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Straight Guys #12
Just a Bit Bossy
Boss from hell. Satan personified. A tyrant everyone fears.
Nate Parrish loathes his boss from the moment they meet.
Raffaele Ferrara is probably the most insufferable, domineering man in the world. He doesn’t seem to understand that his personal assistant isn’t actually his personal slave. He expects Nate to do his bidding with a single word. He expects that Nate’s whole life will revolve around him. He expects other, entirely unreasonable things, even though they’re both straight and there’s supposed to be a line your boss should never cross. Apparently, as his personal assistant, Nate has to assist him… personally.
Except Nate knows it’s just a game. His boss is straight. He knows Raffaele just wants to make him angry enough to quit. But Nate has always been too stubborn for his own good, and he’s determined to be the best assistant his boss has ever had, no matter how insane—or inappropriate—Raffaele’s orders may become. Before long, the two men are drawn into a twisted game neither wants to lose.
Nate knows it has to stop. He has to leave his job. It’s not good for his sanity. Except his horrible boss is like a bad addiction he can’t quit. The world feels boring without Raffaele’s intensity, and his focus on Nate might be infuriating… but it’s also something Nate’s starting to realize he can’t live without.
Just a Bit Bossy is a hate-to-love steamy MM romance that contains dubcon (the character gives his consent, but there's an obvious power imbalance between a boss and his assistant), lots of snark, a long-suffering sister, two straight men who become obsessed with each other, and a happily ever after.
Nate Parrish loathes his boss from the moment they meet.
Raffaele Ferrara is probably the most insufferable, domineering man in the world. He doesn’t seem to understand that his personal assistant isn’t actually his personal slave. He expects Nate to do his bidding with a single word. He expects that Nate’s whole life will revolve around him. He expects other, entirely unreasonable things, even though they’re both straight and there’s supposed to be a line your boss should never cross. Apparently, as his personal assistant, Nate has to assist him… personally.
Except Nate knows it’s just a game. His boss is straight. He knows Raffaele just wants to make him angry enough to quit. But Nate has always been too stubborn for his own good, and he’s determined to be the best assistant his boss has ever had, no matter how insane—or inappropriate—Raffaele’s orders may become. Before long, the two men are drawn into a twisted game neither wants to lose.
Nate knows it has to stop. He has to leave his job. It’s not good for his sanity. Except his horrible boss is like a bad addiction he can’t quit. The world feels boring without Raffaele’s intensity, and his focus on Nate might be infuriating… but it’s also something Nate’s starting to realize he can’t live without.
Just a Bit Bossy is a hate-to-love steamy MM romance that contains dubcon (the character gives his consent, but there's an obvious power imbalance between a boss and his assistant), lots of snark, a long-suffering sister, two straight men who become obsessed with each other, and a happily ever after.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2021
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November 30, 2022
4.5 stars.
Nate and Raffaele absolutely OBLITERATED me.
✨ some spoilers ahead! ✨
✦ the hate Nate felt for Raffaele in the beginning was ah-mazing. the fact that he called him Satan and had his number as that in his phone? hilarious!
✦ i knew straight away that all that delicious hate will make the tension between these two absolutely incredible. and of course i was right. these two were hot hot hot!
“Nate hated him. god, did he hate him. he hated him with everything he was. he hated him to the point that he sometimes literally shook with it, wanting an outlet for that hatred, wanting to dig his fingers into those cold, arrogant black eyes and make him hurt.”
✦ the way they kept trying to one up each other and got absolutely obsessed with each other in the process was truly priceless.🤣
✦ the fact that they had to pretend to be in a relationship when they went to Italy was great. i loved all the “fake” coupley things they did. Raffaele feeding Nate strawberries while Nate sits on his lap?? how cute is that???🥺
✦ the way their feelings slowly turned to more was wonderfully done.
“Nate absolutely detested how much he loved this, how much he loved being curled up against Raffaele’s firm body and just… existing beside him. this intimate, companionable air between them scared him much more than the way he was hopelessly addicted to the sex. sex was just sex. this feeling of blissed-out contentment was far more dangerous.”
✦ when they decided that “what happens in Italy stays in Italy” ??? clown behaviour.
✦ when their whole “what happens in Italy stays in Italy” mantra didn’t work and they decided they’re just gonna fuck each other out of their systems? even more clown behaviour.
“you’re my boss,” he tried again. “i don’t even like you.”
“good,” Raffaele said before biting Nate’s bottom lip. “i don’t want you to like me and ruin everything. this is perfectly good.”
✦ when Nate was talking about Raffaele with his sister (Maya was an absolute queen by the way) and said:
“i just can’t think when he’s close. but i can’t stand not having him close either.” omg🤭
✦ Nate’s drugged confessions DESTROYED me.
“feel like i’m drowning in you sometimes,” Nate whispered, his words slurred and barely intelligible. “i hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. want to see you always.” 😭😭
✦ when Raffaele freaked out after Nate’s confessions and “did the right thing” by letting Nate go??? i wanted to administer several face slaps to him so he would stop being an idiot and admit his feelings too!!!
✦ the fact that Raffaele literally STALKED Nate at work through the cameras??? 💀 fucking priceless!! like how much more proof do you need that you’re obsessed & in love, Raffaele?????🙄
“he returned his gaze to the screen. Nate was talking to the woman from the cubicle to his left. smiling at her. they laughed together, the woman’s eyes fixed on Nate’s smiling lips.
a snap caught his attention, and Raffaele looked down. the pen in his hand had snapped and now he had purple ink all over his fingers. he threw the pen away in disgust.”
✦ when you get so jealous you start breaking things without even realising…😌 that’s what you get for being an idiot, sir!!
✦ the fact that they were both so in love with each other but wouldn’t fucking talk was infuriating. i wanted to mush their faces together and scream “JUST KISS AND MAKE UP” @ them!
✦ Raffaele being all cute & awkward was ADORABLE!! visiting Nate at his cubicle & making small talk with him because he clearly missed him just melted my heart. the poor guy clearly had no idea how to go about any of it, he was so out of his element.🥺
✦ when they finally confessed their love for each other… my heart was just mush.
“you make me want things i’ve never wanted before.”
✦ that whole ending was SO perfect. i can’t even describe how unbelievably happy it made me.
“ti amo. the words curled around his heart and warmed him up from the inside.”
✦ Nate and Raffaele are hands down my favourite couple from this series. i am OBSESSED!!!! 🖤
Nate and Raffaele absolutely OBLITERATED me.
✨ some spoilers ahead! ✨
✦ the hate Nate felt for Raffaele in the beginning was ah-mazing. the fact that he called him Satan and had his number as that in his phone? hilarious!
✦ i knew straight away that all that delicious hate will make the tension between these two absolutely incredible. and of course i was right. these two were hot hot hot!
“Nate hated him. god, did he hate him. he hated him with everything he was. he hated him to the point that he sometimes literally shook with it, wanting an outlet for that hatred, wanting to dig his fingers into those cold, arrogant black eyes and make him hurt.”
✦ the way they kept trying to one up each other and got absolutely obsessed with each other in the process was truly priceless.🤣
✦ the fact that they had to pretend to be in a relationship when they went to Italy was great. i loved all the “fake” coupley things they did. Raffaele feeding Nate strawberries while Nate sits on his lap?? how cute is that???🥺
✦ the way their feelings slowly turned to more was wonderfully done.
“Nate absolutely detested how much he loved this, how much he loved being curled up against Raffaele’s firm body and just… existing beside him. this intimate, companionable air between them scared him much more than the way he was hopelessly addicted to the sex. sex was just sex. this feeling of blissed-out contentment was far more dangerous.”
✦ when they decided that “what happens in Italy stays in Italy” ??? clown behaviour.
✦ when their whole “what happens in Italy stays in Italy” mantra didn’t work and they decided they’re just gonna fuck each other out of their systems? even more clown behaviour.
“you’re my boss,” he tried again. “i don’t even like you.”
“good,” Raffaele said before biting Nate’s bottom lip. “i don’t want you to like me and ruin everything. this is perfectly good.”
✦ when Nate was talking about Raffaele with his sister (Maya was an absolute queen by the way) and said:
“i just can’t think when he’s close. but i can’t stand not having him close either.” omg🤭
✦ Nate’s drugged confessions DESTROYED me.
“feel like i’m drowning in you sometimes,” Nate whispered, his words slurred and barely intelligible. “i hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. want to see you always.” 😭😭
✦ when Raffaele freaked out after Nate’s confessions and “did the right thing” by letting Nate go??? i wanted to administer several face slaps to him so he would stop being an idiot and admit his feelings too!!!
✦ the fact that Raffaele literally STALKED Nate at work through the cameras??? 💀 fucking priceless!! like how much more proof do you need that you’re obsessed & in love, Raffaele?????🙄
“he returned his gaze to the screen. Nate was talking to the woman from the cubicle to his left. smiling at her. they laughed together, the woman’s eyes fixed on Nate’s smiling lips.
a snap caught his attention, and Raffaele looked down. the pen in his hand had snapped and now he had purple ink all over his fingers. he threw the pen away in disgust.”
✦ when you get so jealous you start breaking things without even realising…😌 that’s what you get for being an idiot, sir!!
✦ the fact that they were both so in love with each other but wouldn’t fucking talk was infuriating. i wanted to mush their faces together and scream “JUST KISS AND MAKE UP” @ them!
✦ Raffaele being all cute & awkward was ADORABLE!! visiting Nate at his cubicle & making small talk with him because he clearly missed him just melted my heart. the poor guy clearly had no idea how to go about any of it, he was so out of his element.🥺
✦ when they finally confessed their love for each other… my heart was just mush.
“you make me want things i’ve never wanted before.”
✦ that whole ending was SO perfect. i can’t even describe how unbelievably happy it made me.
“ti amo. the words curled around his heart and warmed him up from the inside.”
✦ Nate and Raffaele are hands down my favourite couple from this series. i am OBSESSED!!!! 🖤
August 19, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*It Was Fucking Hot*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
When I first started this I was so damn excited. I was terrified I'd be disappointed but as I read through chapter after chapter I really liked it. I love how Nate and Raffaele reminded me of Shawn and Derek; I had originally feared that Nate would be like Tristan and boy am I glad he wasn't! That said, I did loose a little bit of interested when the book changed POV. Luckily that only happened a few times. Raffaele was hot and I loved how dominant he was and Nate was a great character: not whiny, not annoying and wasn't afraid to call Raffaele out on his bullshit. I really enjoyed this book and I can say for certain that I will definitely re-read this one again, probably in the near future. I'm curious about Jordan Gates, Nate’s new boss' book, which is the next in the series. Too bad that we have to goddamn wait until 2022 :O
The book centers around Nate Parrish (22), the moderator of the biggest Rangers community, rangersdeck and Raffaele ‘Satan’ Angelo Ferrara (32), the executive vice president of the Caldwell Group. The company is a major game publisher. Ferrara owns thirty-five percent of the Caldwell Group’s shares, second only to Ian Caldwell (the company’s market worth was close to twenty billion). Ian gives free rein to Raffaele at RD Software, where Nate starts first working for Raffaele. Chapter 1-3 is the explanation of how Nate and Raffaele met and how Nate becomes his personal assistant (PA) after a protest against corporate greed; Raffaele's sixth PA this year. Ian Caldwell, from book ten is in coma here. Chapter 4 starts four months into the job. Ian is now awake and going to retake his responsibilities as CEO; his return to work will basically be in name only and Raffaele will only be responsible for the Caldwell Group.
If there was justice in the world, then afterlife existed, and Nate’s horrible boss would end up in hell after meeting his unfortunate end. But then again, Raffaele Angelo Ferrara would probably feel right at home there, considering that he was either Satan personified or closely related to him.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Twelve.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Raffaele ‘Satan’ Angelo Ferrara.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
Review before reading:
I am definitely looking forward to read Nate and Raffaele's story. I have a feeling it's gonna be epic. The boss and his assistant? Yeah, it's gonna be good.
August 19, 2021
“Feel like I’m drowning in you sometimes,” Nate whispered, his words slurred and barely intelligible. “I hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. Want to see you always.”
“I want you to miss me every minute I’m not there,” Raffaele said in a barely audible, hoarse whisper, mouthing the side of his face, nipping along his jaw. “Want you to think of me all the time. Only me.”
This book is amazing. It's so intense. It reads like a gritty reboot of every boss/assistant fantasy you can think of, and I loved it. It actually isn't as dark as I expected. They're both messed up, but fun and adorable in some weird way. And most importantly - they can't keep their hands off each other, and they really don't like it when the other one pays attention to anyone else.
Nate is the best. I love him so much. He's fun, he stands up for what he believes in, he's very good at rationalizing his feelings, and he's just a needy mess when it comes to his boss. Raffaele is arrogant and entitled, but he cares deeply about family, and he has a whole sad backstory. Not that he's a big softie underneath, but he has...layers. And he's not nearly as calm and collected when it comes to his feelings for Nate.
I've been reading a lot of gfy lately and I kind of thought I was over it, but it turns out I'm not over it, it just has to be written a certain way. The Hazard way. I've also read every boss/assistant book I could get my hands on while I was waiting for this one, but this is the gold standard for me. This book gave me everything I love to read - steam, banter, jealousy and possessiveness, neediness, even a little fake relationship/only one bed goodness, and hot office sex. It was a total page-turner, and not a single moment dragged for me.
Honorary mention of Luke and Roman - who had an appearance, but didn't steal the show, which I appreciated. And Jordan too - I guess we'll see how straight you are in the next book. 😉
Read
March 6, 2021These books have ridiculous, impossible-to-believe plots but for some reason I CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF THEM!! I can’t wait for the next one 😘
August 20, 2021
I wanted to like this so much! 🤕💔
BUT...
I love me some grumpy hero. 🖤 However, Raffaele crossed that line where a charming douche becomes insufferable. He was too much, he pushed too much and went too far without giving an inch and showing some heart.
I was happy when I reached a chapter with his POV, it was his chance of redemption, but sadly, not even having his POV saved his sorry ass. 🤷♀️
Something was lacking in the story, feelings and more depth I think, 🤔 something to soften and tone down all the hate/sex office dynamic. It would have helped me to understand why Nate fell in love with such a soulless person. I just couldn't feel their connection. Even the sex was off.
And that's not all, I wish there was
Well, don't mind me, this whole series has been a hit or miss for me anyway.
Peace, folks!☮☮
November 10, 2021
Yes, I can't stop reading this series, and yes, I know about all of it's faults.
Okay, so Just a Bit Bossy hasn't been my favorite in the series so far. For one, it's problematic in SO many ways, but mainly in the VERY unbelievable *magic penis turned me bi but just for you* way and the extremely sketchy work/balance of power way. Also, Raf was a whole asshole, and even during his POV, he wasn't great.
Yes, my BRAIN makes those points, but my body.... it likey this book.
I have no regrets reading it, but just know that I liked it DESPITE my mind telling me it's trash. And yes, I just bought another in the series...
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August 25, 2021
i knew raffaele was it for me when he fingered nate w his rolex on, the first night they fucked
(jk rutledge & logan are still my number #1)
the characters familiarity with each other is honestly what makes a book hot for me
this felt sort of like a mix of book 10 with the assistant-boss thing (in that book it was pretty brief but its there), book 8 with the whole fake dating and book 6 with the whole mafia thing. some things / scenes dragged but i think theyre up there on one of my top AH couple
so yeah thats their excuse
aww and when rafe got grumpy as hell bcs he misses nate?
the thing about AH i loved is; there were (i think) no insta love between her characters. quick connection & chemistry, yes. but even the lust between em was gradual (i think. at least most of em) which added the angst and made it 10 times better. theyre also (mostly) slow burn even when the book’s not that long. she uses time jump and i actually prefer that over insta love
btw the actual rating for this book : 3.5 - 3.75
(jk rutledge & logan are still my number #1)
***sorta spoilers below***
Ferrara’s jaw clenched. “Fine. Walk.”
Confused, Nate got to his feet. “What?”
His boss said nothing, just laid a heavy hand on Nate’s nape, and steered him toward the door unceremoniously, his touch like a brand.
Ferrara steered him to the elevator, then through the underground parking lot, his punishing grip still on Nate’s nape. Nate felt like a dog being walked by its owner.
[…..]
‘A heavy hand gripped his nape. “If you’re quite done gossiping, I need you to take notes,” Satan said, turning Nate and giving him a push toward his office.
Nate sighed, not even trying to shrug the touch off. He was used to this. At this point, Nate was a little surprised that his skin didn’t have finger-shaped bruises from how many times his boss had manhandled him by his neck. He had become so used to this touch it didn’t even register as weird anymore.
He wondered if it was weird.’
”I’ve realized that as my assistant, it’s your duty to assist me with everything,” Ferrara said, and there it was, the devilish, amused glint in his eyes, impossible to hide now. “I don’t need to go through the trouble of finding time for meetings with women when I have my assistant right here.
Get on your knees,”
A shudder went through Ferrara’s body. “Tighter,” he ordered tersely, opening his eyes. “Hold it tighter. Don’t you know how to jerk off?”
“Figures that you’d criticize even my jerk-off skills,” Nate grumbled, but he did as he was told, squeezing the thick cock in his hand tighter.
the characters familiarity with each other is honestly what makes a book hot for me
’Then Ferrara hissed slightly, pushing up, thrusting, fucking Nate’s hand, and came. Nate wasn’t sure what it said about him that his first instinct was to catch all the jizz in his hand so that Ferrara’s shirt wasn’t ruined.
Jesus, Ferrara really had him well trained.
The thought was honestly horrifying.’
this felt sort of like a mix of book 10 with the assistant-boss thing (in that book it was pretty brief but its there), book 8 with the whole fake dating and book 6 with the whole mafia thing. some things / scenes dragged but i think theyre up there on one of my top AH couple
”I’m too keyed up. Come over here and jerk me off.”
Nate stared at him.
Ferrara stared right back, insufferably arrogant, confident, and without a hint of shame.
Nate laughed a little. “Is this now part of my job description?”
“It is, if I say so. If you don’t like the job, you can always quit.”
Nate scoffed. “You wish,” he said before striding over to his boss and kneeling.
so yeah thats their excuse
”You can’t be serious,” he said, looking at Ferrara incredulously. “You have a meeting with the Microsoft representative in fifteen minutes.”
“That’s precisely why it needs to happen now,” Ferrara said in a tone of finality, his face expressionless as if he were speaking about the weather. “I’ll need a clear head for the meeting. It’s too important.”
Nate scoffed. “What, you can’t think when you’re horny?”
Ferrara gave him a look that made it clear how little he thought of Nate’s intelligence if Nate really expected that he was going to explain himself to a lowly PA.
“Fine,” Nate grumbled, kneeling in front of him and unzipping his boss’s pants with practiced ease. “I still don’t understand how you can be horny already. I did this yesterday evening.”
“Then you can blame only yourself for your subpar effort.”
aww and when rafe got grumpy as hell bcs he misses nate?
’Get a grip, he told himself, deeply unsettled by the direction of his thoughts. It was bad enough that he was acting like an obsessed, creepy stalker; he drew the line at behaving like a possessive psychopath.
“Is there anything else you wanted, Mr. Ferrara?” Nate said in the same neutral, nauseatingly detached tone of voice.
Raffaele clenched his jaw. Had he really gotten over him so fast? What happened to “the world feels dull without you”?
“Nothing,” he bit out, closing the video, and hung up.
He was in an utterly foul mood for the rest of the day.’
the thing about AH i loved is; there were (i think) no insta love between her characters. quick connection & chemistry, yes. but even the lust between em was gradual (i think. at least most of em) which added the angst and made it 10 times better. theyre also (mostly) slow burn even when the book’s not that long. she uses time jump and i actually prefer that over insta love
here's the updated ranking tho :
Logan-Andrew & Shawn-Rutledge
Vlad-Seb & Rafe-Nate
Jamie-Ryan
Straight Boy (the book)
Tristan-Zach
Roman-Luke
Chris-Alec
Just a Bit Dirty
Nick-Ty's book
Just a Bit Shameless
fucking gabriel's book
btw the actual rating for this book : 3.5 - 3.75
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November 14, 2022
4.5 stars ☆
“Feel like I’m drowning in you sometimes,” Nate whispered, his words slurred and barely intelligible. “I hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. Want to see you always.”
omg i loved them! Raffaele and Nate were hot as fuck together and their dynamic of i hate you, but can’t resist you >> 🥵 i loved their banters and the fake relationship during their trip to see Roman and Luke (i loved how they were part of this btw)? chefs kiss. i think, of the books i’ve read so far in the series, this was the first where we had a glimpse of their relationship after they became a couple and i adored the little moments. 🥺🤍
p.s. yes, this the third Straight Guys book i've finished today (even though i had a head start with Just a Bit Ruthless last night) but i swear, they're so easy to consume. i binged each book in 2-3 hrs lmao, but i'm halfway through the series so hopefully i'll feel the same way about the rest (the blurbs for a few i haven't read yet aren't catching my eye tbh, but it's AH so i have to read it 😩). 🤞🏼
“Feel like I’m drowning in you sometimes,” Nate whispered, his words slurred and barely intelligible. “I hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. Want to see you always.”
omg i loved them! Raffaele and Nate were hot as fuck together and their dynamic of i hate you, but can’t resist you >> 🥵 i loved their banters and the fake relationship during their trip to see Roman and Luke (i loved how they were part of this btw)? chefs kiss. i think, of the books i’ve read so far in the series, this was the first where we had a glimpse of their relationship after they became a couple and i adored the little moments. 🥺🤍
p.s. yes, this the third Straight Guys book i've finished today (even though i had a head start with Just a Bit Ruthless last night) but i swear, they're so easy to consume. i binged each book in 2-3 hrs lmao, but i'm halfway through the series so hopefully i'll feel the same way about the rest (the blurbs for a few i haven't read yet aren't catching my eye tbh, but it's AH so i have to read it 😩). 🤞🏼
August 25, 2021
instead of being called “Just a Bit Bossy” this book should be called “Just a Bit of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace”.
i really hated this... but i was too morbidly fascinated to put it down lol.
the whole “woe is me” dialogue about Raffaele’s high sex drive running in the family and how it disrupts his everyday life bcos he gets horny in meetings— and refused to be in a committed relationship bcos of his... high sex drive???💀 like people are dying, Raffaele. i– what??
i just could not take the seriously, im sorry. i tried.
it was slightly mortifying to read and ive read some wild shit in my time. Raffaele was just a bizarre, irredeemable character to me. there was not one appealing quality that he possessed imo. Nate deserved better🤷🏻♀️ the last few chapters were kinda cute tho and the sex was hot... so i’ll give the book that.
i really hated this... but i was too morbidly fascinated to put it down lol.
the whole “woe is me” dialogue about Raffaele’s high sex drive running in the family and how it disrupts his everyday life bcos he gets horny in meetings— and refused to be in a committed relationship bcos of his... high sex drive???💀 like people are dying, Raffaele. i– what??
i just could not take the seriously, im sorry. i tried.
it was slightly mortifying to read and ive read some wild shit in my time. Raffaele was just a bizarre, irredeemable character to me. there was not one appealing quality that he possessed imo. Nate deserved better🤷🏻♀️ the last few chapters were kinda cute tho and the sex was hot... so i’ll give the book that.
August 27, 2021
I’m gonna be screaming Raffaele in my sleep for the next few days. 😩
I’m sorry but those final chapters were everything
I’m sorry but those final chapters were everything
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November 29, 2023
Just a Bit Bossy is book twelve in the Straight Guys series by Alessandra Hazard! I DID IT!! Since I have already read book thirteen, I have now read the entire series. Although, when the newest book comes out in a couple of months, I’m thinking I might re-read book thirteen to refresh my memory. I adore this series. I’m actually kind of sad it’s done!!
Nate Parrish is twenty two years old. He lives with his sister and just completed his degree is computer science and game development. He’s still looking for a job when he meets Raffaele who needs a PA. They make a bet. Nate will be his PA for six months, if he can last that long.
Raffaele Ferrara is the Executive Vice President of the Caldwell Group. He is a demanding, grumpy, perfectionist and in Nate’s words, Satan himself. The most infuriating man he has ever met! Their working relationship turns into a bit of a game of chicken. Raffaele coming up with more and more demanding things for Nate to do and Nate meets his demands every single time. Even when Raffaele’s demands become a bit more “personal” shall we say!
Nate’s life revolves around Raffaele and work. His entire focus is on his boss. Even though he claims to despise him with every breath, he also feels strangely connected to him. Then, when work takes them to Italy, things change once again!
I loved this book! Also, I loved that we get to spend some time with Roman Demidov and Luke Whitford from book six, Just a Bit Ruthless. This book was in more of Nate’s POV than it was Raffaele’s but we still get enough of him to know what’s going on in his head. He was hilarious the way he would just demand Nate to do things. And of course, Nate always did. No matter WHAT they were! As I said earlier, I adore this series. I might have to check through the other series of this author now!
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Nate Parrish is twenty two years old. He lives with his sister and just completed his degree is computer science and game development. He’s still looking for a job when he meets Raffaele who needs a PA. They make a bet. Nate will be his PA for six months, if he can last that long.
Raffaele Ferrara is the Executive Vice President of the Caldwell Group. He is a demanding, grumpy, perfectionist and in Nate’s words, Satan himself. The most infuriating man he has ever met! Their working relationship turns into a bit of a game of chicken. Raffaele coming up with more and more demanding things for Nate to do and Nate meets his demands every single time. Even when Raffaele’s demands become a bit more “personal” shall we say!
Nate’s life revolves around Raffaele and work. His entire focus is on his boss. Even though he claims to despise him with every breath, he also feels strangely connected to him. Then, when work takes them to Italy, things change once again!
I loved this book! Also, I loved that we get to spend some time with Roman Demidov and Luke Whitford from book six, Just a Bit Ruthless. This book was in more of Nate’s POV than it was Raffaele’s but we still get enough of him to know what’s going on in his head. He was hilarious the way he would just demand Nate to do things. And of course, Nate always did. No matter WHAT they were! As I said earlier, I adore this series. I might have to check through the other series of this author now!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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January 24, 2023
***5.0 rating***
Whoever said rereading can make you sick of a book or author lied. Idk why, but I question why I didn't give this a 5-star the first time I read it. Nate and Rafe are one of the most interesting couples in this series. I reread too much. send help. lol.
__________________________
***4.5 rating***
“Feel like I’m drowning in you sometimes,” Nate whispered, his words slurred and barely intelligible. “I hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. Want to see you always.” -Nate
“I want you to miss me every minute I’m not there,” Raffaele said in a barely audible, hoarse whisper, mouthing the side of his face, nipping along his jaw. “Want you to think of me all the time. Only me.” -Raffaele
Second reread: April 2022
This was the first book I ever read by Alessandra Hazard. It was also the first book I read from the Straight Guys series. This book was the beginning of my love affair with AH. It became a favorite of mine very quickly.
I love the way AH writes unrealistic, outrageous, ridiculous plots with sexy brooding, possessive, needy male MCs. There is not a book of hers in this series that I did not devour. I loved this series, even the books that I gave lower ratings to.
Nate and Rafe are one of my favorite couples from this series. Everything about this couple was executed perfectly. The hatred, Rafe's bossiness, the attraction, neediness, Nate becoming a slut for Rafe
Whoever said rereading can make you sick of a book or author lied. Idk why, but I question why I didn't give this a 5-star the first time I read it. Nate and Rafe are one of the most interesting couples in this series. I reread too much. send help. lol.
__________________________
***4.5 rating***
“Feel like I’m drowning in you sometimes,” Nate whispered, his words slurred and barely intelligible. “I hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. Want to see you always.” -Nate
“I want you to miss me every minute I’m not there,” Raffaele said in a barely audible, hoarse whisper, mouthing the side of his face, nipping along his jaw. “Want you to think of me all the time. Only me.” -Raffaele
Second reread: April 2022
This was the first book I ever read by Alessandra Hazard. It was also the first book I read from the Straight Guys series. This book was the beginning of my love affair with AH. It became a favorite of mine very quickly.
I love the way AH writes unrealistic, outrageous, ridiculous plots with sexy brooding, possessive, needy male MCs. There is not a book of hers in this series that I did not devour. I loved this series, even the books that I gave lower ratings to.
Nate and Rafe are one of my favorite couples from this series. Everything about this couple was executed perfectly. The hatred, Rafe's bossiness, the attraction, neediness, Nate becoming a slut for Rafe
June 2, 2024
3.5 Stars
I hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. Want to see you always.
I have a confession to make. I went into this hating Ferrara for what he did to Damiano. I didn't forgive him but I still like him with all his faults.
I was so happy when we got Rafael's pov. I was so excited to find out what he thought about Nate. Turns out all he thought about Nate before the last twenty pages (While Nate was busy falling head over heals for him) was that he was insolent and amusing. Isn't that just so great?
I only started liking his character when he started tracking Nate on the cameras and he started making excuses to show up at his department. He also gave us this line,
“You did something to me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You turned me into an idiot.” [...] “I can’t fucking focus on my work,” he ground out. “I’m either thinking of you or trying not to think of you. When I’m not stalking you through security cameras, I somehow end up on the second floor, and then I have to come up with ridiculous excuses for being there.” He chuckled, the sound devoid of amusement. “This is not me. I feel like a goddamn idiot—but I can’t stop.”
“I…” Raffaele looked at him for a moment, his throat working. And then he said, his voice somehow rough and soft at the same time, “Ti amo.”
Nate annoyed me sometimes. Every time I thought this man is finally gonna stand up he just goes back to acting like a love sick fool.
Nate swallowed. He tried to summon the anger he’d felt just a few moments ago, but his thoughts kept scattering, the familiar urge to please this man creeping back.
This was fun in the beginning but it just started to get annoying.
But I started liking him when he got a new job and actually started avoiding Rafael and stopped acting like a goddamn fool when he was around,
“Is there anything else you wanted, Mr. Ferrara?” Nate said in the same neutral, nauseatingly detached tone of voice. Raffaele clenched his jaw. Had he really gotten over him so fast? What happened to “the world feels dull without you”?
I did like these two and their whole I hate you but I can't resist you shit they got going on. I also loved that we got to see Roman and Luke being a couple. I just wished they got to know each other a bit instead of sex being the only reason they were together.
_______
Pre-Read:
I always tell myself am gonna stop reading the books in this series because all the relationships are based on lust and nothing more but I keep coming back. There’s just something about these books that is oddly addicting
#0 Straight Boy = 3.0 Stars
#1 Just a Bit Twisted = 4.0 Stars
#4 Just a Bit Wrong = 4.0 Stars
#6 Just a Bit Ruthless = 3.5 Stars
#8 Just a Bit Shameless = 4.0 Stars
#10 Just a Bit Dirty = 3.5 Stars
#12 Just a Bit Bossy = 3.5 Stars
#13 Just a Bit Heartless3.5 Stars
#14 Just a Bit Captivated = 2.0 Stars
I hated you so much, but now everything feels dull without you. Want to see you always.
I have a confession to make. I went into this hating Ferrara for what he did to Damiano. I didn't forgive him but I still like him with all his faults.
I was so happy when we got Rafael's pov. I was so excited to find out what he thought about Nate. Turns out all he thought about Nate before the last twenty pages (While Nate was busy falling head over heals for him) was that he was insolent and amusing. Isn't that just so great?
I only started liking his character when he started tracking Nate on the cameras and he started making excuses to show up at his department. He also gave us this line,
“You did something to me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You turned me into an idiot.” [...] “I can’t fucking focus on my work,” he ground out. “I’m either thinking of you or trying not to think of you. When I’m not stalking you through security cameras, I somehow end up on the second floor, and then I have to come up with ridiculous excuses for being there.” He chuckled, the sound devoid of amusement. “This is not me. I feel like a goddamn idiot—but I can’t stop.”
“I…” Raffaele looked at him for a moment, his throat working. And then he said, his voice somehow rough and soft at the same time, “Ti amo.”
Nate annoyed me sometimes. Every time I thought this man is finally gonna stand up he just goes back to acting like a love sick fool.
Nate swallowed. He tried to summon the anger he’d felt just a few moments ago, but his thoughts kept scattering, the familiar urge to please this man creeping back.
This was fun in the beginning but it just started to get annoying.
But I started liking him when he got a new job and actually started avoiding Rafael and stopped acting like a goddamn fool when he was around,
“Is there anything else you wanted, Mr. Ferrara?” Nate said in the same neutral, nauseatingly detached tone of voice. Raffaele clenched his jaw. Had he really gotten over him so fast? What happened to “the world feels dull without you”?
I did like these two and their whole I hate you but I can't resist you shit they got going on. I also loved that we got to see Roman and Luke being a couple. I just wished they got to know each other a bit instead of sex being the only reason they were together.
_______
Pre-Read:
I always tell myself am gonna stop reading the books in this series because all the relationships are based on lust and nothing more but I keep coming back. There’s just something about these books that is oddly addicting
#0 Straight Boy = 3.0 Stars
#1 Just a Bit Twisted = 4.0 Stars
#4 Just a Bit Wrong = 4.0 Stars
#6 Just a Bit Ruthless = 3.5 Stars
#8 Just a Bit Shameless = 4.0 Stars
#10 Just a Bit Dirty = 3.5 Stars
#12 Just a Bit Bossy = 3.5 Stars
#13 Just a Bit Heartless3.5 Stars
#14 Just a Bit Captivated = 2.0 Stars
August 24, 2021
Hello, my name is Rosie and I'm an addict. 🥲🥲❤
Addicted to ALESSANDRA'S WRITING!!! *faints*
This is a book that makes me think of how much of a double standard I have!!
1. This had cliches
2. It had toxicity all over it
3. Red flaaaags!
Did I care? NO LORD I DIDN'T! 😫😫 THIS WAS AWESOME!!
I loved every single second of this, I loved how Raffaele was so cold and so "perfect" and then wam! Nate comes over and it's done, his walls start to crumble and lovely Nate takes over! I loved the office setting, the banter, the side characters.
And oh my gad the neediness! I needed to take breaks, it was a lot and it was so hot, and definitely don't read this in front of people. BIG MISTAKE! Besides miss Hazard gave me a sucker punch when that fake boyfriend trope DROPPED ON MA ASS!!!! *faints again*. It was too much I can't take it.
*breaths*
Anyways, I love you Alessandra, I can always count on your books to make me feel good. 🥰🥰❤
Addicted to ALESSANDRA'S WRITING!!! *faints*
This is a book that makes me think of how much of a double standard I have!!
1. This had cliches
2. It had toxicity all over it
3. Red flaaaags!
Did I care? NO LORD I DIDN'T! 😫😫 THIS WAS AWESOME!!
I loved every single second of this, I loved how Raffaele was so cold and so "perfect" and then wam! Nate comes over and it's done, his walls start to crumble and lovely Nate takes over! I loved the office setting, the banter, the side characters.
And oh my gad the neediness! I needed to take breaks, it was a lot and it was so hot, and definitely don't read this in front of people. BIG MISTAKE! Besides miss Hazard gave me a sucker punch when that fake boyfriend trope DROPPED ON MA ASS!!!! *faints again*. It was too much I can't take it.
*breaths*
Anyways, I love you Alessandra, I can always count on your books to make me feel good. 🥰🥰❤
August 20, 2021
i enjoyed this but it felt shallow? i don't know maybe just me. i hope my AH card don't get revoked after this. books 4 to 7 will always remain superior to me.
August 2, 2024
4.5 - I think it's only fair to bump this up to at least 4.5 stars, seeing as this is my fourth time reading it 😂 Idk how, but it was even better on this read through. They're not topping Jordan and Damiano from book #13 as my favs from this series, but Nate and Raffaele's dynamic is extremely entertaining, so it's no wonder I keep coming back here when I need some smutty mindless fun.
______
3rd read: Raffaele and Nate have such an entertaining dynamic and I always love the fake dating part when they go to Italy even though that isn’t a trope I normally enjoy. And I love office settings and boss x employee relationships in romances. So yeah, it’s always a good time with this book.
______
2nd read: Okay on my second read I’m bumping it up from 3.5 to a solid 4 stars. Now that I know what to expect from the OTT-ness of this series, I can settle into the story a bit more.
______
Original review: This book is not without it's issues and I can't justify giving it any higher of a rating, but I did have a good time reading it. If you want a turn-your-brain-off kind of romance with double gfy, enemies to lovers, and a bit of fake dating in the middle then it’s worth picking up.
______
3rd read: Raffaele and Nate have such an entertaining dynamic and I always love the fake dating part when they go to Italy even though that isn’t a trope I normally enjoy. And I love office settings and boss x employee relationships in romances. So yeah, it’s always a good time with this book.
______
2nd read: Okay on my second read I’m bumping it up from 3.5 to a solid 4 stars. Now that I know what to expect from the OTT-ness of this series, I can settle into the story a bit more.
______
Original review: This book is not without it's issues and I can't justify giving it any higher of a rating, but I did have a good time reading it. If you want a turn-your-brain-off kind of romance with double gfy, enemies to lovers, and a bit of fake dating in the middle then it’s worth picking up.
September 15, 2023
So how does a book of only a little over sixty-five thousand words and with so little plot and no solid conflict become a sweet, sexy and savory four-star read? I'll try my best to explain.
I believe Alessandra Hazard's writing is evolving, drastically and for the better. I first noticed this in Feral. In the prologue of Prince's Master where Warrehn is carrying Eridan and running through the forest, the paragraphs are long, the sentences winding, and the adjectives and adverbs a dime a dozen. But now, her writing has become much more controlled and precise but without losing the descriptiveness that's necessary for an immersive read, and I really like it.
Nate is such a great POV character. With his actions and behavior in this book, he could easily be a much less likable character, but his honest point of view effectively prevents that. He always acknowledges to himself that he's doing something clingy, slutty, delusional, or idiotic– and he does it anyway. Because of this, I don't find him annoying or disagreeable. Instead I see him as a character who's certain of himself and knows what he wants, and I admire him for it.
With Raffaele, there's just something satisfying when someone with such a strong, unbending personality goes out of character and breaks all their rules. It's fun seeing him crumble under the strength of his feelings for Nate. I love Maya and the dynamics of her relationship with Nate, something I don't see often between male-female siblings.
The romance is exactly what one would expect from Alessandra Hazard. She simply knows how to do it right. She has mastered making straight characters just a bit gay while ensuring that the process is as natural, hot, and romantic as possible.
Now, I'll get to explaining.
Like I said, the book has a flimsy plot. In fact, I believe the only plot-related scene in it is the one in chapter one, and incidentally it's the only one I have issues about. The bet that kicked things off is a little too lame to me. I stopped reading and tried to look at it in different perspectives, but my opinion remained the same. But everything after it is great, so that makes it okay.
A major chunk of the story takes place in the office, and little to nothing happens plot-wise. Raffaele keeps being the devil of a boss that every employee is scared of, and Nate keeps being the insolent new personal assistant to said boss. But the lack of plot doesn't become a problem because it gives way and relinquishes focus to a steamy romance and good character development, the two things I want most from a book.
Again, because of the lack of a strong plot and a solid conflict to stand as the backbone of the story, some or many parts of the book might seem superficial, but only if the reader doesn't look at least a little deeper than what's playing out on the surface.
For instance: The characters might not say how they feel– they might not even be aware of it at the moment –but it's right there, all over their every interaction with each other. If the reader would simply look a little deeper, they'll see it in the characters' boring stares and tentative glances, in the soft touches and hard kisses, in the possessive gestures and reluctant surrenders.
Sorry, I got carried away there. Anyway, if the reader can see what's under the surface, then it isn't shallow anymore, in fact, it's even more meaningful than if they had only said the words.
So that, I believe, is why Just a Bit Bossy, like Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, is still a great read despite having not really much happening plot-wise and no solid conflict to create an explosive climax. Roman and Luke's cameo is a very welcome bonus because they're my favorite couple in the series.
I believe Alessandra Hazard's writing is evolving, drastically and for the better. I first noticed this in Feral. In the prologue of Prince's Master where Warrehn is carrying Eridan and running through the forest, the paragraphs are long, the sentences winding, and the adjectives and adverbs a dime a dozen. But now, her writing has become much more controlled and precise but without losing the descriptiveness that's necessary for an immersive read, and I really like it.
Nate is such a great POV character. With his actions and behavior in this book, he could easily be a much less likable character, but his honest point of view effectively prevents that. He always acknowledges to himself that he's doing something clingy, slutty, delusional, or idiotic– and he does it anyway. Because of this, I don't find him annoying or disagreeable. Instead I see him as a character who's certain of himself and knows what he wants, and I admire him for it.
With Raffaele, there's just something satisfying when someone with such a strong, unbending personality goes out of character and breaks all their rules. It's fun seeing him crumble under the strength of his feelings for Nate. I love Maya and the dynamics of her relationship with Nate, something I don't see often between male-female siblings.
The romance is exactly what one would expect from Alessandra Hazard. She simply knows how to do it right. She has mastered making straight characters just a bit gay while ensuring that the process is as natural, hot, and romantic as possible.
Now, I'll get to explaining.
Like I said, the book has a flimsy plot. In fact, I believe the only plot-related scene in it is the one in chapter one, and incidentally it's the only one I have issues about. The bet that kicked things off is a little too lame to me. I stopped reading and tried to look at it in different perspectives, but my opinion remained the same. But everything after it is great, so that makes it okay.
A major chunk of the story takes place in the office, and little to nothing happens plot-wise. Raffaele keeps being the devil of a boss that every employee is scared of, and Nate keeps being the insolent new personal assistant to said boss. But the lack of plot doesn't become a problem because it gives way and relinquishes focus to a steamy romance and good character development, the two things I want most from a book.
Again, because of the lack of a strong plot and a solid conflict to stand as the backbone of the story, some or many parts of the book might seem superficial, but only if the reader doesn't look at least a little deeper than what's playing out on the surface.
For instance: The characters might not say how they feel– they might not even be aware of it at the moment –but it's right there, all over their every interaction with each other. If the reader would simply look a little deeper, they'll see it in the characters' boring stares and tentative glances, in the soft touches and hard kisses, in the possessive gestures and reluctant surrenders.
Sorry, I got carried away there. Anyway, if the reader can see what's under the surface, then it isn't shallow anymore, in fact, it's even more meaningful than if they had only said the words.
So that, I believe, is why Just a Bit Bossy, like Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, is still a great read despite having not really much happening plot-wise and no solid conflict to create an explosive climax. Roman and Luke's cameo is a very welcome bonus because they're my favorite couple in the series.
March 23, 2022
**Re-read 3/23/22. I’m not ashamed of my Alessandra Hazard addiction.** 🤣
"Nate’s mind went utterly blank, unable to comprehend what was happening. The kiss was thought-annihilating, it was debilitating—Nate felt like he was in free fall. He’d never been kissed like that, with such control and forcefulness. It made him feel shaky and unsure, out of control and off balance. Ferrara’s mouth was so damn confident, he even kissed with arrogance, the dick, his tongue pushing into Nate’s mouth as if he owned it. It pissed Nate off—it pissed him off that he was allowing it, meekly accepting the kisses and just gasping, overwhelmed and confused, as his Satan of a boss plundered his mouth with domineering, bruising kisses."
I have an unsurprising confession regarding Alessandra Hazard books...
Actually, I don't need help. I'm perfectly fine the way things are. If you can't support me, please leave.
I don't have a heck of a lot to say that hasn't been said in reviews way better than mine. But I really liked this one. It DID feel extra rushed, even for an AH book. I swear her books just end. The guys are like, “I love you.” “I love you too.” Then it’s just THE END. And speaking of endings, this one went from lust to love so fast, I thought I must have skipped a few pages. I contemplated rating lower because of that. But, these two were too hot and too fun that my enjoyment wasn't diminished much. I'd put this one in the upper middle of the pack for me as far as the series go. (In the ever changing list I have in my head because I'm CRAZY.)
A sound slipped out of his throat when Ferrara pulled away. It wasn’t a whine. He hated Ferrara and he hated his horrible kisses that made him feel like a different person altogether.
“You kiss terribly,” Ferrara murmured before gripping his chin harder and kissing him again.
"Nate’s mind went utterly blank, unable to comprehend what was happening. The kiss was thought-annihilating, it was debilitating—Nate felt like he was in free fall. He’d never been kissed like that, with such control and forcefulness. It made him feel shaky and unsure, out of control and off balance. Ferrara’s mouth was so damn confident, he even kissed with arrogance, the dick, his tongue pushing into Nate’s mouth as if he owned it. It pissed Nate off—it pissed him off that he was allowing it, meekly accepting the kisses and just gasping, overwhelmed and confused, as his Satan of a boss plundered his mouth with domineering, bruising kisses."
I have an unsurprising confession regarding Alessandra Hazard books...
Actually, I don't need help. I'm perfectly fine the way things are. If you can't support me, please leave.
I don't have a heck of a lot to say that hasn't been said in reviews way better than mine. But I really liked this one. It DID feel extra rushed, even for an AH book. I swear her books just end. The guys are like, “I love you.” “I love you too.” Then it’s just THE END. And speaking of endings, this one went from lust to love so fast, I thought I must have skipped a few pages. I contemplated rating lower because of that. But, these two were too hot and too fun that my enjoyment wasn't diminished much. I'd put this one in the upper middle of the pack for me as far as the series go. (In the ever changing list I have in my head because I'm CRAZY.)
A sound slipped out of his throat when Ferrara pulled away. It wasn’t a whine. He hated Ferrara and he hated his horrible kisses that made him feel like a different person altogether.
“You kiss terribly,” Ferrara murmured before gripping his chin harder and kissing him again.
August 15, 2021
I read romance books for the romantic intense chemistry, and of course Alessandra did not disappoint! 2 straight guys falling in love? Oh how I loved it! This book was very very hot, probably the hottest one in the series. I just love how Alessandra writes her sex scenes, with an extra layer of neediness. Each scene was different and you could feel the mcs becoming closer, despite the blatant disregard of each other. Oh how I love her writing!
Nate was such a kind and sweet character, but he was so in tune with Raffaele. And ahhh Raffaele, the demanding commitment phobe asshole, couldn't help falling for Nate. The "games" they played grew to a level neither wanted. Their chemistry was very intense and their passion was push and pull. The boss/assistant dynamics was very hot and obsessive. I was smiling throughout. It was also nice to see Roman and Luke again; oh how I wanted more of them. I really love this series, and I'm hoping there is more to come!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nate was such a kind and sweet character, but he was so in tune with Raffaele. And ahhh Raffaele, the demanding commitment phobe asshole, couldn't help falling for Nate. The "games" they played grew to a level neither wanted. Their chemistry was very intense and their passion was push and pull. The boss/assistant dynamics was very hot and obsessive. I was smiling throughout. It was also nice to see Roman and Luke again; oh how I wanted more of them. I really love this series, and I'm hoping there is more to come!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2021
Me the minute I finish an Alessandra Hazard book:
When I tell you I DEVOURED this book... this was a classic AH style love story aka it was messed up but also so good.
!!! In order to enjoy yourself; real life morals and thoughts need to be left at the door!!!
Raffaele's treatment of Nate is fucked up and this story would very much constitute the romanticization of workplace sexual harassment but after drinking the AH koolaid, I can temporarily pause on how would I react in the outside world and enjoy their mess of a love story. Like not me thinking it was CUTE how Raffaele was watching Nate at work through the security cameras and spoiling his chances of getting a new job bc he missed him?!
I really can't provide a real review with criticisms because I read this with no critical though in my brain and just enjoyed the OTT jealousy, possessiveness and hate sex.
Their progression to mushy love was so fast though, their dynamic really went 0-100 in the end, it gave me a bit of whiplash. MY ONE CRITICISM (for almost all AH books 😪) IS WHERE IS THE EPILOGUE? What does Hazard have against them like damn, her stories always end so abruptly like nooooo give me more 😭
When I tell you I DEVOURED this book... this was a classic AH style love story aka it was messed up but also so good.
!!! In order to enjoy yourself; real life morals and thoughts need to be left at the door!!!
Raffaele's treatment of Nate is fucked up and this story would very much constitute the romanticization of workplace sexual harassment but after drinking the AH koolaid, I can temporarily pause on how would I react in the outside world and enjoy their mess of a love story. Like not me thinking it was CUTE how Raffaele was watching Nate at work through the security cameras and spoiling his chances of getting a new job bc he missed him?!
I really can't provide a real review with criticisms because I read this with no critical though in my brain and just enjoyed the OTT jealousy, possessiveness and hate sex.
Their progression to mushy love was so fast though, their dynamic really went 0-100 in the end, it gave me a bit of whiplash. MY ONE CRITICISM (for almost all AH books 😪) IS WHERE IS THE EPILOGUE? What does Hazard have against them like damn, her stories always end so abruptly like nooooo give me more 😭
August 21, 2021
It pains me to say this but the magic was missing from this one for me😭💔 I'm heartbroken! Maybe I did myself a disservice having made Just a Bit Dirty my most recent A.H. book because they had so many similarities. I wanted to finish the series before I started this one and Just a Bit Dirty was my last book but I definitely feel like it was a wrong move to read these two so close together😶 It felt sorta empty to me in a way. I've been searching the recesses of my brain for a better word but that's all I got! The latter half of the book was far more enjoyable and the sex was 🔥🔥🔥 but I was left feeling like something fundamental was missing. Like I got a cake made at my favorite bakery and it's a cake I've had before (and loved) but it still just feels slightly off but the more I eat of said cake I still can't quite place the missing ingredient. There were things I did enjoy a lot though. Loved the Roman and Luke cameo! The possessiveness and jealousy displayed by Ferrara and Nate was ✨stellar.✨ But their connection seemed so flimsy and not that strong. The caricature of the boss archetype where mean boss is mean 😡 gets easily boring to me. His whole personality was based off being a handsome misunderstood billionaire who treats his employees like shit but for all his being misunderstood I didn't see that supposed depth we were supposed to gleam from that one vulnerable conversation they had in bed. It felt like a pretty shallow book to me, sadly. 😥 All that being said though, I love that reading A.H. books is never a chore for me even when I'm not that big of a fan. They fly by and I never *ever* regret reading them. Her writing is so easy to fall into -- and that's still the case here! Let it be known that I have no problem with unlikable characters at all and a character does not need to be redeemable for me to want to read about them -- in the case of Nate and Ferrara I think they both lacked substance. So long story short...for me this book felt like an amalgamation of every Straight Guys character and trope...plus the connection and chemistry between the characters was flat or just nonexistent. They were hot together but I wish that chemistry and connection went beyond sex. This is now one of my least favorite S.G. books🙁 I am one of about three people that loved Just a Bit Gay so don't take me too seriously, I am the queen of the unpopular opinion club🤭🤣
August 26, 2021
I should have known better:
Never say never!
After a couple of flops, particularly book 11, I swore not to return to this series, and then I read one really enthusiastic review … so here I am. Just as well I don’t give in easily! 😂 (Thanks to Leslie and Elisa!)
This is a classic Alessandra Hazzard ‘enemies to lovers’ romance, and it worked really well.
Raffaele is suitably cold, nasty, arrogant and domineering. It is a shame we didn’t find out more about him, being in Nate’s POV predominantly.
Nate takes the well-known role of the gutsy PA who’s 'brave enough’to stand up to the monster boss and eventually becomes irreplaceable. To start with, sex happens as a result of a challenge, and it all develops from there. (and that includes heaps of heat and sizzle!)
Although there were elements which left me a little uneasy, I thoroughly enjoyed watching how these two guys find each other, against their better judgment and common sense. Alessandra Hazzard does the ‘hate you, love you’ aspect, the tension and UST so well!
I would have loved more POV from Raffaele (we only get two or three chapters) to understand him better. I didn’t really feel him, even though his actions gave his feelings away later on, but I would have liked to see at least some glimpses of humanity in him sooner. He is maybe just a wee bit overdrawn.
But apart from that, this was a captivating and engaging read (and revisiting Roman and Luke from book 6 was fun) and exactly what I expected from the author.
If you’re a fan of ‘enemies to lovers’ you’re certainly on a winner here.
Great entertainment!
Never say never!
After a couple of flops, particularly book 11, I swore not to return to this series, and then I read one really enthusiastic review … so here I am. Just as well I don’t give in easily! 😂 (Thanks to Leslie and Elisa!)
This is a classic Alessandra Hazzard ‘enemies to lovers’ romance, and it worked really well.
Raffaele is suitably cold, nasty, arrogant and domineering. It is a shame we didn’t find out more about him, being in Nate’s POV predominantly.
Nate takes the well-known role of the gutsy PA who’s 'brave enough’to stand up to the monster boss and eventually becomes irreplaceable. To start with, sex happens as a result of a challenge, and it all develops from there. (and that includes heaps of heat and sizzle!)
Although there were elements which left me a little uneasy, I thoroughly enjoyed watching how these two guys find each other, against their better judgment and common sense. Alessandra Hazzard does the ‘hate you, love you’ aspect, the tension and UST so well!
I would have loved more POV from Raffaele (we only get two or three chapters) to understand him better. I didn’t really feel him, even though his actions gave his feelings away later on, but I would have liked to see at least some glimpses of humanity in him sooner. He is maybe just a wee bit overdrawn.
But apart from that, this was a captivating and engaging read (and revisiting Roman and Luke from book 6 was fun) and exactly what I expected from the author.
If you’re a fan of ‘enemies to lovers’ you’re certainly on a winner here.
Great entertainment!
September 22, 2022
"Dark eyes were fixed on him with a strange expression Nate couldn’t quite read. “Shut the door and come over here.” Nate could only stare at him in bewilderment but his legs were already moving. Fuck, Ferrara really had him trained well."
I totally love this series and this book is no exception, in fact I've now read it three times, back to back 🥵. Yep, I think Just a Bit Bossy may be one of my favourites 🖤.
“Sir,” he heard himself say. He sounded surprisingly normal and not at all like he was gripping his chair hard in order to stop himself from jumping his boss in front of everyone and climbing him like a tree."
MM enemies to lovers, double bi-awakening, power imbalance, forced proximity, a splash of fake relationship, and you basically have all my favourite tropes wrapped up neatly in a box with a bow.
Add to that the classic Alessandra Hazard steam-fest 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and it’s another one-click purchase for me 😁.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
5 steamy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I totally love this series and this book is no exception, in fact I've now read it three times, back to back 🥵. Yep, I think Just a Bit Bossy may be one of my favourites 🖤.
“Sir,” he heard himself say. He sounded surprisingly normal and not at all like he was gripping his chair hard in order to stop himself from jumping his boss in front of everyone and climbing him like a tree."
MM enemies to lovers, double bi-awakening, power imbalance, forced proximity, a splash of fake relationship, and you basically have all my favourite tropes wrapped up neatly in a box with a bow.
Add to that the classic Alessandra Hazard steam-fest 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and it’s another one-click purchase for me 😁.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
5 steamy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 28, 2023
My morals are officially out of the fucking door 💀💀
Ok first of all, this book was SO PORNY, but OH my GAHHH, how do I say it? They had actual connection and the plotline was entertaining! Not those kind of lame books that solemnly focus on sex without any other motive. Plus, Hazard’s writing made it easy. I love her (past few years) books. Always so addicting. I love books like this. While the horny porny stuffs went on, their “love” development were there and I enjoyed it every second.
Nate and Ferrara both made me feel so frustrated. In a good way ofc. The banters and arguments were so frustratingly hot 🥵🥵 I felt like smacking Ferrara’s face sometimes, but also flustered by him. And Nate too. Damn, these guys.
I had the biggest laughs about Nate calling him Satan. The satans were so fucking funny I snicker everytime. Even the caller ID was “Satan” I FUCKING CANT😭😭😭😭
I wouldn’t say this was enemies to lovers, despite how much “loathe” Nate had for him. In this book, that trope would be considered too on top of the surface. But this was still a good ass book. I enjoyed the hell out of it. Hazard should maintain this kind of writing, coz her books now mostly are not as pleasant as the older ones :’)
AND PUBLIC SEX??? 😫😫😩😭😋😫🥵🥵😍😛🤭😭🥵 HELLOOOO IM DEAD OVER HERE
Tbh, I could never understand hypersexuals, but I kinda get this ferrero rocher guy 😊😋 I can’t help it. His name reminds me a lot of the chocolate.
I’m giving this a 5 bcs I can’t stop gushing near the end and I’m still giggling over here. Maybe even smiling myself to sleep later.
Thank you ma bestie Hugo for this and all the rantings! 😛 I get the appeal now. This book screams you btw ahahahahh ;P
favourite details:
first time BJ
“kneel”
PUBLIC SEXXXXXX 🥵😩
“I can’t find the AK Media file” LOLOL HE MISSED HIM AGAGAGAGA
stalk him through the CCTV 🤭🤭
“you turn me into an idiot” 🤭😍🤭😍
Ok first of all, this book was SO PORNY, but OH my GAHHH, how do I say it? They had actual connection and the plotline was entertaining! Not those kind of lame books that solemnly focus on sex without any other motive. Plus, Hazard’s writing made it easy. I love her (past few years) books. Always so addicting. I love books like this. While the horny porny stuffs went on, their “love” development were there and I enjoyed it every second.
Nate and Ferrara both made me feel so frustrated. In a good way ofc. The banters and arguments were so frustratingly hot 🥵🥵 I felt like smacking Ferrara’s face sometimes, but also flustered by him. And Nate too. Damn, these guys.
I had the biggest laughs about Nate calling him Satan. The satans were so fucking funny I snicker everytime. Even the caller ID was “Satan” I FUCKING CANT😭😭😭😭
I wouldn’t say this was enemies to lovers, despite how much “loathe” Nate had for him. In this book, that trope would be considered too on top of the surface. But this was still a good ass book. I enjoyed the hell out of it. Hazard should maintain this kind of writing, coz her books now mostly are not as pleasant as the older ones :’)
AND PUBLIC SEX??? 😫😫😩😭😋😫🥵🥵😍😛🤭😭🥵 HELLOOOO IM DEAD OVER HERE
Tbh, I could never understand hypersexuals, but I kinda get this ferrero rocher guy 😊😋 I can’t help it. His name reminds me a lot of the chocolate.
I’m giving this a 5 bcs I can’t stop gushing near the end and I’m still giggling over here. Maybe even smiling myself to sleep later.
Thank you ma bestie Hugo for this and all the rantings! 😛 I get the appeal now. This book screams you btw ahahahahh ;P
favourite details:
first time BJ
“kneel”
PUBLIC SEXXXXXX 🥵😩
“I can’t find the AK Media file” LOLOL HE MISSED HIM AGAGAGAGA
stalk him through the CCTV 🤭🤭
“you turn me into an idiot” 🤭😍🤭😍
August 23, 2022
Re-read Aug 2022
Rounding up as I loved it just as much as the first time, if not more 😍
*******************************************************
4.5 “Ti Amo” Stars
I was a little worried about reading this, given the mixed reviews, but happily for me, I loved it. Ever since I read the epilogue for Just a Bit Wrecked, I’ve been waiting 8 long months for a particular scene and it was so worth the wait 😏 Nate and Raffaele, aka Satan were hot AF 🥵 Loved that this enemies to lovers, double GFY, office romance had the added bonus of a little bit of fake relationship/forced proximity (just my cup of tea). Outrageously OTT and lacking some depth but highly entertaining. Will definitely be re-reading!!!
Rounding up as I loved it just as much as the first time, if not more 😍
*******************************************************
4.5 “Ti Amo” Stars
I was a little worried about reading this, given the mixed reviews, but happily for me, I loved it. Ever since I read the epilogue for Just a Bit Wrecked, I’ve been waiting 8 long months for a particular scene and it was so worth the wait 😏 Nate and Raffaele, aka Satan were hot AF 🥵 Loved that this enemies to lovers, double GFY, office romance had the added bonus of a little bit of fake relationship/forced proximity (just my cup of tea). Outrageously OTT and lacking some depth but highly entertaining. Will definitely be re-reading!!!
August 23, 2021
I hope this series never ends ... So entertaining 😃 ..
June 23, 2024
|| 3.0 stars ||
I actually had pretty high expectations for this going into it, but I can't say I ended up being very impressed.
To me there was just something missing: a spark? a connection?
I love a good hate-to-love story when you can slowly see them growing closer (especially between a boss and his assistant), but here I thought there was merely a constant string of annoyance between them and then they start hooking up and.. simply don't want to stop having sex. So they decide: why not have a relationship then? The end.
There's no true love, no deeper connection, no getting to know each other. Just: obsessed with sex.
There was nothing 'soft' about their relationship, and neither did they have particularly great banter. I was really waiting for some more depth, but it didn't come.
In my opinion this book would have been better if Raffaele would have realized his feelings for Nate sooner. Because seriously, not even in his inner monologue (which was only once or twice by the way, almost all of it is from Nate's POV) did he ever have sweet or swoony thoughts about Nate. He just found him "insolent" and maybe slightly amusing? That's not enough.
I also would have preferred if Nate wasn't such a complete push-over. He did anything Raffaele wanted from him, and he never stood up for himself. He was just obsessed with Raffaele's cock, and that's it.
Which is odd, because we're told that people are drawn to Nate because he exudes warmth and kindness, but we never see any of that actually happen on-page. We are only told, never shown, what kind of person Nate is.
Anyway, it's not that I hated this book, not at all; I was thoroughly entertained throughout. It was truly never boring.
The book was just never particularly great either, and I didn't feel very invested in the relationship.
The later chapters were definitely the best, though, because Raffaele finally pulled his head out of his arse and realized he actually liked Nate.
'Straight Guys' series:
0. Straight Boy - 3.0 stars
1. Just a Bit Twisted - 3.5 stars
2. Just a Bit Obsessed - 3.0 stars
3. Just a Bit Unhealthy - 2.5 stars
4. Just a Bit Wrong - 3.5 stars
5. Just a Bit Confusing - 1.5 stars
6. Just a Bit Ruthless - 4.0 stars
7. Just a Bit Wicked - 3.5 stars
8. Just a Bit Shameless - 4.5 stars
9. Just a Bit Gay - 1.0 star
10. Just a Bit Dirty - 3.0 stars
11. Just a Bit Wrecked - 2.5 stars
12. Just a Bit Bossy - 3.0 stars
13. Just a Bit Heartless - 3.5 stars
14. Just a Bit Captivated - 3.0 stars
I actually had pretty high expectations for this going into it, but I can't say I ended up being very impressed.
To me there was just something missing: a spark? a connection?
I love a good hate-to-love story when you can slowly see them growing closer (especially between a boss and his assistant), but here I thought there was merely a constant string of annoyance between them and then they start hooking up and.. simply don't want to stop having sex. So they decide: why not have a relationship then? The end.
There's no true love, no deeper connection, no getting to know each other. Just: obsessed with sex.
There was nothing 'soft' about their relationship, and neither did they have particularly great banter. I was really waiting for some more depth, but it didn't come.
In my opinion this book would have been better if Raffaele would have realized his feelings for Nate sooner. Because seriously, not even in his inner monologue (which was only once or twice by the way, almost all of it is from Nate's POV) did he ever have sweet or swoony thoughts about Nate. He just found him "insolent" and maybe slightly amusing? That's not enough.
I also would have preferred if Nate wasn't such a complete push-over. He did anything Raffaele wanted from him, and he never stood up for himself. He was just obsessed with Raffaele's cock, and that's it.
Which is odd, because we're told that people are drawn to Nate because he exudes warmth and kindness, but we never see any of that actually happen on-page. We are only told, never shown, what kind of person Nate is.
Anyway, it's not that I hated this book, not at all; I was thoroughly entertained throughout. It was truly never boring.
The book was just never particularly great either, and I didn't feel very invested in the relationship.
The later chapters were definitely the best, though, because Raffaele finally pulled his head out of his arse and realized he actually liked Nate.
'Straight Guys' series:
0. Straight Boy - 3.0 stars
1. Just a Bit Twisted - 3.5 stars
2. Just a Bit Obsessed - 3.0 stars
3. Just a Bit Unhealthy - 2.5 stars
4. Just a Bit Wrong - 3.5 stars
5. Just a Bit Confusing - 1.5 stars
6. Just a Bit Ruthless - 4.0 stars
7. Just a Bit Wicked - 3.5 stars
8. Just a Bit Shameless - 4.5 stars
9. Just a Bit Gay - 1.0 star
10. Just a Bit Dirty - 3.0 stars
11. Just a Bit Wrecked - 2.5 stars
12. Just a Bit Bossy - 3.0 stars
13. Just a Bit Heartless - 3.5 stars
14. Just a Bit Captivated - 3.0 stars
August 19, 2021
These guys might be my favourite couple yet. Nate was adorable but still headstrong and I LOVED how he stood up to Ferrara.
Ferrara was the ultimate AH antihero. Creepy and emotionless and domineering, which made him AMAZING.
Ferrara was the ultimate AH antihero. Creepy and emotionless and domineering, which made him AMAZING.
August 23, 2021
This book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Two straight men.
An asshole boss and his PA.
Nate hates his boss, who is Satan personified. But Nate is determined to prove he can be the best PA ever, no matter what Rafe throws his way.
Rafe is convinced he can get the little shit to quit by scaring him.
It turns into a giant game of gay chicken. And I was ALL for it.
Lots of sex, lots of hate, lots of fun.
At this point, Alessandra Hazard’s books don’t even have to make sense. She can write whatever, and I’ll be like MORE MORE MORE. And this one honestly made no sense, so many plot holes. 😂😂😂
But I loved every minute of it. 🤷♀️
Two straight men.
An asshole boss and his PA.
Nate hates his boss, who is Satan personified. But Nate is determined to prove he can be the best PA ever, no matter what Rafe throws his way.
Rafe is convinced he can get the little shit to quit by scaring him.
It turns into a giant game of gay chicken. And I was ALL for it.
Lots of sex, lots of hate, lots of fun.
At this point, Alessandra Hazard’s books don’t even have to make sense. She can write whatever, and I’ll be like MORE MORE MORE. And this one honestly made no sense, so many plot holes. 😂😂😂
But I loved every minute of it. 🤷♀️
August 20, 2021
This was glorious.
Fin
Fin
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