Falling for the Girl Boss: An office romcom with some spice

Vatan Valley #2

by Mari Mendoza

She's a grumpy heroine hiding a soft underbelly and he's a cinnamon roll boy. They're supposed to be on opposite sides of a toxic workplace drama, except he's already halfway in love with her and she's basically clueless. In the clash between love and professionalism, what or who will give way?

Everybody hated Mira. She was too demanding, too harsh—a manager from hell. When her good-for-nothing boss assigned a possible freeloader or maybe-spy to the project, she was more than annoyed. Because despite her reputation, she was excellent at her job and she knew this team needed her. She was not going to let Jason Padilla and his sexy eyes get in her way.

When Jason suddenly found himself co-managing a team with Mira Evangelista, he knew he was in deep shit. Miras’s reputation preceded her, but Jason had always thought her competence was sexy–now was not the time to think like that! This promotion was the first sign of something. Something that could give him direction and hopefully propel his life forward.

Falling for the Girl Boss is a 1st person dual-POV office romcom 55k word novel. There will be an evil boss, hyperactive teammates, steamy scenes, and swearing.

Genres: Romance

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The plot: Mira is a "manager from hell" - too demanding and harsh. © Jason wants a promotion, which he mentions to their boss Lloyd. So, no surprise there - Jason and Mira are assigned to the project together, and it is not an easy one. Mira believes that everyone hates her, especially Jason, who changes every time he sees her. Little does she know, that Jason is just hiding his feelings.

What I didn't like:

1. the writing. It's very simple, patchy, and more of the "she said/he said or she did this and he did that".

2. the characters. The story was told from two POVs, but to me, it felt like just one character telling it. I could not distinguish between Mira's and Jason's chapters. It felt like they had the same thoughts - talking to themselves about how he/she should not have feelings for each other, how he/she wanted each other, etc. Also, it was hard for me to understand why Jason caught feelings for Mira in the first place - the only thing he often mentioned in his thoughts was Mira's tight skirts. And to me, it was not a valid reason to fall in love with someone.

What I liked:

1. the working environment was portrayed in such a realistic way I started getting flashbacks of my own office life. The hostile atmosphere that was created by Lloyd, the team - diverse and unaccepting, people not wanting to do their job, and most of all - not paid overtime. These all triggered memories, although not pleasant ones, I still liked how the author described the office working environment.

2. the ending. I definitely liked how the story ended. The team came together, and everyone got what they deserved. It was fair, justified, and pleasant to read.

Content warnings: office bullying, sexual scenes

Overall opinion: despite minor bumps on the reading journey, I still enjoyed the book. It is fast-paced and easy to read. I would recommend it if you enjoy office romance, and bad guys getting what they deserve.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mira was all work, and everyone either feared her or disliked her. Mira’s boss gave Mira a lot of work and then talked behind her back when she succeeded. He had a network of good old boys and lacked the respect from Mira and Jason. An important project came up and Jason was assigned as Mira’s co-manager. It was a perfect match. Jason had the personality and everyone liked him, while Mira was an organizer and workaholic. Jason had always liked Mira but was afraid to get close to her. This was his chance. Mira found Jason attractive and was bound and determined to not let him get her sidetracked. I really liked the team Jason and Mira worked with. Through fun team building efforts, they bonded and realized Mira was not so bad. Mira let down her guard which thrilled Jason. It was good to see the special traits necessary to finish a project well and to see how it really does take a team. When things get tough and Mira stands up for herself, the team joins forces.

[G Franks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mira Evangelista is the most unliked and feared manager in the company, according to her boss Lloyd Lapida. Jason is assigned to co-manage a major project with Mira. Neither of them wanted to be assigned to co-lead.
Mira doesn’t like having help with management. She likes to be completely in charge. Jason secretly has a crush on Mira and doesn’t think working closely together will allow him to keep it hidden.
It’s interesting to watch the development of each of the main characters, both of them learning different social skills as well as how to stand up for themselves.
The story was marred by several awkward sentences, but it was still an enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the girl boss

I love this sweet office romance that I absolutely devoured! A lot of toxic work behaviors and their culmination in self doubt is displayed in this powerful work that promotes the female boss babe while also allowing her to open herself up to her coworkers and to the possibility of love. This book is so sweet and has a dash of spicy as well. An adorable couple and an adorable story that in no way diluted her strength and independence. A must read.

I received a free advanced copy of this novel and am providing my honest opinion about the work voluntarily.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 for me. This was a good office romance story. Mira and Jason are paired up as co-managers on a project. Two completely different personalities and you know what they say about opposites. I like the different characters on the project team. They added some comedic relief. The story moved slow for me at times, so I would find myself skimming. There were several times I would have liked to have seen Mira stand up to Lloyd. Other than that it was a good story.

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I enjoyed getting to know Mira and Jason. They had an interesting relationship but seemed to compliment each other.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[j a y d e p r a v e d · Rating 4 out of 5]

All work and no play ; this book brings a lighter side to the romance aspect.
Good chemistry, and evenly paced. Enjoyed getting to know the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the girl who works herself to the bone because the guy head boss is a good ol boys tool box, gets paired with the newest of the guys guys, you’d think they’d have a horrible time of it. But it turns out their work styles are actually complimentary, as are other things about them. As their team grows more successful Mira starts to realize there is more to her than the bottom line and work. While Jason works to realize what he wants out of life and career. These two are adorable together with just the right amount of spice. Their character growth and the integration of the side characters is beautiful and entertaining. This was a very quick, enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.