How to permanently melt an ice queen? - Once Upon a Dare (Risky Business #1) by Jennifer Bonds

18++ Olivia's talented-maybe even more than Cole-so when his dropped hints to the boss net her a promotion of her own, he's ready to celebrate...until she accuses him of fueling office rumors that she slept her way to the top. She wants to earn her own way? Fine. So what the hell does a guy have to do to permanently melt an ice queen? 

Description:

The first night was a dare. The second night was trouble…

Advertising guru Olivia Masterson is all work and no play. But on the eve of earning her dream promotion, her best friend dares her to drop her ice queen façade for one night and seduce a sexy stranger. Olivia's worked her ass off to get where she is-why the hell not?

Cole Bennett never thought he'd run into his feisty one-night stand at the office, furious that he stole her promotion. No matter how hard she tries to ice him out, they can't seem to keep their hands to themselves...or their clothes on.

Olivia's talented-maybe even more than Cole-so when his dropped hints to the boss net her a promotion of her own, he's ready to celebrate...until she accuses him of fueling office rumors that she slept her way to the top. She wants to earn her own way? Fine. So what the hell does a guy have to do to permanently melt an ice queen?

GUEST POST

Top Five ‘Office’ Romances 

As a lover of romance, I spend my fair share of time reading, writing, and watching love stories unfold, trying to pinpoint that special something that draws me in and makes me root for the happily ever after. If a story can make me laugh out loud or ugly cry, I know it’s a winner. I’m also a sucker for a good old fashioned office romance. Because, really, what could be hotter than sneaking off to the supply closet for a mid-afternoon make out session? So whether it’s seeing couples unite as a team or bucking the system and breaking every HR policy known to man, office romance is my guilty pleasure. Throw in enemies to lovers and I’m toast. 

When I started writing Once Upon a Dare, I knew it had to feature both. Set against the backdrop of the advertising industry, Cole and Olivia’s smokin’ hot ‘I-hate-you-but-I-can’t-keep-my-hands-off-you’ chemistry was so much fun to write. One minute they were fighting like mad, the next they were tearing their clothes off in the boardroom. 

That consequences-be-damned determination to mix business and pleasure is a key component to a great office romance. And although technically all of the romances below don’t take place in an actual office, there’s work involved, so I’m counting them! Below are five of my favorite ‘office’ romances. 

Warren and Sally (Tally) from Up Close and Personal: I know the critics weren’t wild about this one, but I have to admit it broke my heart a little. I still can’t hear ‘Because You Loved Me’ without thinking of this movie… cue waterworks. I love the dynamic of Warren and Sally’s relationship. They are an amazing team and the way they challenge one another to be better, giving unconditional love with a hefty dose of reality just works for me. 

Margaret and Andrew from The Proposal: What really sets this movie apart from others is the role reversal of the hero and heroine. Margaret isn’t some assistant struggling to pay her student loans and hoping for a chance to prove herself. She’s already in a position of power and wields it freely, creating the enemies-to-lovers set up that draws me in every time. While I have to admit Margaret’s a bit of a hard-ass in the beginning, it just makes the romance that much sweeter when her defenses finally come down and she lets Andrew in. 

Booth and Bones from Bones: I adore these two. They are the epitome of opposites attract and it works so well for them. They’re kicking ass and taking names all the while learning to see the world through one another’s eyes. Theirs is a relationship built over time (no insta-love here) with a foundation of trust and mutual respect. And that is sexy. 

Will and April from Definitely, Maybe: I LURV this movie. I mean, what’s not to love? It’s got Ryan Reynolds, plenty of angst, and a happily ever after. Seeing Will and April grow apart over the years and come back together as a couple gives me hope and reaffirms by belief in fate. Sometimes it’s all about timing and finding the right person at the right time. I should know. I met my husband in a bar—on spring break. It happens. 

Angel and Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer: I know, I know. Their working relationship involved slaying baddies, but they were so good at it. Together. Besides, she gave him his one moment of true happiness. And if that’s not love, I don’t know what is. 

How about you? Who are your favorite office romance couples?

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About the author:

Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and a whole lot of mischief. When she’s not writing or wrangling toddlers, she can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She’s lucky enough to live with her own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

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