I've read a lot of Olivia's books.... and I've read a lot of "billionaire" books.
And though this book does follow the "tried & true" formula... there are some refreshing twists.
1. Tristan isn't your usual "playboy" dom-boss. He's dominant at work & where it's needed; to be a successful venture capitalist. But he's also super comfortable in talking about his feelings being affectionate, and doing what's est for others....sometimes at the expense of his own desires.
2. Freddie isn't your usual meek female lead. She's conscientious about what her relationship w/Tristan could do to her position at work and is not afraid to stand up for what she wants. And even though she's (per usual) less experienced than the male lead.... it fits her personality.
3A. The conversations and flow of the story is organic... and moves along quickly. Starts off with a steamy 1st meet, seamlessly transitions into the awkward re-meet (sans the annoying x-years later; yay!) slow burns with chemistry that foregoes the "angry dom-boss" resistance, and opts-in to the preferred acceptance of "ok, yea I'm into you".
3B. along the lines of communication-- throughout the story, both characters are open & honest about their feelings / attractions. (Note: they don't jump right back into the Oo-la-la... but, more on that later) And this combo of acceptance & open com creates 2 very likeable characters whose relationship (for ONCE) isn't just bedroom chemistry; but gives you the feel of watching them build an emotional connection foundation.
4. This story has some authentic 'Laugh. Out. Loud.' moments. I feel like I got a real-time glimpse into Olivia's (actual) sarcastic, witty, & charming personality. BC the quick-witted banter (not just between F & T, but also Quinton & Toby) is perfectly time & well crafted.
5. No surprises or whoopsies. No jealous Ex's, or BF stealer attemps. No snooty relatives. But there is a beautiful, heartwarming parent-child dynamic that made my heart burst. And that precocious little boy almost made me want to have kids. Lol.
DISLIKES:
1. The only thing(s) I didn't like (mentioned in 3A) is the lack of steamy scenes. I didn't take any stars away bc that's a personal preference. And Olivia has other books that are rife with scorching steam. As for the steamy scenes, they are tastefully done... to the point you won't be mildly chagrined if you're asked "what ya readin".
2. It's too short. This is subjective. But my reasoning is... Tristan & Freddie's story is amazing! And I didn't want it to end. But also, there were some missed opportunities to make some conversations more natural.
>>> even though, overall, the convo's were well thoughtout..thought out... there are a handful of times where the flow, or things said, just didn't make sense in comparison to the stories previous standard.
~~ meh... just another personal preference.
3. (Final dislike) Punctuation! Dear. Gaaaawd. Missing commas and/or semicolons. Holy run-on, fragment sentences; batman.
>> Now it bears mentioning, because I didn't deduct stars for this, that the punctuation issues are negligible. Re-reading can easily clarify what's trying to be conveyed. So, perhaps, I may be a little over critical. But, for someone who has read about 12 books in the past month, this is the FIRST review I felt compelled to write.
And that's bc F & Ts story is so swoon!! And with one day's editing of Punctuation, and about 30 more pages, to add a tiny more steam and clean up some awkwardly structured convos.... this story could be FLAWLESS.
Regardless of my critiques.... I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Think Outside the Boss (New York Billionaires Book 1)
4.4 | 12,869 ratings
Price: 4.99
Last update: 08-01-2024
About this item
From the Publisher
The goal? Romance that's smart AND hot.
Olivia loves contemporary romance with billionaire heroes, office settings, big city backdrops and heroines who are just as ambitious as the heroes. There's always plenty of witty banter before they kiss, and often lots of it after, as well.
The New York Billionaires series is her third and biggest foray into the world of CEOs who refuse to fall in love.... until they meet the women who change their mind.
In Think Outside the Boss, Tristan and Frederica fight against a forbidden love in a single-dad office romance. Care for wounded heroes? Read about Anthony's struggles in Saved by the Boss, a grumpy-sunshine office romance. If you like marriage of conveniences between a demanding boss and his personal assistant, well, then Say Yes to the Boss is a must-read. For the wittiest of all banter, pick up the fourth book in the series, with Carter Kingsley and his spirited new employee. The fifth and final book includes fake dating and forbidden love... and it's a must-read!
Top reviews from the United States
KD Bender
A refreshing Take on a Billionaire Staple
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022
Judy H
I could not stop reading
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024R. Shaw
a very good book…
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024E. G. Butler
A Very Good, Fun Read
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2024
Kimberlygordon
Kimberly Gordon
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024
Tammy Eastlick
Mysterious invitation that leads to so much more!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
Tammy Eastlick
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
Office Romance
Forbidden
One Night Stand
Secret Relationship
Love that Freddie took that mysterious invitation & showed up to the Gilded Room. The freedom of not knowing anyone & being in a new city was just what she needed. But walking into the meeting a new hire was something neither could have been prepared for. Loved how their relationship developed.
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Aphrodite82
loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024Jessica
Loved
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024