REVIEW: Beware of the Boss by Leah Ashton

Beware of the Boss by Leah Ashton: Grayson Manning lives in his own protective bubble. So much so that when he’s running on the beach with his dog Luther, he ignores everyone and everything else. That means he never notices the distinct woman who sits on the sand every day – observing the water, reading a book, even when Luther drops his ball at her side and wants her to throw it.

It was another day in Lanie’s holding pattern of a life. It hadn’t been her year. Even swimming at her personal best it still wasn’t good enough. But it didn’t stop her sister from making the team. Lanie wasn’t sure she had it in her to go back in the water, so she sits near it – wondering what she should do next. Then that man… she couldn’t help that his dog wanted her to throw the ball! She only hesitated a few seconds and he was barking at her to return it so he could continue his run. Lanie had wondered what that gorgeous man was like, and now she knew – he was an ass.

Gray’s dealing with a situation he has no idea how to control. He’d been running the business for years now, but when his father finally steps down, the investors seem to lose faith in him. Nothing has changed, only the figurehead was gone – but Gray needs to find a way to sell them on his new properties if he wants to get back on solid ground. Not that the business was in any danger of going under, but Gray wasn’t used to being disconcerted.

When Lanie decides to take a temporary job in order to keep busy – and maybe find a new direction – her friend “spruces up” her CV and gets her placed at Manning Corp. To say she was shocked to walk into her new boss’ office and find that infuriating but super hot guy from the beach was an understatement. However, instead of recognizing her, he looks right through her. Maybe the first thing on her list shouldn’t be to find a job, but maybe she should become less invisible.

A trip to Vietnam, some talking back, dog-sitting, and a bit of a makeover later, and Lanie’s not so invisible. In fact, Gray has no idea how he could’ve missed her in the first place.

Another KISS title that made me swoon. Gray’s pretty detached at first, but after I got to know him I liked him. I could see why he was so distracted all the time, and it really made me sad that he was having trouble with the family business. Lanie’s backstory was so bittersweet. Reading about her having to watch as her sister swims, and then watching her agonize over what to do with her life… again, heartwrenching. Then observing the two of them find each other… *sigh*

Great story – some pretty heavy things to think about, and let’s not forget – an adorable dog.

Book Info:

Published November 19th 2013 by Harlequin KISS

The man behind the pinstripes!

Lanie Smith’s boss might look heavenly in a suit, but she’s being run ragged by Grayson Manning’s outrageous demands! Dog-sitting, clothes shopping…there’s nothing he won’t ask her to do! (Luckily, she’s spent enough time checking out Gray’s broad shoulders that guessing his shirt size isn’t a problem….)

The final straw? Being ordered to drop everything for a business trip to Vietnam. But one completely unexpected (and completely magical) kiss later, Lanie’s forced to admit the truth—that their supercharged battle of wills hides a much more dangerous attraction….