Reviews

After Hours by Lynda Aicher

michellebookaddict's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.75


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samahcanread__'s review

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4.0

OMG! Carson is hotter and breathtaking than any book boyfriend I've ever read about. He's everything but shallow. I don't blame Avery for falling for him and getting caught into his plays and twisted fantasies.
This is the book that totally beat any erotica I've ever read. The story is flowing smoothly, and I loved how they jumped in time so the reader won't feel bored and yet it wasn't rushed.
I found myself holding my breath at every page.

Thank Harlequin Publicity Team and Lynda Aicher for my copy! I really loved it

tita_noir's review

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DNF at 60%

Heroine needed to lean into her kink. Her swings between being embarrassed and her constant hand wringing to being super excited about participating in scenes only to swing back to being apprehensive and questioning again was exasperating.

nononanette's review against another edition

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didn't care for the storyline.

kiks396's review against another edition

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3.0

[b:Done Deal|36229166|Done Deal (The Boardroom, #0.5)|Lynda Aicher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1505244403s/36229166.jpg|57868897] did a good job in enticing me to read the first book in The Boardroom series. What's not to like about a group of people meeting at a boardroom somewhere in the city to partake in their kinks? It was deliciously hot and interesting.

Avery Fast stumbles across one such meeting. She's immediately captivated and turned on. But then she notices Carson Haggert in the corner, watching her. Carson just happens to be one of the executives at the company she works for. A lot of the book was dealing with Avery's perceptions, fears and doubts. Carson invites her to participate in one meeting, seeing and knowing that she needs to push to go beyond her fears.

Carson was elusive and stubborn. He had clear expectations but didn't count on Avery capturing his attention so thoroughly. He was understanding, thoughtful and protective. As he helps her to navigate her new found kink, it turns into something else.

This book was about self-discovery, and acceptance. About being comfortable with who you are, and not conforming to societies demands. I liked how the Boardroom gave them a chance to grow and explore and I look forward to reading other books in the series to see how other characters get a chance at a HEA.

g_c_geeks's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

remusreads's review against another edition

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3.0

Read in one sitting on a whim. Loved the exploration of female sexuality but felt the main relationship was a bit thin.

doris1310's review against another edition

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4.0

Voyeurism and an awesome main couple. That was pretty hot.

gardenofevils's review against another edition

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5.0

Enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Both characters were mature and relatable. I could understand some of Averys motivations and decisions.

llamareads's review

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4.0

Avery is stunned when a late night search for a misplaced file has her stumbling into an orgy in one of the company conference rooms. even more unexpected is how turned on she is by it, and, worst of all, that she recognizes one of the participants as an executive at the company. After explaining the rules of The Boardroom – the exclusive, somewhat anonymous kinky sex club – Carson’s so intrigued by Avery’s reaction that he invites her to watch a scene with him. Carson isn’t looking for any sort of relationship, and he’s clear to Avery that it’s just an opportunity for them to explore the voyeurism they both enjoy. Though Avery is scared and half-ashamed, she’s never let fear rule her actions, and eventually she agrees, starting a ridiculously steamy exploration of her desires.

“This is still just sex,” he responded on reflex. “Just the Boardroom.” But was the repeated reminder for her or himself?
Her sigh was heavy with annoyance. “Did I ask for more?” She blew out a small puff of disgust. “No. I didn’t,” she answered for him. “So you can stop reminding me. It’s just about the sex. I get it.” She opened the door, a sly grin on her face when she looked back. “And it was really damn good tonight.”
She winked and sashayed out the door. His bark of laughter shot through the room before he followed her down the hall.”


This is, at heart, an extra-steamy office romance, a trope that can go either way for me. When the consent issues are well-done, like they are here, it’s pure catnip to me. The book doesn’t shy away from the fact that there’s a power differential between the two (Avery is an assistant to another executive at the company), and there are no easy answers for either character. Both characters also deal with their own roadblocks to having a relationship. Carson is extremely anti-relationship, due to incidents in his past, and resists categorizing his feelings for her for as long as possible. Avery, on the other hand, though she tries to work through it, is ashamed of her desires, well-aware of the dual sexual standards for men versus woman. She can’t resist the need that draws her to Carson, however, and the heady powerful feeling she gets from taking ownership of her desires. These two are perfect for each other, and the sexual chemistry between them and the slow development of their relationship was wonderful.

“Stupid, damn morals. Don’t be in the wrong. Apologize for your behavior. Expect the best of others. Be kind. Be nice. Be quiet. Be, be, be…
When was it okay to be mad? To speak out? To demand better?”


Other than the main relationship, the pacing was perfect and the secondary characters were well-developed and interesting. There were several that I would love to see have their own book! Overall, I think this is a great first entry in the series, and I will definitely be picking up the second! Highly recommended if you’re looking for an office romance that explores empowering sexuality and navigates consent issues with a deft touch!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.