A fun enemies to lovers romance

It's been a few days since I finished reading Loverboy, and then listening to the audiobook. This is the second book in The Company series, and a fun read! I loved the characters, I loved the romance, I loved the laughs, and I loved the suspense. This is an enemies to lovers, second chance, and the story just flows!

Gunnar works for the same security company that we read about in Sarina Bowen's Moonlighter. He is called back to New York City, where he grew up, from California, for a special project. Of course, the special project reunites him with Posey, who he worked trained as a bartender when they were both college students. Gunnar and Posey both harbor bad feelings toward each other from the way that ended. Now Gunnar has to work for Posey, which not only rekindles their simmering attraction to each other, but also leads to additional complications. Posey's sister and nephew, as well as Gunnar's security firm co-workers add much to the story.

The audiobook was so well cast. The narrators did a wonderful job bringing Posey and Gunnar to life, and quickly pulling the reader into the flow of the story. I love when I listen to an audiobook, and forget that I'm actually listening to a book read out loud - these two narrators certainly did that for me.

I highly recommend both the book, and the audiobook for Loverboy

2 people found this helpful

Love the mystery and intrigue of this romantic suspense audiobook!

“Guilty pleasures", he lays a hand over my wrist, "I don't believe in those. I don't think pleasure should make you feel guilty."

Mystery, intrigue, coffee and pie, throw in some sexy romance and this audiobook book has it all! The narration was stellar, Joe and Vanessa nailed the tension and banter between Gunner and Posy, they even had me yelling at the characters when the suspense had me on the edge of my seat! This story had me laughing (especially the coffee guru), gasping and swooning over all things Gunner and Posy.

There’s a cyber security war going on and Gunner Scott and his company are in the middle of it all. His specialty is covert ops but this time going undercover to find the informant means he’s working in a Coffee shop for his ex Posy Paxton. One kiss may be all they shared in the past but the chemistry from years ago is still hot as ever. I loved how feisty Posy was and that she made Gunner work to get back into her good graces. Their banter was HOT, Gunner was really a man that was hard to resist and Posy’s strength was tested at every turn. Gunner’s charm had me enamored, I would definitely have left a big tip in his jar.

"He's the kind of hot that knows he's hot, he's got this irritating smile, I call it the ,'Loverboy’ smile. He uses it as a weapon."

The mystery of who was behind the dark web posts about the killer on the loose gave a great suspenseful element to the story. The plot definitely threw me for a loop when part of the mystery was revealed, it made for a great twist and had me wanting to go back and see how I missed it! This series has me hooked and I am excited to see what comes next for the company and the cyber security war they are still fighting.

2 people found this helpful

Entertaining

This is not my favorite Sarina Bowen book but it is an entertaining listen. The pies and coffee.made my mouth water.

1 person found this helpful

Another convert to the magic of java…

****4.5 Stars****

Like any Sarina Bowen fan will know, reading or listening to one of her stories has the potential to leave you with a big goofy smile on your face. I was goofy smiling all over the place. The love part of the story was sigh worthy and left me ‘ain’t love grand’ … ing. The murder, mystery, and mayhem part answered my questions but also left me wanting to know more. I don’t mind finishing a story mostly satisfied because I’m convinced we’re going to catch the baddies soon.

I am absolutely loving The Company series. My favourite part of Loverboy was the conversion of a non-coffee drinker to another believer of the magic of java. I, myself, love coffee, but unfortunately, I live in a house of coffee haters. (CRAZY BUGGERS!!) Even crazier is that they don’t even like the smell of it. I’m always saying to my boys … if you just give this one a try, it will change your mind. As yet, I have not had any success. Hubby is a lost cause, but I’m convinced that university could be the changing point for my sons.

This is a second chance romance and I thought it was done very well. The misunderstanding that stopped their attraction in its tracks when they were younger, was cleared up with a calm conversation now that they are older. I loved that the author handled it in an age appropriate way. No screaming or teary outbursts. Sure, there were times of contemplation remembering their feelings of hurt. It was obvious that both Gunner and Posy had grown a lot and were definitely in a better headspace.

The storyline was captivating, the connection between Posy and Gunner was obvious, and I definitely believed in their happy ever after. I enjoyed meeting the additional characters and admit to complete surprise when one of the mysteries was solved. Posy’s ex was a douchewaffle, and I hated how self-absorbed he was.

The narrators do an excellent job. I have listened to and enjoyed Joe Arden for a while now but I’m fairly new to Vanessa Edwin, and what I have listened to, I have enjoyed. I thought they worked well together, and I would not hesitate to listen to more of their narrations in the future. Emma Wilder has a very small part in this production, but her familiar voice was welcomed.

I’m starting to really settle in to listening to my advance copies. It does take a wee bit more concentration because I can’t afford to be distracted or lose my place. I find listening on my morning walk works well and an hour (or two… or three) dedicated listening during the day, works well too. The other day my son walked into my room and asked me why I play Candy Crush and Solitaire for hours. I explained to him that I like to be doing something as I listen but nothing that taxes my brain too much. I am getting to LEGEND status on Candy Crush. 😉

Another great story by Sarina Bowen and I can’t wait for more in The Company series. Fingers crossed we get Scout and Max up next.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced audio copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

1 person found this helpful

This book gave me all the warm fuzzies!

I'm 100% sure that Sarina Bowen wrote this series for me. Or at least that's what my delusions say. All kidding aside, LOVERBOY is just another reason why I love this author so much. It just checks all my boxes.

I had the chance to listen to an early copy of the audiobook and let me tell you, Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin are SLAYING it. You actually hear Joe Arden's twinkle in his eyes. This man has so much charisma in his voice I can't recommend his narration enough. I'm new to Vanessa Edwin and I'm very pleased to report that she did a beautiful job with her portrayal of Posy. Sometimes I find it jarring when I hear a new voice narrating the male part in a chapter (takes a couple chapters until I don't notice anymore), that didn't happen here.

Now Gunnar and Posy I adored. They have some past baggage but they weren't overly antagonistic. Their chemistry is captured in fabulous banter and I could have listened to Posy's hormones, which hijack the mic (obviously), forever.
I loved how they dealt with their past. I hate drama that comes from miscommunication and misunderstandings because characters fail to explain what bothers them. That didn't happen here at all, their past issues were handled just like grown-ups do. Calm, collected, clear. That's something that stood out to me.

Also, is phantom smell a thing? I swear, the ongoing talk about coffee made me imagine smelling coffee everywhere. And if you aren't a coffee addict and aren't the least bit tempted to at least try one after Ms. Bowen's ODE TO THE BLACK GOLD I don't know what will.

Sarina Bowen mixes romance and suspense with a dash of mystery like a pro (duh!) and the result is a thrilling, captivating read that is on the lighter side and perfect to take your mind off the heavier things these days. This series is just awesome, fingers crossed we get many more books set in THE COMPANY in the future. I had the best time with these easy-to-love characters and hope you'll give this one a whirl!

1 person found this helpful

A fun suspenseful romantic comedy that will make you hungry for pie

I have been looking forward to Loverboy since I finished Moonlighter and it was everything I expected and more. Joe doing comedy is always a fun listen for me. Joe narrating Sarina’s words made it even better. I chuckled out loud so often while listening that I got stink eyes from my remote learning kids #sorrynotsorry. Also Vanessa Edwin’s libido is slutty and desperate and oh so funny.

If you like Sarina’s work you know you are in for some snarky banter and heart warming characters. This series is a fun listen because there were so much more to like. I mean industrial espionage and pies galore. I had to google the pies while listening and it made me so hungry.

Bon appetit!

1 person found this helpful

Loved Gunnar and Posy

Loverboy is the second book from Sarina Bowen's The Company Series. The story revolves around Gunnar Scott, part owner of a cyber security company led by his best friend, Max; and Posy Paxton, a pie-shop owner who carries the world on her shoulders. To continue a story line that started in this series' first book, Moonlighter, Gunnar needed to go undercover to work as a barista for Posy's pie shop. They have history, having to compete for the same bar manager position 15 years ago at Posy's father's restaurant. This book follows Gunnar's undercover work and the rekindling of the little spark from their past.

Favorites:
1. The Barista 101 montage. I imagine one of the skills needed to be an effective undercover op is the ability to learn things fast...and Gunnar training and having to create all the craziest lattes was a fun touch, especially coming from Max.
2. Max - He isn't as uptight as I remember him from Moonlighter. I liked the glimpses of a lighter and funny side to him despite having to be the smartest person at all times.
3. Scout - because she is bad-ass!
4. Posy telling off Gunnar's dad. I liked that despite being sweet in general, a catty side of Posy shows up from time to time.

Wishes:
1. I wish there was a bit more closure on the Soraya storyline. I would have loved to see Posy stick it to her.
2. I also wish there were more about their Dads. They each have issues that needed to be resolved and the end of the book had me looking for more.

The audiobook was narrated by Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin. With a cameo appearance by Emma Wilder. Joe and Vanessa are two of my favorite narrators so I took my time to savor this one and listened at normal speed. Their voices fit their characters to a T.

Overall, this was a great follow up to The Company Series with likable main characters. Plus there's coffee and pie! I do look forward to Max's book. I hope we don't have to wait too long for that.

Best voice for hormones!

Every time Posey’s hormones jumped in to voice their interests, I chuckled. Well done by all the narrators!

Great Romantic Suspense Story

Gunnar is a Company man. He's gruff, sexy, and dislikes coffee so it's only fitting that he takes on an undercover assignment as a barista. Posy owns a struggling pie shop and after her last barista left without notice, well, you know where this is going. Oh, and Gunnar & Posy have history and can't stand each other. Let the fun begin!

There is so much fun going on in this story- espionage, suspense, danger, and so much humor. I absolutely loved Vanessa Edwin's internal monologue, which was voiced as her hormones. She and Joe Arden had great comedic timing. Will definitely be adding this to the favorite list.

Entertaining Romance with a bit of suspense

Clever dialogue with some amusing scenes where KEY partner and coffee hater Gunner poses as a barista in college rival Posy’s coffee shop and bakery. Of course they have strong chemistry and he has to hide that the real reason for applying for the job is surveillance. Interesting characters- we learn more about their team- and some exciting action. Some of the parental issues are very predictable but the romance eventually turns steamy. The story moves at a good pace, is well written and nicely edited, and has great narration. Not everything gets settled at the end - this is book two in the series- but most of the couples story is removed and there was no cliffhanger. Worth a credit!