Holland is determined to achieve the goals she's set for herself, and first is to get the job she wanted. However, it isn't easy when the place where she works seems to be male-dominated. Still, she needs help if she's going to climb the corporate ladder, and who better to help than the guy she meets at her work's coffee house. However, when Holland discovers the truth of her mystery man's identity, will she give Oliver a chance to explain so they can achieve their happy ever after or will she put the brakes on their growing relationship?

What a fantastic read Ms. Stewart had penned in this book, which had me completely engaged from beginning to end due to the compelling characters that had interesting back stories; riveting dialogue that had me determined to discover what direction this story would take; and the ending that had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after because of the hero's determination to win the heroine's heart. The way this story started had me liking the hero immediately, as he's hurting due to some information he's learnt about his life. Will he ever be able to forgive his parents for what they kept from him?

As for the dialogue, it was a wonderful blend of intense, emotional and playful banter that had me charmed by this hero and heroine, as Holland isn't receptive to Oliver in the beginning, which had me intrigued in finding out whether Oliver would be able to win the heroine over in giving him a chance. While Holland is Oliver's light; the one capable of getting him beyond the darkness he's found himself fallen into because of what his parents did by not telling him the truth and I liked how their growing relationship helped Oliver to see that his parents loved him no matter what. Certainly, the secondary characters help him to see that family is more than blood as well.

Moreover, the heroine is resilient, determined to achieve her goals, and I liked that she let the hero into her life, even though she's adamant he's not the man she saw herself achieving happy ever after with. I also liked how kind, caring and compassionate she is when it came to things the hero tells him. Will she be able to make Oliver see that his parents were only doing what was best for him and that they didn't mean to hurt him? While the hero, he's been through so much since the death of his parents and I could understand his anger. Why did his parents ever not tell him the truth? I also liked how the hero opened up to the heroine because he needed to rid himself of the anger, if he was to ever be completely happy and find happiness with Holland. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is how willing he was to help the heroine, even though he's holding back from her. Will she be upset when she learns the truth? Will Oliver be able to win the heroine over and make her see that they're perfect for each other once he realizes that he can't live without the heroine in his life?

Overall, Ms. Stewart has penned a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance explosive and showed how good Holland is for Oliver, as he needs to find his way back to his old self; and the ending had me concerned for this couple's happy ever after. However, in saying that, I loved how Oliver won the heroine back. Luckily, he isn't afraid to admit how much she means to him to those that this couple were determined to keep their relationship a secret from for fear of people thinking badly of the heroine and how she got her current position in Oliver's company. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of the name Holland and Oliver decided on, which shows he's finally happy and at peace with the past. I would recommend Mr. Big by Delancey Stewart, if you enjoy office romances, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Vi Keeland, Whitney G, Natasha Madison and Virna De Paul.

I love the book. Family, love and trust. Easy to read.

I struggled with my rating, to be honest. While I enjoyed the writing, the book left me feeling...lackluster. It had a super promising beginning. And if I'm being perfectly honest, what hooked me was the first line in that blurb. I love a good alphahole. Unfortunately this hero just did nothing for me.

The story all in all, had a lot of things going on, but none of them really interested me. I struggled to ever connect to the characters or their plight. This was especially true of the hero who acted like a wounded toddler at times. And his decisions towards the end had me wanting to shake him among other more violent things.

I wasn't a fan of the twist used at the end to essentially bring the couple "together" and I felt it did the story a disservice. Altogether, it was this odd combination of too slow paced yet rushed. The pacing of the story and the things happening in it didn't hook me. But the romance itself and the ending simply felt rushed.

Will I read other books by this author? Absolutely. I know when I enjoy an author's writing style, and I saw that here. Just because the story didn't hook me here, doesn't mean her others won't. And hey, just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean you'll feel the same. If you like the boss and employee trope, this was a sexy little romp. It just didn't wow this reader.

Mr. Big by Delancey Stewart has left me with mixed emotions. The plot itself was intriguing and definitely enough to peak my curiosity to give this title a try. The dual perspectives was welcoming and who can say no to knowing both sides of a story. While, the main characters Oliver Cody and Holland O’Dell were likeable, for the most part, but by the time I had read the last word, I felt… I felt… bewildered.

I mean these two had enough self-imposed emotional baggage that they could not bear the weight or pressure of the possibility of them being happy. They just kept getting in their own way in a way that was one part shady and two parts annoying. I liked the premise and I even liked about 75% of this title, but something happened that felt as chaotic as the emotional state of these two that left me feeling...I don’t even know.

Don’t get me wrong, I really liked Oliver in this story. His story was well developed and although I cannot relate how to his charmed life being thrown upside down, I did feel some connection and resolve for his character by the end of the book. Now Holland on the other hand… well… whatever! I wanted to like her and feel something, but every time I was on the verge of some other than annoying, she triggered me back to feeling annoyed with her.

I digress. Overall, this was an okay read that was on the verge of incredible, until it wasn’t, and as such I am going to give this one 3-stars and suggest that you just skip on over and read this one for yourself. The premise was good, but near the end it felt rushed and disconnected and the entire epilogue really, just blew it for me. Like did we really need that at the end…I mean I get it, until I didn’t.

This is one you really need to read for yourself, because is not bad or great.

Oliver and Holland make some magic in the process of working together on a project that could end up saving his company and paving the way for her to get into the career that she has always dreamed of. Mr Big has great character development and is a great way to pass a lazy afternoon.

But it wasn't really at all what I expected, which is probably my fault (and why I prefer to go in to books blind). Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, particularly the unexpected gender equality message. But that was perhaps the highlight for me, which is not what you want from a romance novel. Yes, Holland and Oliver have chemistry and the writing was good.

I must admit it was the cover that made me want to read this book before I'd even read the synopsis but it this case definitely don't judge a book by its cover.

A surprising story that kept me gripped from the beginning, great characters with their own personal battles & some heartbreaking moments thrown in make this a hit for me.

My first book by this author but hopefully not my last

DNF 30%

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hate to do this to a book but I was just not interested enough in this story to continue.

Just didn't like the hero, who seemed unbelievably self-absorbed and immature. DNF-ed at 33%.

DNF this book! Couldn't get into it at all. I stated this book several times but each time I just set it back down. I had high hopes for this book as the synopsis had sounded great.

Delancey Stewart is a new author for me. I have to be honest and say that she had me at the cover * SWOON.

Oliver thought he had it all - The perfect fiancée, the money, the perfect parents and the perfect job. One day he decides to leave everything behind and go and try to find himself. He was tired of everything being handed to him on a plate. When Oliver heard about the death of his parents, he had to come back and from that moment his world was turned upside down…

“Holland and? I had a lot more in common than I’d realized. Was that why I was so drawn to her? Did my soul recognize a kindred spirit?”

Holland had a rough start in life but she did not let this define her. She was the top of her class and the dream has always been to work at Cody Technology. However, she got a job there but not the one that she deserves…
From that moment Holland is all about business. She's been burned in the past, and she's not about to let anything get in the way of her scoring a high-paying gig at Cody Technology. Especially not a hot mysterious man called Hale.


What will happen when Holland discover that Hale is actually the CEO of Cody Technology? Can Ollie go back to being a CEO?


I really enjoyed the characters and their sweet, sexy and touching story. I liked Ollie and Holland becoming friends and getting to know each other and of course, I LOVED the sexual tension.


“She’d never been granted the knowledge that maybe she was enough, that she was worthy of love. No one ever chose her.”

Oliver Cody had it all. He helped found a tech company with his father and was incredibly successful . . .but he was bored. He decides to walk away and explore what he wanted in life for a few months. He was enjoying traveling and partying his way around the globe when he got a call that would change his life forever.

Holland O’Dell has had to work hard for everything in her life. She knows she has what it takes to move up in the ranks at Cody Technology . . . she just needs to prove herself in the male dominated company. She has a plan for reaching her goals, and deviating from that plan and falling for the asshole CEO that runs her company is definitely not on her checklist.

When first impressions prove to be untrue and trusts are broken, can two people who weren’t looking for a relationship find a way to come together when both are dragged down by insecurities and baggage from their past to reach a future they have both dreamed about their entire lives?

Delancey Stewart did an amazing job of creating a cast of sassy, intelligent and complex characters in Mr. Big. I found the story to be very unique and the characters extremely relatable. First impressions can be changed and successful people can have deep insecurities holding them back.

This book really delivers a great plot with a sexy, brooding CEO who is forced back into the boardroom before he is ready and a sassy and spirited heroine whose ideas just may save the company. Can they save each other, though?

The plot is fast moving and contains some smoking hot scenes and extremely snarky dialogue, which I loved! This was my first book by Delancey Stewart, but it will not be my last. 5 stars for Mr. Big!

3.5/5

Not having read any other works by the author before I was really intrigued by the synopsis and sexy cover. Yet, while reading the book there were times when I found myself not really connecting with the characters at all. At the beginning we get to meet business mogul, Oliver Cody, after being away for an extensive amount of time to reflect on his life and what he wants to do for his future, he find himself being summoned back home after finding out that his parents had passed away. His company is at the point of collapse and everyone working under him are treating to quit if he doesn’t get his life back together. The only thing is that Oliver wants nothing to do with the company and is ready to walk away from all of it after he finds out what his parents were hiding from him. His is basically in a dark place and his emotions and decisions are affecting those around him. But just when he was getting ready to leave everything behind, he meets Holland and everything changes for him.

After many years in school and a lot of training, Holland O’ Dell never expected to get the job she was hoping to get at Cody Tech and that completely frustrater her to the point where she needed to get ahead of the game by working on a couple things on the side to show her potential to the CEO of the company. While working for her favorite company should have satisfied her, she is not completely happy with how females are treating in the work force. She has seen gender inequality work its way at Cody Tech and wants to show that she can do just as well of a job as any male in the company would. Needless to say her life takes a different turn when she meet Oliver and without knowing his true identity (since he introduces himself with a different name), she goes out to think that Ollie is the best thing in her life, but when she finds out that he has been lying to her things take a turn for the worse. Holland wants nothing to do with him, but when she finally gets the job that she had worked for so long, she questions whether relationship with the CEO is going to hurt her reputation within the company or if they can truly make it work in the end. After their relationship is put to the test, secrets will get reveal and both of them will have to decide if their love for one another is strong enough to overcome those obstacles or not.

The story is definitely not new, we’ve all at some point have read books about CEOs/millionaire’s falling in love with someone that ends up working in their company, yet when I read this story I started to like the concept as we got to find out a bit more about the characters but there were times when the story felt flat in my opinion. There was a bit of chemistry at the beginning and their connection was playful in a sense and then everything got really serious and the characters had too much going on personally that it suddenly made their relationship non-existent. However, there were times when Oliver was very attentive and protective towards Holland which I liked. After finding out some serious secrets about himself that his parents had kept from him, Oliver is ready to leave his life behind and Holland somehow helps him find his passion again and what he is truly good at.

On the other hand, Holland has had a rough childhood, but she knows what she wants and is ready to prove that she is capable of a lot of great things that would benefit the company and herself. She is intelligent and compassionate, but she is full of doubts that Oliver helps her face. The ending was full of twists and turns that I was not expecting and some of the decisions that the characters make were a bit frustrating to read, but I love a good ending and this story definitely has it. Even though I’m in the middle with this story, it wasn’t bad at all and it’s worth giving it a try. I will most certainly be reading more from the author in the future. :)

I've got sort of mixed feelings about the book - I really wanted to like it (A LOT). It was one of my most anticipated reads of the fall because of that alphalicious blurb. But it wasn't really at all what I expected, which is probably my fault (and why I prefer to go in to books blind). Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, particularly the unexpected gender equality message. But that was perhaps the highlight for me, which is not what you want from a romance novel. Yes, Holland and Oliver have chemistry and the writing was good (though pacing was at times bogged down when I got lost in the little details of inner workings of the business), but I guess I was just expecting... more, or something different. And that's totally my fault. I give Mr. Big 3 out of 5 wine glasses and I know that I'll be looking into what else Delancey Stewart has to offer.

Mr. Big was a disappointment. I was expecting a super sexy office romance where the sexy alpha CEO sweeps his employee off her feet. And in a sense that's what happened. It's the execution that was lacking. Holland has a plan for her life, a literal plan with boxes to be checkmarked and everything. She meets Hale (Oliver) at the coffeeshop of her office's building when he rudely cuts in front of the line she's in. When she confronts him and lays into him, I was excited because I figured it was a foreshadowing of the way their relationship would end up going. Alas, though, that's not how it ended up being.

Instead, what I got was a dreary, never ending mess of sadness and a general sense of bleakness. There was no joy between Oliver and Holland, none at all. She wasn't sassy and feisty like in the beginning. Oliver stayed true to form, though, and was a giant douche for most of it, until the very end. I found nothing appealing about Oliver. So what that he had a very specific issue with his parents and a secret they kept from him? Seriously, SO WHAT?!? It wasn't anything bad or terrible and I honestly don't see what the big deal was. I myself have the same relationship to my family that he does and trust me, it's not a bad thing at all, in fact, it's the opposite - it's a great thing and gave me a life that I couldn't have hoped to have had otherwise. And when Oliver deserted Holland at a crucial time in her life? Yeah, douchebag is too kind of a word for him. That he didn't come around until the very end says a lot about his character, a lot that's not good.

Seriously, this book did nothing good for me. It's boring, bleak and I didn't like either Oliver or Holland. Oliver because he's a douche and Holland because she's boring and regimented. I was hoping for lots of sexy, an alpha with a heart of gold and a feisty heroine, and I didn't get it.

Oh Oliver. He squeezed my heart with his struggling tragedy. I wanted to kill him one minute and hug him the next. This story was about a CEO who lost track of himself and took a leave of absence to try and rediscover what he wanted from life. He was forced back home when a sudden tragedy occurred. Enter Holland. An employee at Oliver's company who is trying to work her way into a more lucrative position that suits her degree. She begins working on a secret project but needs help and is afraid to ask anyone in the company in fear they will steal her ideas. An off chance meeting with a stranger at the company's coffee house leads Holland to the help she needs. She is drawn to this "Hale" person but is too wrapped up in her career you worry about relationships. This project brings these two together in the most heart warming way. They both try and fight the attraction to no avail. There are many ups and downs with them. And my heart nearly busted. But love always does prevail. A wonderful romance that was written perfectly.

My Review: First off, let me admit that I was excited for this book solely based on the title and cover. Can you blame me, really? And when I read the description, I was that much more fired up for the release. Alas, at least for me, this book didn't live up to the hype. It could be that I built it up too much in my mind before reading it... but I'm thinking that's not the real reason.

It started out rough for me. When we first really meet the hero... he's a complete jerk. Not just a jerk, but a whiny "poor me" jerk. I get it, he was dealt a seriously rough hand right in the first chapter, but he was so immature when he came back to yell at his friend and the lawyer. It took me a while to get past that. And then when he meets Holland, he has some hardcore insta-lust moments. He goes so far as to say talking to her for a few seconds brought some light back into his dark life. I eye rolled hard after reading that.

This book just didn't keep my attention. There wasn't enough depth or draw to get me hooked. And I so, so wanted to get sucked in.

Cover Lovin': Oh my. Whew.

Recommendation: No prior knowledge necessary.

Final Rating: TWO POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (2.5/5)! The book didn't live up to the hype, leaving me disappointed.

When I read the blurb to Delancey Stewart's Mr. Big I knew it was something that I had to read. Anyone who knows me knows that I love my broody and arrogant heroes. They are damaged and tortured and all the deliciousness that goes along with it. That was Oliver to a tee in this novel. In adddition, I loved that this book was full of banter, sexy and was my favorite trope: Office romance! I could not get enough of Ollie and Holland!

Oliver Cody is asked to step in as CEO due to the unforseen death of his father. What follows is a sexy and amazing story of one bastard CEO and the love- hate relationship he has with his employee, Holland.

While I enjoyed this story, I felt the story was somewhat insta-esque and found the hero to be immature and his actions towards Holland to be unforgivable at tines. It was a little off putting and distracting. All in all, I am glad I read it. Bravo 3.5 stars! ~Ratula

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House - Loveswept publishing for an advanced copy of this is novel for an honest review.

Cute story, with a sexy alphahole and a satisfying HEA. Will definitely read more from this author!

I went back and forth on this book for a while. I enjoyed the writing a whole bunch. It pulled me in. Had the right about of dialogue and description with character interaction. There was character development that I really enjoyed as well. The female lead was strong and independent.

Oliver Cody has just lost his parents after taking a six-month leave from work trying to discover who he is. I really felt like that was such a rich person thing to do. Anyway, he finds out a big secret his family kept from him and ever since he’s been the worlds biggest jerk. Enter Holland who is trying to build her way to the top in a man's world. When she meets Oliver she thinks he used to work for the company she’s trying to work her way up in instead of owning it and asks for his help with her project.

I thought this book was….average. There wasn’t anything super surprising about anything that happened in it. I liked Holland until she got into a relationship with Oliver. Then I didn’t really care much for her. Oliver, I had trouble with for the majority of the story. I won’t get into why since spoilers, but seriously he is a major troll and doesn’t realize how freaking lucky he is.

Overall I would give this book maybe a 3.5. It was alright. The romance is sexy and the story is fine. The writing is good and the characters are okay.