefe…
Estou desesperadamente a precisar de um novo começo. Preferencialmente um longe, bastante longe do meu ex traidor.
Por isso, quando consigo um emprego num resort de luxo numa ilha tropical remota, não hesito nem um segundo.’’
Eu apaixonei-me por ambos os personagens. A descoberta que têm, a forma como se desenvolvem e o facto que ambos conseguem coisas que desejam no fim. É uma história sem tanto drama, mais calma, mais leve mesmo. Que era algo que eu estava mesmo a precisar, para a minha cabeça não stressar com nada, e também para mudar um pouco (afinal, basicamente só leio histórias bastante eróticas, e esta não tem nada disso)’’
Sinopse (Traduzida por mim): ‘’ Poderia ser o seu recomeço. Se apenas ela conseguisse evitar se apaixonar pelo seu novo chefe…
Estou desesperadamente a precisar de um novo começo. Preferencialmente um longe, bastante longe do meu ex traidor.
Por isso, quando consigo um emprego num resort de luxo numa ilha tropical remota, não hesito nem um segundo.’’
Eu apaixonei-me por ambos os personagens. A descoberta que têm, a forma como se desenvolvem e o facto que ambos conseguem coisas que desejam no fim. É uma história sem tanto drama, mais calma, mais leve mesmo. Que era algo que eu estava mesmo a precisar, para a minha cabeça não stressar com nada, e também para mudar um pouco (afinal, basicamente só leio histórias bastante eróticas, e esta não tem nada disso)’’
February 17, 2022
Matteo a freediver in a tropical resort and Eleni, a dancer, and Matteo her diving boss, the most opposites!meet! When they are both so attracted to each other it becomes clear that ,having both secrets, to keep there distance! till the end when the excitement and there suppressed emotions surface ! And find there love!
Story has a very slow start! Its jst like calmbreeze which increases slowly intill a storm!
A adventure romance and a easy and clean one with not so much spectacle!
But still a nice and clean, sweat romance story!
With emotions, tension and passion and a exciting ending for the two!
Nice story, good plot,good story line!
But nothing really spectacular!
I disliked the slow start and lack of excitement in the first part!
A all over ranking would be
a 4,5 star out of 5 stars
Story has a very slow start! Its jst like calmbreeze which increases slowly intill a storm!
A adventure romance and a easy and clean one with not so much spectacle!
But still a nice and clean, sweat romance story!
With emotions, tension and passion and a exciting ending for the two!
Nice story, good plot,good story line!
But nothing really spectacular!
I disliked the slow start and lack of excitement in the first part!
A all over ranking would be
a 4,5 star out of 5 stars
May 1, 2022
This is a sweet clean romance with a bit of mystery and lots of characters. Several of the characters were hateful, some were entitled rich guys. I wanted to slap the manager as he basically expected all the employees to give the guest whatever they wanted no matter what, which was problematic as one family of super rich men acted like the female employees were there personal slaves. In fact, one of them insists on walking Eleni home, then tries to assault her. Thankfully he is unsuccessful as she fights him and cries for help, which comes when Matteo hears her and comes to help.
Eleni and Matteo both had some family things to work through from when they were kids, and I loved how they helped each other resolve their issues. I loved Eleni's roommate Cath and Matteo's sister Bianca, Eleni's stepmother is a real sweetheart.I loved the location and the happy ending.
Eleni and Matteo both had some family things to work through from when they were kids, and I loved how they helped each other resolve their issues. I loved Eleni's roommate Cath and Matteo's sister Bianca, Eleni's stepmother is a real sweetheart.I loved the location and the happy ending.
May 10, 2025
What an interesting, sweet, and innovative story. Matteo sweet bossy nature with a bit of broody surfer hunk always brings smile to my face. I loved Matteo in this story with his dreamy eyes to his mysterious nature. Eleni is such a sweet, carrying and heartbroken young ballet teacher who yearns for a change. I loved the way Eleni and Matteo met; his broody attitude and her shy witty nature sends sparks and intrigue between them. This story is cute, mysterious, adventurous, very informative and full of hope and danger. I loved the message of loving yourself and finding the strength to chase your dream as well as never being afraid to take chances. I can’t wait to read Bi’s next.
January 28, 2024
Historia fresquita y cozy
El escenario espectacular para un amor entre baile y aguas sumergibles.
Matteo es un adicto al trabajo que se enamora de una Eleni temerosa de su pasado. Poco tardan en echarse el ojo, y lo hacen con tal adoracion que te calienta un poquito el corazon.
Me ha faltado picante en esta historia y tal vez la aparicion de Rosalie intentando arrebatarle a Matteo para poder darle un 5 de 5, pero eso hubiera sido previsible.
Recomendable para una lectura ligera y sin pretensiones.
El escenario espectacular para un amor entre baile y aguas sumergibles.
Matteo es un adicto al trabajo que se enamora de una Eleni temerosa de su pasado. Poco tardan en echarse el ojo, y lo hacen con tal adoracion que te calienta un poquito el corazon.
Me ha faltado picante en esta historia y tal vez la aparicion de Rosalie intentando arrebatarle a Matteo para poder darle un 5 de 5, pero eso hubiera sido previsible.
Recomendable para una lectura ligera y sin pretensiones.
June 8, 2020
Such a sweet romance. Just the way I like them. Tell the story with complexity of the characters struggle and the passion they share without detailed, explicit love scenes. The story is just as romantic. Thus was my first Agnes Canestri novel but I'm already moving on to the next book in the series.
January 31, 2022
A pro diver and a ballet dancer, both working at a resort on a tropical island. Matteo thinks he knows what he wants, and Lenei is simply trying to start a new chapter in life. The slow burn of self-doubts and trying to convince themselves it’s not love had me shaking my fist at them both. Bianca, Matteo’s sister knows what’s up. I absolutely loved their ending!
October 10, 2022
This was a standard romcom style book. While I enjoyed the book, I did feel like the characters were not fully developed. The main characters had great potential and had some interesting histories mentioned and I would have loved to hear more about them. It probably would have made me root for them more to get together.
June 15, 2020
What happens when you aren't looking for love? Loved how these two met and keep being pulled together. Sometimes love finds us even when we aren't looking. The search for the Pearl was great story line that fit so well with the romance.
August 7, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s interesting storyline, character depth and description of the setting(I want to live there) made this a great read.
I received an ARC and have chosen to give an honest review.
I received an ARC and have chosen to give an honest review.
February 7, 2021
Cozy ,evocative and with a touch of mystery.
"What it says on the tin" cozy sweet romance with a touch of mystery. Well written main characters each with thier own back story and a host of likable side characters all set on a sunny sandy island resort
"What it says on the tin" cozy sweet romance with a touch of mystery. Well written main characters each with thier own back story and a host of likable side characters all set on a sunny sandy island resort
October 19, 2022
I needed to think about this book for a while. It had a different “feel” to it, but I don’t know how to explain that statement. I am not complaining about the book. I enjoyed the read. It was clean and well-written. I would read more by this author. It just felt different.
November 4, 2022
Sweet love story
I got this as a free book. It was a different plot which I liked, I've not read about a diver before. I really enjoyed it. It had some romance, and a little suspense in it. Its worth reading.
I got this as a free book. It was a different plot which I liked, I've not read about a diver before. I really enjoyed it. It had some romance, and a little suspense in it. Its worth reading.
January 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, at least most of them, some were really assholes or annoying. Loved reading both pov's. It was a really cute romance story, and it even had some sort of small mystery. There was also a sad moment where i almost cried.
February 22, 2023
Sweet clean romance. The author touched on some difficult topics tastefully. Enjoyed the characters and wished they were involved more. I plan to read the next one in the series. Thank you for your sweet read.
June 7, 2023
This was cute, again, still in a bit of a reading slump, so continuing reading short cute romance novels. It wasn’t unexpected, had the perfect formula to get from A to B to C, and that’s what made it an enjoyable read, basically read it in one sitting, so lots of fun:)
June 7, 2020
Engaging
This story was engaging. If you want a love story with ocean and sizzling kissing that is clean you will love this one.
This story was engaging. If you want a love story with ocean and sizzling kissing that is clean you will love this one.
June 8, 2020
Sweet
I didn't want to put this book down. It is not just another cookie cutter romance book but has some interesting twists.
I didn't want to put this book down. It is not just another cookie cutter romance book but has some interesting twists.
October 8, 2022
Excellent, clean story. Too bad the author chose not to bring it to a close and bring the villains their just dessert.
October 14, 2022
Very clean, sweet romance.
October 23, 2022
It’s a nice book, a good story, easy reading. But very predictable. Definitely worth a read though if you like the romance genre.
October 24, 2022
I read only 8% of the book and I just wanted to be done with it. It had too many dialogues in one chapter and I honestly think they were talking utter nonsense half the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
I read this book in one day! This book was an easy read. I enjoyed the slow burn of the relationship growing. It didn’t feel rushed, but the epilogue was predictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews