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Unlocking Her Boss's Heart
More than just a job!
Cara Winstone is determined to bounce back from her last—disastrous—PA job, and working for Max Firebrace is exactly how she's going to do it. Little does Cara know that walking into her brooding boss's luxurious London town house also has her walking into his past…
Since losing his wife, Max doesn't think he has any love left to give. But something in the warmth of Cara's smile jump-starts Max's heart again, making him wonder if he's ready for a new happy-ever-after…with Cara by his side.
Cara Winstone is determined to bounce back from her last—disastrous—PA job, and working for Max Firebrace is exactly how she's going to do it. Little does Cara know that walking into her brooding boss's luxurious London town house also has her walking into his past…
Since losing his wife, Max doesn't think he has any love left to give. But something in the warmth of Cara's smile jump-starts Max's heart again, making him wonder if he's ready for a new happy-ever-after…with Cara by his side.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
8 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Christy McKellen
100 books131 followersFormerly a Video and Radio Producer, Christy now spends her time writing provocative, passionate, seductive romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found enjoying life with her husband and three children, walking for pleasure and researching other people’s deepest secrets and desires.
You can find out more about her books at www.christymckellen.com
You can find out more about her books at www.christymckellen.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 22, 2015
I've always been a fan of Harlequin books ever since I was in High School. Well, this book made me feel as if I went back to the days when pocketbooks used to be my comfort when boredom strikes. Unlocking Her Boss's Heart is your typical Adult romance book where an ordinary employee falls in love with her gorgeous, brooding boss. Sounds a little bit cliché but actually, I love clichés when a story is delivered nicely and this book, fortunately, turned out to be a well-written one.
I love the author's easy and simplistic writing style and how she managed to pull me into the story. The characters are also great. Max initially didn't come out as a pleasant character but as I went through the story, his character became interesting and I even felt bad for what happened to his ex wife. Cara was also a nice character. She's likable and I loved the way she handled Max's temper throughout the book. It wasn't that easy to deal with his attitude.
This book is a short and quick read. I love how it definitely made me feel the sweet romance between the characters. And oh, this book also ended perfectly. Who wouldn't love happy endings, anyway? :))
If you want to read good and light romance book, this will be a perfect choice. :)
(ARC was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Rating:
I love the author's easy and simplistic writing style and how she managed to pull me into the story. The characters are also great. Max initially didn't come out as a pleasant character but as I went through the story, his character became interesting and I even felt bad for what happened to his ex wife. Cara was also a nice character. She's likable and I loved the way she handled Max's temper throughout the book. It wasn't that easy to deal with his attitude.
This book is a short and quick read. I love how it definitely made me feel the sweet romance between the characters. And oh, this book also ended perfectly. Who wouldn't love happy endings, anyway? :))
If you want to read good and light romance book, this will be a perfect choice. :)
(ARC was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Rating:
January 7, 2016
This is a heartfelt romance that I enjoyed immensely. I have read books from this author before and have enjoyed her voice and the characters she brings to life.
Cara Winstone needs a new job desperately; otherwise she must swallow her pride and move back home with her parents. They were so proud of her when she moved out and landed a prestigious Personal Assistant job, one she had to suddenly leave. When her cousin Poppy tells her about a friend who is starting up a business and needs some help, she jumps at the chance to continue her career. When she contacts him, he is surprised, but with persistence he agrees to a trial run. He likes what she can do for his business and they start to form a friendship as well as a professional relationship.
Max Firebrace’s new company is growing daily and as a workaholic he has thrown himself into his business working many hours. When his wife Jemima died 18 months ago, he died with her and the work helps him cope with his loss. When Cara invades his work space and his home it is unsettling and he gets angry at the disruption. However with her help he slowly starts living again and things begin to heat up when they spend more time together. When she reveals how she feels to him, he must decide whether to dwell in the past or take a chance on the future.
This is cute, the author mentions she enjoys the beauty and the beast trope (one of my favorites) and created Max as a beast, at least mentally as he continues to live in the past without moving on and growls when things are disturbed.
Cara is a sweet heroine; she is excited about life and is very positive in her outlook, something she works at because of an incident in her past. Her over enthusiastic look at life can be a bit much at times, especially when Max yells and she acts like nothing has happened, but she is truly an optimistic person. And she wants to help Max with his business and eventually with his personal life after he reveals his past.
Max is a grumpy, brooding hero, he has not moved on from the death of his wife, even keeping the room she used as a shrine and he does not want an assistant at first, but eventually realizes that she can help. When she starts getting close, he backs away and even lies about his plans, I laughed at his antics, calling up a friend (which he never does) to make arrangements to go out just to avoid having dinner with her at home.
The two have great chemistry and although he fights it to the end, she embraces it and tells him how she feels. This story centers around Max and Cara however there are a few secondary characters that make appearances but are not key. As a standalone, the pace works well and it is a fast read that has heart and warmth.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the author for an honest review
Cara Winstone needs a new job desperately; otherwise she must swallow her pride and move back home with her parents. They were so proud of her when she moved out and landed a prestigious Personal Assistant job, one she had to suddenly leave. When her cousin Poppy tells her about a friend who is starting up a business and needs some help, she jumps at the chance to continue her career. When she contacts him, he is surprised, but with persistence he agrees to a trial run. He likes what she can do for his business and they start to form a friendship as well as a professional relationship.
Max Firebrace’s new company is growing daily and as a workaholic he has thrown himself into his business working many hours. When his wife Jemima died 18 months ago, he died with her and the work helps him cope with his loss. When Cara invades his work space and his home it is unsettling and he gets angry at the disruption. However with her help he slowly starts living again and things begin to heat up when they spend more time together. When she reveals how she feels to him, he must decide whether to dwell in the past or take a chance on the future.
This is cute, the author mentions she enjoys the beauty and the beast trope (one of my favorites) and created Max as a beast, at least mentally as he continues to live in the past without moving on and growls when things are disturbed.
Cara is a sweet heroine; she is excited about life and is very positive in her outlook, something she works at because of an incident in her past. Her over enthusiastic look at life can be a bit much at times, especially when Max yells and she acts like nothing has happened, but she is truly an optimistic person. And she wants to help Max with his business and eventually with his personal life after he reveals his past.
Max is a grumpy, brooding hero, he has not moved on from the death of his wife, even keeping the room she used as a shrine and he does not want an assistant at first, but eventually realizes that she can help. When she starts getting close, he backs away and even lies about his plans, I laughed at his antics, calling up a friend (which he never does) to make arrangements to go out just to avoid having dinner with her at home.
The two have great chemistry and although he fights it to the end, she embraces it and tells him how she feels. This story centers around Max and Cara however there are a few secondary characters that make appearances but are not key. As a standalone, the pace works well and it is a fast read that has heart and warmth.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the author for an honest review
December 18, 2015
Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart by Christy McKellen is the author’s debut Harlequin Romance. Ms. McKellen’s writing is fresh and simple. The story in itself is clean and well-written. Overall, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart is a fun and flirty romantic read sure to keep readers turning the pages until the end.
Recommended
4 Stars
June 14, 2016
Even though the story line is one that is very obvious, it didn't deter my enjoyment of this novel.
The whole novel actually only took me a couple of hours to read as I was that engrossed with the characters.
Cara is like a breath of fresh air and is a very happy up beat kind of girl. Max her boss unfortunately is the opposite and to start with you can see that he can't help but be irritated by Cara.
This is a wonderful novel with a story line where the reader can feel the romance getting stronger through out the book and that leaves you feeling all warm and glowing with a huge grin on your face at the end, which for me is a sure sign of a true romance novel.
The whole novel actually only took me a couple of hours to read as I was that engrossed with the characters.
Cara is like a breath of fresh air and is a very happy up beat kind of girl. Max her boss unfortunately is the opposite and to start with you can see that he can't help but be irritated by Cara.
This is a wonderful novel with a story line where the reader can feel the romance getting stronger through out the book and that leaves you feeling all warm and glowing with a huge grin on your face at the end, which for me is a sure sign of a true romance novel.
January 11, 2016
This is such a beautiful story I loved the setting and the emotions were so real as I read this one it is beautifully written and will have you turning the pages to get to the finish and such a moving HEA.
Cara Winstone has been hurt badly at her last job bullied and put down this has left her emotionally down but she needs a job and is determined to bounce back to her normal positive and caring self and when her friend Poppy tells her about a position that a friend of hers Max needs filled Cara lands on his doorstep and pushes the arrogant Max into giving her a chance that will change everything for Cara.
Max Firebrace has been through tragedy losing his wife and has not gotten over it he works hard and that is about all he does he is bossy and arrogant and is convinced he does not need a PA but with his friend Poppy sending Cara to him he decides to give her a go but he is sure she is hiding something and when she turns his life upside down with her caring and cheerfulness Max feels the need to protect and care back will he give in and go with the emotions running through his body and how will he cope.
I loved this story so emotional heart-warming and moving these are two people that were meant for each other and it had me smiling. This was the first one of MS McKellen's that I have read but it won't be the last I love they way she brings the characters to life on the pages I highly recommend sitting back with a beverage of your choice and falling into this one.
Cara Winstone has been hurt badly at her last job bullied and put down this has left her emotionally down but she needs a job and is determined to bounce back to her normal positive and caring self and when her friend Poppy tells her about a position that a friend of hers Max needs filled Cara lands on his doorstep and pushes the arrogant Max into giving her a chance that will change everything for Cara.
Max Firebrace has been through tragedy losing his wife and has not gotten over it he works hard and that is about all he does he is bossy and arrogant and is convinced he does not need a PA but with his friend Poppy sending Cara to him he decides to give her a go but he is sure she is hiding something and when she turns his life upside down with her caring and cheerfulness Max feels the need to protect and care back will he give in and go with the emotions running through his body and how will he cope.
I loved this story so emotional heart-warming and moving these are two people that were meant for each other and it had me smiling. This was the first one of MS McKellen's that I have read but it won't be the last I love they way she brings the characters to life on the pages I highly recommend sitting back with a beverage of your choice and falling into this one.
December 27, 2015
UNLOCKING HER BOSS’S HEART by author Christy McKellen is a January 2015 release by Harlequin Romance series.
Cara Winstone goes out for a new job interview. But her arrogant boss, though hires her, yet doesn’t seem to want her there.
Max Firebrace, after losing his wife, wants to be left alone. He doesn’t want anyone around him yet he hires Cara because he gave his word. Cara’s optimistic look and happiness grates on his nerves, yet he doesn’t really know what Cara is hiding under her too-bright smile.
UNLOCKING HER BOSS’S HEART is a sweet romance about past grief and second chance at love and happy ever after. Author Christy McKellen did a wonderful job of bringing Cara and Max together with all the obstacles they had in their way.
Recommended for all readers of romance.
Cara Winstone goes out for a new job interview. But her arrogant boss, though hires her, yet doesn’t seem to want her there.
Max Firebrace, after losing his wife, wants to be left alone. He doesn’t want anyone around him yet he hires Cara because he gave his word. Cara’s optimistic look and happiness grates on his nerves, yet he doesn’t really know what Cara is hiding under her too-bright smile.
UNLOCKING HER BOSS’S HEART is a sweet romance about past grief and second chance at love and happy ever after. Author Christy McKellen did a wonderful job of bringing Cara and Max together with all the obstacles they had in their way.
Recommended for all readers of romance.
May 25, 2017
After her last job exploded in her face, Cara's life has been steadily going downhill until her cousin sets her up as a PA for a friend in need of one. Still grieving the death of his wife, Max didn't know he needed a PA and was surprised when Cara showed up at his doorstep.
Max is gruff and hard to work for, especially after the bullying Cara put up with at her previous job, and he scares her on more than one occasion, but they both learn to be a little more forgiving and understanding as the book progresses into, essentially, a (PG-13) sweet romance, as they start to realize that they need each other and come out of their respective shells.
Despite being a work-centric plot, the book never tells you what they do. It's not overly important to the plot, but it would have fleshed out the characters more. He types at a computer all day and she files and makes lunch, but what does this firm do? I don't know.
All in all, it's not a page-turning will-they-or-won't-they romance full of suspense and tension, but it is well-written and mostly enjoyable. The romance that is created happens over about a month and is very realistic (with a few frivolous plot twists to move things along) in its buildup.
Max is gruff and hard to work for, especially after the bullying Cara put up with at her previous job, and he scares her on more than one occasion, but they both learn to be a little more forgiving and understanding as the book progresses into, essentially, a (PG-13) sweet romance, as they start to realize that they need each other and come out of their respective shells.
Despite being a work-centric plot, the book never tells you what they do. It's not overly important to the plot, but it would have fleshed out the characters more. He types at a computer all day and she files and makes lunch, but what does this firm do? I don't know.
All in all, it's not a page-turning will-they-or-won't-they romance full of suspense and tension, but it is well-written and mostly enjoyable. The romance that is created happens over about a month and is very realistic (with a few frivolous plot twists to move things along) in its buildup.
September 22, 2017
This didn't reach my expectations. I normally not go through this genre of books.
Max is going through sadness because of the death of his wife ,who passed away year and a half ago. Cara is appointed to work as a pa for max.
Max seemed quite rude in the beginning,it was understandable. Though he suddenly changes. I would've liked it if there was more story before the author got to the end.
Quite short book. Nothing funny on here.
Max is going through sadness because of the death of his wife ,who passed away year and a half ago. Cara is appointed to work as a pa for max.
Max seemed quite rude in the beginning,it was understandable. Though he suddenly changes. I would've liked it if there was more story before the author got to the end.
Quite short book. Nothing funny on here.
June 30, 2020
A gorgeous Beauty and the Beast story. Max has locked himself away brooding after his wife's sudden death so the last thing he needs is Cara showing up at his door and reminding him how it feels to be cared about. She's exactly what he needs to draw himself out of the darkness and back into the light. A sweet, beautiful story. I really enjoyed it.
March 14, 2017
Ein Kurz Roman den man in einem rutsch durchgelesen hat. Man kann lachen, weinen und jubeln. Ein wirklich toller Schmöcker für zwischen durch
January 8, 2017
I was a huge fan of Christy McKellen’s fun, flirty and feel-good romances for Harlequin Kiss/Modern Tempted, so I was delighted when – after the line’s closure – she started writing for the Romance line. In her debut Harlequin Romance, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart, she has retained her sparkling wit, fresh, modern and upbeat flair and delightful characterization and underlined this with plenty of pathos, emotion and heart to ensure a truly satisfying reading experience.
Cara Winstone has been having a bit of a rough time lately on the career front. When she had landed her last job as a PA, she had been over the moon. She had thought that her dream had come true and that she would be climbing the corporate ladder and have the career she had always wanted. However, the reality was that she had ended up miserable, frustrated, unemployed and desperate for a fresh start. Determined to bounce back from this mishap and to prove her mettle, she musters up all of her courage, puts on her most confident smile and convinces billionaire businessman Max Firebrace to give her the job as his PA – unaware that her life is about to be turned upside down!
When Max had lost his wife, he had been completely and utterly heartbroken. Throwing himself into his work and keeping emotions and feelings at arm’s length was the solution he had found to stop himself from brooding and to keep his sorrow and anguish from overwhelming him. A relationship is the last thing Max is looking for, but when Cara walks into his London townhouse and awakens feelings deep within him which he had thought long-buried, he soon begins to wonder whether keeping the world at bay and his heart firmly under lock and key is keeping him from embracing any chances he might have of happiness.
As Max and Cara’s relationship goes from professional to personal, they find themselves forced to question whether they are ready to face up to their feelings for one another or whether they will still continue to be haunted by the past. Are they willing to take a leap of faith and a chance on love? Or will their fears cost them their last chance at a happy ending?
Highly emotional, sensitively written and wonderfully rendered, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart is a spellbinding, heart-warming and uplifting contemporary romance I did not want to put down. Sparkling with plenty of magic, charm and heart, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart features a believable heroine readers will relate to, sympathize with and cheer on and a gorgeous hero they cannot help but love!
Packed with compelling drama, moving romance and nail-biting emotional tension, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart is a first-rate romantic tale readers shouldn’t dare miss!
Cara Winstone has been having a bit of a rough time lately on the career front. When she had landed her last job as a PA, she had been over the moon. She had thought that her dream had come true and that she would be climbing the corporate ladder and have the career she had always wanted. However, the reality was that she had ended up miserable, frustrated, unemployed and desperate for a fresh start. Determined to bounce back from this mishap and to prove her mettle, she musters up all of her courage, puts on her most confident smile and convinces billionaire businessman Max Firebrace to give her the job as his PA – unaware that her life is about to be turned upside down!
When Max had lost his wife, he had been completely and utterly heartbroken. Throwing himself into his work and keeping emotions and feelings at arm’s length was the solution he had found to stop himself from brooding and to keep his sorrow and anguish from overwhelming him. A relationship is the last thing Max is looking for, but when Cara walks into his London townhouse and awakens feelings deep within him which he had thought long-buried, he soon begins to wonder whether keeping the world at bay and his heart firmly under lock and key is keeping him from embracing any chances he might have of happiness.
As Max and Cara’s relationship goes from professional to personal, they find themselves forced to question whether they are ready to face up to their feelings for one another or whether they will still continue to be haunted by the past. Are they willing to take a leap of faith and a chance on love? Or will their fears cost them their last chance at a happy ending?
Highly emotional, sensitively written and wonderfully rendered, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart is a spellbinding, heart-warming and uplifting contemporary romance I did not want to put down. Sparkling with plenty of magic, charm and heart, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart features a believable heroine readers will relate to, sympathize with and cheer on and a gorgeous hero they cannot help but love!
Packed with compelling drama, moving romance and nail-biting emotional tension, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart is a first-rate romantic tale readers shouldn’t dare miss!
January 10, 2016
This review and more on So Bookalicious
Christy McKellen is a wonderful adult romance writer. This is the third book that I have read by her and her books never disappoint me.
Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart might sound a bit cliché, an ordinary girl falls in love with her brooding boss, but this one is delivered nicely. Besides it was well written. Christy has an writing style that sucks you into the story. It is simplistic and easy and that is exactly what I want on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
I really liked the characters that the author has created in this novel. Max initially did not come across as the most fuzzy person. He was rather cold and harsh at first but as the story went on he actually started to grow on me. Throughout the book he showed why he was so cold, he had lost a lot in the past year or so. So it was quiet understandable why he was so closed off towards others, especially towards people who he had never met before. Cara was a really nice girl, she was likeable and I liked the way she handled Max. A lot of people wouldn’t have put up with his temper but she did and she handled it with class. Like Max she had also gone through a lot in the past couple of months, which had changed her. So they both had some baggage with them when they first met each other. But I believe that people who have baggage themselves are the best to help you out. And Max and Cara proved that to me.
Another aspect that I liked about this book was that it is set in London. London has been my home now for the last couple of months and it is always great to read about places that you know. And I could relate to Cara when it came to find affordable/decent housing in the city. It can be a real nightmare!
Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart was a short and quick read. It made me feel the connection and chemistry between the characters, so Christy McKellen has accomplished her mission. I would recommend it to everyone who is looking for a sweet, clean, romance story. Personally I cannot wait till Christy McKellen publishes a new story!
Christy McKellen is a wonderful adult romance writer. This is the third book that I have read by her and her books never disappoint me.
Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart might sound a bit cliché, an ordinary girl falls in love with her brooding boss, but this one is delivered nicely. Besides it was well written. Christy has an writing style that sucks you into the story. It is simplistic and easy and that is exactly what I want on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
I really liked the characters that the author has created in this novel. Max initially did not come across as the most fuzzy person. He was rather cold and harsh at first but as the story went on he actually started to grow on me. Throughout the book he showed why he was so cold, he had lost a lot in the past year or so. So it was quiet understandable why he was so closed off towards others, especially towards people who he had never met before. Cara was a really nice girl, she was likeable and I liked the way she handled Max. A lot of people wouldn’t have put up with his temper but she did and she handled it with class. Like Max she had also gone through a lot in the past couple of months, which had changed her. So they both had some baggage with them when they first met each other. But I believe that people who have baggage themselves are the best to help you out. And Max and Cara proved that to me.
Another aspect that I liked about this book was that it is set in London. London has been my home now for the last couple of months and it is always great to read about places that you know. And I could relate to Cara when it came to find affordable/decent housing in the city. It can be a real nightmare!
Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart was a short and quick read. It made me feel the connection and chemistry between the characters, so Christy McKellen has accomplished her mission. I would recommend it to everyone who is looking for a sweet, clean, romance story. Personally I cannot wait till Christy McKellen publishes a new story!
January 24, 2016
Coming from a job where she'd been bullied and sabotaged, Cara has suffered a confidence set back. So she's determined to be the best PA she can be to Max Firebrace, who hires her on a trial basis. Max has immersed himself in work after the death of his beloved wife over a year ago and doesn't really think he needs a PA. But he decides to give Cara a chance. As much as she helps, she also interferes, changing things and disordering things in his personal life. And Max has a bit of a temper and a tendency to take it out on Cara, who for once, stands up for herself. Max begins to realize how cruel he's being and makes a point of opening up to her. But when he opens up a bit too much and they end up in bed together, his guilt over his wife gets in the way of any possible relationship they might have.
I don't know that I was expecting much going into this, but I found it quite refreshing. Max was actually a pretty great hero, being so immersed in his own personal grief that he doesn't realize how his behavior affects others, but he learns. Cara likewise was a flawed yet likeable heroine. It was easy to see how her behavior could be construed as annoying or intrusive, and yet she wasn't irritating to the reader. With these two, a friendship develops and it feels organic. And the friendship comes before any of the lightning attraction or I-want-him-so-badly-I'm-drooling shenanigans. And in the long run it makes the story more believable because Max really does still love his wife and the author balances that with his developing feelings for Cara quite nicely. I really did believe that he could manage both...so long as he overcame his guilt at finding love again after losing his wife. This was a sweet story.
I don't know that I was expecting much going into this, but I found it quite refreshing. Max was actually a pretty great hero, being so immersed in his own personal grief that he doesn't realize how his behavior affects others, but he learns. Cara likewise was a flawed yet likeable heroine. It was easy to see how her behavior could be construed as annoying or intrusive, and yet she wasn't irritating to the reader. With these two, a friendship develops and it feels organic. And the friendship comes before any of the lightning attraction or I-want-him-so-badly-I'm-drooling shenanigans. And in the long run it makes the story more believable because Max really does still love his wife and the author balances that with his developing feelings for Cara quite nicely. I really did believe that he could manage both...so long as he overcame his guilt at finding love again after losing his wife. This was a sweet story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2016
I had heard author Christy McKellen's name mentioned on facebook but I hadn't actually read her work before.....then I saw her at a facebook party and was intrigued by her book postings and knew I had to get her book the next time I went shopping and saw it...lucky for me I didn't have to because I ended up winning a copy of her first Harlequin Romance, Unlocking Her Boss's Heart, before it was released....it came in the mail the other day...
OMG I absolutely loved it.... I mean it was wonderfully well written and captivating from beginning to end... I kept thinking to myself " where has she been and why haven't I read her books before?"
Cara and Max were two heartbreaking characters who had been through a lot to end up finding each other.... from one being bullied and belittled to the other losing the love of their life to death... both just trying to survive day to day.
You could feel the tension of their denied attraction growing as they both fought it in order to avoid the pain of being hurt again.... I couldn't wait to see when their attraction would win out and what would end up happening.... it was different and better than I expected it to be... I was like" YES!!!!"
and now I'm like.. "
I can't wait to read another book by Christy McKellen. So I will be patiently awaiting her next release with baited breath and you can join me by running out and picking up a copy of Christy McKellen's first Harlequin Romance , Unlocking Her Boss's Heart . I am positive you will be like me and won't be able to wait to read her next release!!!
OMG I absolutely loved it.... I mean it was wonderfully well written and captivating from beginning to end... I kept thinking to myself " where has she been and why haven't I read her books before?"
Cara and Max were two heartbreaking characters who had been through a lot to end up finding each other.... from one being bullied and belittled to the other losing the love of their life to death... both just trying to survive day to day.
You could feel the tension of their denied attraction growing as they both fought it in order to avoid the pain of being hurt again.... I couldn't wait to see when their attraction would win out and what would end up happening.... it was different and better than I expected it to be... I was like" YES!!!!"
and now I'm like.. "
I can't wait to read another book by Christy McKellen. So I will be patiently awaiting her next release with baited breath and you can join me by running out and picking up a copy of Christy McKellen's first Harlequin Romance , Unlocking Her Boss's Heart . I am positive you will be like me and won't be able to wait to read her next release!!!
February 6, 2016
Unlocking Her Boss's Heart by Christy McKellen
Cara Winstone knew she had to bounce back after the disastrous last PA job. As she climbed the steps to the town house in South Kensington she knew what she had to do.
Cara knocked on the door and was greeted by Max Firebrace. He claimed he was not hiring for any job and Cara told him that her cousin Poppy had said he needed a personal assistant as he was snowed under in work. Poppy had been a great help to Max and he had told her that to help her stop bugging him.
Cara had worked for several years as a PA, was a quick study and tried to quickly sell herself to him. She was willing to give a day free of charge to show him what she could do and then he decided to give her a try. Max's offer to him was a free day after which if he was satisfied he would offer her a paid one-month trial period after which he would decide if it would work as a full-time position.
Cara was an excellent PA and Max wondered why she left the last job and at a point in the story she did tell him the real reason she has left that job.
Max has lost his wife and thought he had no love left to offer anyone. Cara was done with her last relationship and was not looking either. Fate had brought these two together and Christy McKellen really told their emotional story. Cara's smile and positive attitude made its way into Max's heart and made him wonder if perhaps he was ready for the happy ever after life with Cara.
Cara Winstone knew she had to bounce back after the disastrous last PA job. As she climbed the steps to the town house in South Kensington she knew what she had to do.
Cara knocked on the door and was greeted by Max Firebrace. He claimed he was not hiring for any job and Cara told him that her cousin Poppy had said he needed a personal assistant as he was snowed under in work. Poppy had been a great help to Max and he had told her that to help her stop bugging him.
Cara had worked for several years as a PA, was a quick study and tried to quickly sell herself to him. She was willing to give a day free of charge to show him what she could do and then he decided to give her a try. Max's offer to him was a free day after which if he was satisfied he would offer her a paid one-month trial period after which he would decide if it would work as a full-time position.
Cara was an excellent PA and Max wondered why she left the last job and at a point in the story she did tell him the real reason she has left that job.
Max has lost his wife and thought he had no love left to offer anyone. Cara was done with her last relationship and was not looking either. Fate had brought these two together and Christy McKellen really told their emotional story. Cara's smile and positive attitude made its way into Max's heart and made him wonder if perhaps he was ready for the happy ever after life with Cara.
February 9, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Christy McKellen's flirty, sexy Kiss books so was intrigued to see how she turned her hand to the more emotional Romance/Cherish line. The result in Unlocking Her Boss's Heart is a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of grief and guilt. Cara desperately needs a job, not just to pay her rent although that's pretty crucial, but to get back her confidence, disastrously ground down after a bad experience. When she gets the chance to be a temporary PA for Max she jumps at it - not only is the pay good but it's the perfect opportunity to prove to herself that she's good at what she does. But from day one Max has her in a spin, she can't work out his mood swings and everything she does seems to go wrong denting her already fragile confidence even further. It doesn't help that she feels a spark whenever she's near her attractive boss. Meanwhile Max is battling his own feelings - guilt and grief over his wife's death mixed with an unwanted attraction to his bright and lively PA. How these two broken and fragile people help each other mend is a compelling and emotional read. Highly recommended.
November 10, 2015
The author meshes together a few mini-troupes within the office romance to make this pleasurable afternoon read.
South Kensington, London provided an uplifting background for this heavy-hearted read. This reader was impressed with my inaugural Christy McKellen read. Max Firebrace's grief was evident in every word/scene. However, his distress never overwhelmed the emotions that transpire between him and Cara.
Cara's character was not as well-developed (or liked). While her character's constant need to be positive could be exhausting; it did help balance the negativity.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
South Kensington, London provided an uplifting background for this heavy-hearted read. This reader was impressed with my inaugural Christy McKellen read. Max Firebrace's grief was evident in every word/scene. However, his distress never overwhelmed the emotions that transpire between him and Cara.
Cara's character was not as well-developed (or liked). While her character's constant need to be positive could be exhausting; it did help balance the negativity.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
January 1, 2016
A lovely story of two people who have been hurt, one with the death of his wife, the other by bullying in a job . Applying and getting a job as Max Firebrace's PA, is something Cara must do. She has left her job because of issues with co workers and unless she gets this job she will have to go home to her parents. Max is hiding out in his home building his business, but mourning the loss of his wife a year and a half ago. He doesn't want to move on , he is living with the pain of her loss and so is angry at the world.
These two meet and little by little they break through the armour each had built. Its a lovely story showing that no matter what hurts you have if you allow yourself to open the door to your heart a little, happiness is just a breath away. Wonderful story and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
These two meet and little by little they break through the armour each had built. Its a lovely story showing that no matter what hurts you have if you allow yourself to open the door to your heart a little, happiness is just a breath away. Wonderful story and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
July 10, 2016
Honestly, I didn't think I was really going to enjoy this after the first 2 chapters. I was SO wrong, I devoured this book in 2 days. Staying up way past my bedtime and being a mombie for a few days was totally worth it. I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 only because it was really predictable, which most romance books are but the detail Christy McKellen gave... PERFECT in my opinion. Just enough to get the picture in your mind but not so much that it is over-powering. I love being able to read a book and develop my own 'movie' in my head instead of telling me EVERY LITTLE DETAIL. This book was a wonderful balance!
July 21, 2016
This was such a lovely, fairly short romantic novel, just less than 200 pages. It was your typical fairytale story; young woman falling for her boss. Her boss however, is still struggling with grief from the sudden death of his wife 18 months ago. I soon got swept away with story but I couldn't work out Cara's back story at first which left me intrigued and keen to read on. I felt the instant attraction between Cara and Max but they were both struggling with their past hurt. It was a truly beautiful story filled with hope and warmed my heart. This is the first book I've read by Christy McKellen and I wouldn't hesitate in picking up and reading another of her delightful stories.
May 3, 2016
Funny, sweet, tender and charming: this delightful romance is more chick-lit then just another romance novel. Max and Cara are very human characters with very human problems. There is nothing rushed about this book. Yee growth of their working relationship, friendship and love for each other is shown clearly as are Max's grief at losing his wife and Cara dealing with being bullied in her last job. A truly delightful romance.
October 16, 2016
*** 3.5 stars ***
This was a sweet, quick read. I did struggle a little bit with the pace of the story, I felt like maybe everything happened a bit too quickly...but I shouldn't complain because this is after all fiction. As far as Harlequin/Mills & Boon romances go this one was enjoyable.
This was a sweet, quick read. I did struggle a little bit with the pace of the story, I felt like maybe everything happened a bit too quickly...but I shouldn't complain because this is after all fiction. As far as Harlequin/Mills & Boon romances go this one was enjoyable.
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January 17, 2016"Cara’s determination and strong personality are infectious, and Max’s growth from sadness and grief to happiness is inspirational and heartwarming' (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
June 17, 2018
Švelnus, lengvas, nuspėjamas - geras skaitaliukas atsipūsti. Vietomis erzino žodžių parinkimai, kurie ne visai tiko situacijai apibūdinti, bet neužgožė istorijos. Ai, nu šiaip ką čia prirašysi. Imdamas tokią knygą žinain, ko tikiesi ir tai gauni. Patiko. Greitai suėjo ir paliko saldų jausmą.
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