Bought by the Boss by Stacey Kennedy is a standalone that actually is two books in one, a pair of intertwined stories about four people whose lives interconnect at a charity auction. They’re complete opposites in tone but they mesh really well together!
Book one-- Liam wants Jackson's assistant, Aria and she wants him too but doesn’t want to hurt Jackson who she considers family, she even treats him like her big brother. Liam wins her for the weekend at a charity auction and they end up having a sex filled weekend. The story shows how by the end of the weekend they are a couple.
Book 2- It starts right at the end of book one with Mallory (Aria's best friend & Liam’s assistant) finding out that her mystery bidder is Jackson. They go away for their weekend, and the truth happens to come out about why Liam and Jackson had their falling out. When they get back home, Mallory really makes Jackson work for her hard. By the end of this book Mallory and Jackson are a couple.
If I have to pick as to which one is my favorite, I find it hard because there is good in each book but if I had to choose, it would be book 1. Reason would be the hot main characters and the intense chemistry and finally that insane sexual lust that comes to head between Liam and Aria. That is why I chose book 1 in this novel. I still like book 2 but felt book 1 edged out book 2 slightly. Mallory and Jackson have that chemistry and passion too but it was slightly toned down. I still liked both stories and look forward to see what Ms. Kennedy writes next.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

Bought by the Boss was an intense fiery passionate read full of hot dominant males and feisty females. These guys are hardball players and they went for the tough take no prisoner women. Perfect for these strong dominant men. Of course, it wasn't as straightforward as that nor was it that easy. This was a great book that kept me entertained and a little too hot under the collar!



This book contains two stories, where the first book ends the second begins and they are connected. Liam buys Jackson's assistant Aria. Passion is off the charts hot and so are the secrets. Aria is like a sister to her boss who just happens to be Liam's enemy. Things get interesting. But they get even more interesting in book 2 when Jackson makes his own move on Liam's assistant Mallory. Let the games begin, only who is leading the games? I highly recommend this book.

Liam has been attracted to Aria for years. Although she's attracted to Liam, she won't have anything to do with him, because she works for his enemy, Jackson. Aria is up for auction for a charity event, and Liam pays a large amount for the pleasure of her company for a weekend. It finally give her permission to act on her long hidden feelings. There's a smoldering heat between them, that they think is only sexual. They think one weekend is enough to satisfy their lustful feelings. Needless to say, they end up feeling much more for each other and must make the decision to see if they can work through past issues to try and work out their feelings. Jackson is furious at Liam for taking his assistant, and decides to retaliate with Liam's assistant Mallory. He's in for a big surprise to find out that Mallory has had feeling for him for quite awhile. Can he resist her advances? Can they all work through the past issues of Liam and Jackson? You'll have to check out the book to find out. Great quick, sensual read!

Two hot steamy reads. The two bosses, Jackson and Liam were friend but no longer and Mallory and Aria are their assistants who happen to be best friends. Each boss ends up buying the others assistant at a charity auction and get more than they bargained for. Hot Read! I liked the characters; the story is fun and entertaining the chemistry is off the charts hot. Didn’t want it to end! Loved it!

Love and hate isn’t always what it seems in these two titillating tales. Bought By The Boss was everything I wanted it to be. This is the Stacey Kennedy that I love. I can always count on a wicked hot read.

It’s perfect I didn’t read the blurb before starting the book because I would have been confused about the characters. However let me break it down this way:

Aria Finley and Mallory Beckett are best friends and roommates.
Aria works for Jackson Keller; Mallory works for Liam Maxwell

Liam and Jackson are ex-best friends harboring a broken bromance from ten years ago and spend their careers trying to best the other.

Things get dicey during a charity auction and Jackson purchases Mallory in revenge and Liam purchases Aria because of pure lust. Both stories are excellent standalones. In His Price, Aria choose love over business. That was my main reason for enjoying the story so much. Aria decided to follow her heart when it came to Liam Maxwell even at the expense of her best friend who is like a brother to her – Jackson.

In Dirty Money, I enjoyed the angst more. Mallory was determine to take the plunge and bed the handsome hottie Jackson with no strings, no commitments, no promises even though she was on to his game. They were more enemies to lovers and its like cupid arrow’s freed Jackson from all the resentment he has harbored toward Liam and Mallory was that vessel.

If you want a red-hot page turner to indulge, this is the book for you. Stacey Kennedy delivered the heat and sin as promised.

Liam and Jackson hate each other for reasons that were unknown to both Aria and Mallory. Aria and Liam share this chemistry that can’t be denied any longer and the time has come to explore their attraction. When Liam buys Aria at the auction, Jackson being the protective friend tries to warn Aria off and make her change her mind about going out with Liam but as Liam and Aria get to know each other better during their weekend getaway they realize that their feelings go much deeper then the hate that Liam has towards Jackson. In true love fashion Liam will forgive what Jackson did in order to keep Aria happy. Jackson trying to get back at Liam for buying Aria off at the auction decides he will get back at him by buying his assistant as well. What Jackson didn’t take into account was his instant attraction to Mallory after he gets to know her a little bit better. Bought by the Boss was not what I expected but it was still a fun read

This book is actually two fun, sexy novellas.

Liam Maxwell and Jackson Keller used to be best friends and college roommates at law school, but something happened in the past and now neither of them speak to each other. Each of them are successful lawyers in their own right, but they are still connected through their personal assistants, Aria Finley and Mallory Beckett. Liam has been secretly keeping his attraction to Aria, Jackson's assistant, under wraps for far too long. When a charity auction comes up and Aria and Mallory agree to be auctioned off for a date, Liam jumps at the chance to win Aria. Liam and Aria have always had a flirty relationship but have never acted on it since Aria is great friends with Jackson.

Liam and Aria's time together was fun, sexy and very enjoyable. I really liked both of these characters. Aria is a strong woman who has no problem putting Liam in his place. Liam has wanted Aria forever and is willing to do anything to make her happy. Their happy ending was great!

Unbeknownst to Liam, Jackson bid on Mallory to get back at Liam for bidding on Aria. What started off as a prank quickly turns into something else. Mallory is stuck between wanting to stay loyal to Liam, but also wanting a shot at Jackson. If only the guys could get past their issues and make up it would make Mallory and Aria's life much easier.

These were two fun, quick, sexy reads. I thought for sure I knew how the story would finally end, but was wrong. Overall, it was a great read.

I enjoyed Bought by The Boss. As novellas, they’re well fleshed out and entertaining.

I have zero complaints about the first story. For the second, I’m not a big fan of Jackson, the hero in the second story. He never quite redeemed himself in my eyes. Also, I don't think Liam ever did anything wrong so didn't get why blamed should be shared. That's just me though. I guess you’ll have to read the book to decide for yourself.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

His Price

Liam and Aria have amazing chemistry. She is willing to do whatever she wants and whatever he wants while they have their charity weekend. Liam is not known for losing. However, when he knows that Aria is only with him for a weekend, his lust for her, which has grown over several years, will not be satisfied.

Truths are learned, love is developed, and lust is satisfied. But when the weekend is over, Aria and Liam have to decide whether or not their connection can survive Aria’s loyalty to Liam’s ex-best friend and rival, Jackson. I loved how Liam and Aria interacted. She was loyal to herself and to Jackson, all while keeping Liam on his toes both physically and intellectually.

Dirty Money

Jackson is hard for me to like. He presents as a vindictive, jealous ex-best friend to Liam and you can’t help but not want him and Mallory to be together. Mallory is Liam’s assistant and has lusted after Jackson for as long as Liam lusted after Aria. Mallory and Aria are the best of friends and they talk about their respective bosses a lot. Despite the strange feud between the bosses, Aria and Mallory both want to find happiness.

When Mallory realizes that Jackson bought her at the charity auction simply to get back at his ex-best friend, she decides that despite knowing that, she’s going to make the best of the weekend.

Mallory is a surprise throughout this story and is constantly showing Jackson a very different side of herself. In turn, Jackson shows a different side of himself to Mallory – a side that she falls in love with.

However, reality has a nasty way of crashing down around them when their weekdays are up and despite everything they felt and did those amazing days, Mallory has to stand up for herself and her heart.

I think that both stories were well done. You were able to see different, non-business sides of each male character, and the female characters were able to be their confident selves throughout. The resolution was appropriate and it definitely leaves you wanting more of each couples’ story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a linked duet of stories about two men who now hate each other, and their two female assistants. It is an easy read, and has, by the very end, a very satisfying outcome.

His Price

In this book, Liam successfully bids on Aria, his rival Jackson's assistant. He and Aria have been skirting around each other ever since she first started working for Jackson three years ago – and it is time something gives. So a donation to charity, and he has her company for the weekend. Aria is delighted, but however much she is attracted to Liam, her friendship with her employer means she has no interest in long term. Obviously, the true romance reader knows that Ms. Kennedy is going to get this all sorted out, but the way she gets there is fun. Plenty of chemistry, passion, and closeness that make both Liam and Aria wish for something more.

Dirty Money

Not only Aria was successfully bid for at the charity event; Mallory, Liam's assistant, is about to spend a few days with an anonymous bidder. So almost immediately after Aria comes home, Mallory sets off... with Jackson. He is doing it to annoy Liam but finds that Mallory is actually an incredibly attractive person inside and out. Whilst his initial reason was ill judged, his behaviour towards Mallory is always honorable, and in fact, we get to see a very different side to his character.

As we find out why the men hate each other from both sides, and the women try and find a way to keep their new-found romances and their bosses, everything comes to a head. It is a satisfying solution.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
This is a book with two stories that are connected by two men who hate each other, but were once roommates in college. They are connected to each other by their jobs as corporate lawyers, which puts them against each other, and the assistant to one which the other man wants.

His Price

Liam Maxwell does his job well and has been lusting after Aria, Jackson's assistant, for three years now. He bids on her at a charity auction that will get him a weekend with her. And maybe this will either get her out of his system or will win her heart. Aria has felt the connection towards Liam since the first time she saw him and she can't wait for their weekend away. What a time it will be. But her boss and friend is not very happy with her because he thinks Liam will hurt her and use her to get back at him.

What Liam and Aria discover while away for the weekend is they both want each other and to work on a future together. When Aria learns about Liam and Jackson's past, she can't believe what she is hearing – how could a best friend do that? Can she help them get over the past and make things right? Will Liam and Aria have a future together that Jackson will approve of, so she will be happy?

Dirty Money

Jackson Keller found a way to get back at Liam and it was to bid on Mallory, Liam's assistant, without anyone knowing. When he shows up at her door, she is surprised and tells him that she will not be part of his game. He likes her spunk and whisks her away to his cabin in the woods. He doesn't plan on sleeping with her, he just wants to send a photo to Liam to show that she is with him. But Mallory has another idea since Jackson has been starring in her dirty fantasies many times. She decides to seduce him, and their few days together turn out to be the best the both of them have ever had.

When Jackson and Mallory return, Liam and Jackson fight in the hallway and Liam shows Mallory the email with the photo. She is hurt but admits she instigated the affair and now it is over. This hits Jackson hard in the chest, he has never had these feelings before.

Can Jackson make Mallory see he wants more with her? Will she be able to forgive him because she saw the real Jackson? Will Aria and Mallory be able to get Liam and Jackson to talk about the past?

I love Stacey Kennedy's writing style and I loved these stories, they were funny, sexy, with alpha males and strong women. Both stories are short and will have you so engrossed that you will not want to put your Kindle down. So I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
Two short novellas featuring former best friends who had a falling out over a girl back in college. Now lawyers and business rivals, their hatred has invaded both their business and personal lives.

In the first story, Liam has had feelings for Aria for three years. He's never acted on his feelings because she works for his former best friend, Jackson. He knows that Aria has feelings for him, it’s in the eyes. When Aria volunteers to be sold as a date for a charity, Liam sees his chance to have some time with Aria.

Aria loves Liam but her unwavering loyalty to Jackson means she can never act on those feelings. When Liam buys her at the auction, she knows that her life will never be the same.

In the second story, Jackson has the winning bid for Liam's assistant, Mallory. Mallory, who's a little more world wise than Aria, goes into the weekend with her eyes wide open and decides to take a chance with Mr. Keller. During their time together, Jackson opens up to her in a way he never has before. Mallory is accepting of his truths and he firmly believes that he may have a chance at love, until his pride comes back to bite him.

Mallory is forgiving, to a point, but she refuses to be a pawn in whatever game Jackson and Liam are playing. Love is for keeps and she refuses to be second best.

I wanted to like these stories more than I did. To me, the pace in both stories was inconsistent and the ending seemed a bit rushed.

It's sinful, it's sexy; it's an amazing duet from Stacey Kennedy! Where some may think that auctioning off a woman for a weekend can be crass or tacky, Kennedy delivers in this high stakes, archenemy romance duet!

Liam has craved Aria for years despite her being his arch-enemy's assistant. She's smart, sassy, and quick on her feet. So when the opportunity arises for him to buy her time, he pounces. And boy do I mean that literally. Liam doesn’t hesitate when it comes to showing his attraction to Aria and how badly he’s desired her from afar. These two are downright sexy and steamy as he pushes her boundaries further and further. Aria knows that Liam is a shark in the boardroom, but can she trust him with her heart when they spend a weekend together? It seems as if he started this by making a ploy to undermine her boss, but as the hours pass and the attraction is too much to deny, Aria knows there’s more to this corporate lawyer than just winning over his opponents; he’s here to win her heart.

For Jackson however was a chance to get back at Liam for stealing what amounts to his little sister and confidant; so he buys Liam’s assistant for a weekend getaway fully intending to have her relax and spend it separate from him. What he hadn’t planned on? Spitfire Mallory to shock him with the seduction of a lifetime. She’s the sexiest woman he’s ever seen and completely not what he expected when it came to women in the workplace. As they decide to dive into an affair together Mallory and Jackson have to decide what they are willing to sacrifice; friendships, careers, or a chance at love. As the past comes out about Liam and Jackson’s rivalry as well, these 4 have to come to reality with their true feelings and what they are willing to put on the line.

***ARC Provided by the Author/Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

Aria and Liam - His Price - 3 Stars

Aria and Liam have been dancing around one another, afraid to make the connection as Liam and Jackson are enemies, and Aria works for Jackson.

Enter the auction where Liam bids on her, and they spend a long weekend together, and the attraction between them becomes something they are no longer willing to ignore.

This novella was hot, and it was sexy right away...although I didn't love the set up of this one. I believed there was an attraction, but I was not convinced they had spent enough time together to be in love with one another. But, meh, it is a novella and things happen quickly in them.

Jackson and Mallory - Dirty Money - 4 Stars

The story of Jackson and Mallory was really enjoyable. I liked that there was an attraction there, and a bunch of inaccurate assumptions on both sides, and that this gave itself to a rather believable romance. In a novella, the challenge is how quickly everything needs to happen by looking the time constraints directly in the face, dealing with a couple who was just giving in to the attraction and ending it, before the epilogue, in a place that worked for the budding/new relationship.

From a pacing standpoint, I believed the 2nd story a little more than the first, but I enjoyed both and I recommend this title.

***This and other reviews featured on our blog <i>Booked All Night <i/> http://bookedallnightblog.com/***

This is actually two books in one. Liam and Jackson used to be best friends in law school and roommates until something happened that broke up their friendship. Now Liam is in love with Jackson's assistant and has bought her, Aria, at a charity auction for a weekend date. Good thing the feelings are mutual. Jackson cannot be outdone and secretly buys Liam's assistant, Mallory, at the same auction. Mallory and Aria are best friends and roommates and oh, what a tangled web is weaved. We find out what happened in the past, watch everyone fall in love, and a lust-filled and good time is had by all. This is a twisty and sexy tale, or I should say tales and definitely worth the snowy afternoon spent reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

5 Star Review - Bought by the Boss by Stacey Kennedy

ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Highly recommend this book !! Love office setting romance & this is actually 2 couples stories in one book !

Two wealthy billionaires who were best friends are deeply attracted to the others personal assistants who also just happen to be best friends. Their stories were touching - heartfelt - sizzling sexy and both ended with a HEA.

I really like this author's writing style & will be checking out more of her work. Doesn't disappoint - 5 stars

How many of you have read Stacey Kennedy? If you haven’t, you should really remedy that. She writes exceptionally well. Most of her stories are sexually driven and lean to the kinky side. They’re also so full of heart it is ridiculous.

Bought by the Bossis a book of two novellas that intertwine and they are glorious! They’re complete opposites in tone but they mesh really well together! Where one has a more playful tone to it, the other is more brooding. Where one couple have been dancing around each other for years, one has insta sparks they didn’t even know they had. Both couples have known of each other personally and professionally for years but because our heroes have bad blood between them there has always been tension. And that tension exploded in both their short stories!

High rec from me .... I loved every word and I enjoyed how each story fed off the other to a wonderful Epilogue in the end!

3.5 stars of naughty boss behavior

Two novellas that are very interconnected form Bought by the Boss. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started them but I definitely enjoyed some naughty fun with these bosses. Though in my mind there is a clear winner...#Team Liam.

Friends and enemies
business and pleasure
sweet romantic gestures and hot filthy fun

Bought by the Boss has all the above and more!

When it comes to romance, nobody can set off the sprinklers like Stacey Kennedy. Bought by the Boss is at it's best when It's being decidedly wicked. Alpha males, hot tempered women and scandalous secrets set the stage for naughtiness in this spicy battle of hearts.

His Price - She's his heart's desire. He's her greatest temptation. Instant attraction has repercussions for feuding enemies and any woman brash enough to get in the way. Aria is caught between trusting her heart on a stranger or risking a friendship that means the world to her. Liam is a man with an agenda. He just has to figure out for himself, what he's willing to risk to get it. Liam and Aria are a steamy combination of lust, love and risk.

Dirty Money - Sex, lies and heartache await. Can a romance built on half truths survive? One Night sets off a chain of events that could be their undoing. Mallory wants to be loved. Jackson wants to feel needed. One auction is the beginning of a surprising revelation for both. Too bad their chance may have come too late. Temptation awaits.

Sexy, Fun & So, So, Hot! OMG I devoured this in one sitting despite, trying to read slow, and savor all the yummy, sensuality and passion that Stacey Kennedy brought in these two stories. This book was so addicting, so fantastic that I didn’t want these stories to end. Deliciously Enticing!
Liam Maxwell and Jackson Keller were roommates and best friends in Law School until Sophia Flynn. Now they are bitter rivals and opposing Corporate Lawyers. Liam has been taken by Jackson’s beautiful and fierce Assistant Aria, for the last three years. But with the bitterness between the two Aria has rebuffed his advances in loyalty to Jackson. So when Liam wins her for a weekend, at a charity auction for $100.000, Jackson is furious that Liam is out for revenge. But Liam has been burning for Aria, the crazy lusty goodness that is between them is all that he wants, and to make her his. But will Aria be able to give him what he wants and retain her loyalty to Jackson?
Mallory Liam’s Assistant was also won at the charity auction with a $55,000 bid, by a mystery person. But imagine her surprise when Jackson Keller is the mystery person. His only reason being revenge. But will he get what he wants? Or will Mallory get what she wants? You will need to read to find out. Loved this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Bought By The Boss is a fun and sexy novel. Liam and Jackson were the best of friends until a woman came between the two. Flash forward to years later and the two are rival lawyers. Liam and Aria, Jackson's assistant, are attracted to one another but Aria respects Jackson too much to pursue something. Liam finds the perfect opportunity to pursue Aria when he bids on a date with her for a charity auction. Jackson also bids on Mallory, Aria's best friend and Liam's assistant. The book is split into two and each part is focused on two different couples. I loved the writing and the building of characters and relationships. You also get more clarity on what happened between Jackson and Liam to cause such animosity.

4.5 Stars!

Both novellas in Bought by the Boss is about two lawyers, Liam and Jackson. These two went to law school together, they were roommates and best friends. That is until a woman came between them that ultimately caused the demise of their friendship. Now they are enemies who only speak to each other in a professional environment.

His Price: 5 Stars
Liam and Aria have been attracted to each other for three years. Aria is Jackson's assistant and very loyal to him. She knows there is animosity between these two, but she doesn't know what caused it. She just knows she can't act on her attraction out of loyalty to Jackson. When a charity event comes up, Aria sees this as an opportunity to finally give in to her desires for Liam with out going behind Jackson's back.

Dirty Money: 4 Stars
Jackson is livid that Liam has bought his assistant at the charity event. He loves Aria like a brother and doesn't want to see her get hurt because of Liam and his needs to constantly one up each other. To get back at him, he secretly buys a weekend date with Liam's assistant. He knew this would drive Liam crazy but he has no intentions of hurting Mallory. He wasn't expecting Mallory to offer herself to him.

Both novellas were smokin hot! Stacey Kennedy really turned up the heat with these four! I enjoyed both stories but I will say Liam and Aria's was my favorite. They had a very intense attraction since there were true feelings that have been simmering for 3 years.

Jackson and Mallory were just acquaintances until their date weekend but they also fell hard and fast. It was ultimately because of these two getting together that forced the confrontation with Liam and Jackson to finally bury the hatchet.

Both were fun, quick reads that were full of heat! ARC provided by NetGalley.

My first book from this author. I loved the characters and found myself cheering for them.