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Falling For The Boss...
by Anonymous on January 2nd, 2008, 6:00am
Rory Baxter is tall, dark and incredibly sexy…but he's also Lissa Coleman's new boss! Lissa doesn't do office affairs—but Rory tests her powers of resistance to the limit! Author Natalie Anderson joins us in community this month to discuss the pitfalls and perils of office romance!
About the author:
Natalie has been writing seriously for only about two years. But since she started she’s written every night and every day of the week after her two children—and now her newborn twins—went to bed. She joined the eHarlequin.com Community boards in 2005, researching, participating and becoming addicted to the online reads. But Natalie says the best thing she found on the site was her critique partner, Jude.
Good Morning!
...well, in my neck of the woods it IS the morning (and I'm not running late at all for this appointment - not at all!
)
- as I'm here in New Zealand, please forgive me for posting at 'funny' times - but rest assured I'm here and happy to talk about the perils and pleasures of falling for The Boss...
The office romance is an absolute classic 'hook' in Harlequin Mills & Boon romances - across the lines you'll frequently see the heroine falling for her boss - there are examples in Presents, Romance, Blaze, Medicals and so on.
Yet in 'real life' it is frequently considered a 'no-no' - magazine articles often warn about how 'messy' the end of such relationships can be - you're jeopardising not just your heart but your career etc. And then there is the absolute 'no-no' situation where the boss is actually married... (none of that in my books thanks!
I want a true hero!)
So why is it we so love the theme of 'falling for the boss'???
I think some of it is because we spend so much of our lives at work - its a HUGE part of our week - wouldn't it be nice to have some romance there?
Here are a couple of common takes on the office romance:
What are some of your favourite office romance scenarios... and why do you think it is office romances are so enduring and popular??!!
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Hi Natalie!
This is an intersting topic. For a few years I was an HR Manager, and these type of romances always led to problems. And now I work in a busy law firm and folks in the domestic section tell me a lot of divorces happen because someone get's involved with someone from work.
Interesting topic and one I can't wait to see what folks say.
Robyn Grady did a book with the boos romance and I really enjoyed reading it. And I think the danger one of these type romances causes is the appeal. We love to live on the edge and see how far no really is.
Hi Betty!
Thanks for stopping by!
Yes, I think the reality can be very difficult - but you can see how easily it happens - when you do spend so much time with someone and there is a spark there, it can take only the littlest thing to set it off... (like that Christmas party! Or business trip away)...
Maybe that's part of why the office romance scenario is so popular in romance books - because it allows us to indulge in the 'fantasy' of the affair - but safely! And we hopeless romantics love it when it all ends up happy ever after (more common in books than in real life in this case maybe huh?!)
Robyn's book's called "Dream Job, Hot Boss!" right? And he is!!!
What are some other of your favourite boss books?
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Droppin' by
Hi guys (Nat and Betty)...just had to drop in a say 'definitely' to Betty's assertion about the danger. That's what I love about boss books...because in real life you'd steer clear because we're such sensible women but our alter egos are wanting to go for it - risk the job for the man and just see.
Oh I've gone all gushy just thinking about it.
Rory is a personal fave of mine.
jx
Writing as Judy Jarvie
www.judyjarvie.com
http://judyj.blogspot.com/
ANWTB
Hi Natalie - Just had to say how much I enjoyed your book! And lucky old us here in NZ can get your second one now too - I'm heading out to buy it this morning!
Gotta love the old romance in the office story . . . so much more exciting than in real life, especially with dreamy heros like your Rory!
Hi Jude
- nice to see you here
Yes, Rory is a bit dreamy isn't he - in some ways Lissa is mad not to say yes a bit sooner! But with her past history she's more reluctant to indulge in that office affair...
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Scarlett...
.. thanks so much - I hope you enjoy Bedded By Arrangement as much!
OK guys, so fess up. Anyone ever had an office affair??? Or ok (that could be a tad personal!
), thought about it? I remember many years ago as a temp in London having a minor crush on one of the managers - but SO far out of my league.... I don't think he even knew my name!
Again that's part of the fantasy isn't it? When you're the lowly temp in a company of hundreds of workers... is the big cheese (or one of them) ever going to notice you?
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
The lure of the forbidden
Hi Natalie,
Congrats on you fifth book, and yes, for me the office romance is all about the lure of the forbidden. Usually the rich, powerful and gorgeous forbidden at that!
'The Boss' comes complete with all sorts of 'Boss' archetype baggage to play with. Responsibility, a strong work ethic - all those things we just know the heroine is going to derail.
Possibly even a set of steak knives.
Yup - he's a honey.
Kelly
Hmmm Rory...
...I remember (she said like an old woman) a manager at work that ALL the girls fancied. I suppose that's part of the fantasy too - having him notice just you and getting the one everyone wants!
Rory's pretty special - I loved the opening chapts when he gives her a lift in a people carrier with kiddie seat in it and she's jumping to conclusions. Loved that he dispels the alpha suave image - just made me swoon more.
I'll go now it's obvious I'm in deep love with Rory.
j PS I am fed up with losing posts. If this one gets eaten I'll...I'll...I'll...resort to the biscuit tin and give up! jx kidding
Writing as Judy Jarvie
www.judyjarvie.com
http://judyj.blogspot.com/
Steak Knives??!!!
What are you doing with steak knives Kelly? Now that's one I've got to read!
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
The one everyone wants...
...yes, the entire female contigent of the company (and maybe a few of the men too!) - lusted after him right?
He's gorgeous, he's rich, he's intelligent, hopefully has a sense of humour in there, he's considerate and compassionate yet expects and inspires the best... ah yes.. the dream boss...
rats about the lost posts Jude - I'm still working my way around the new system too - it has some amazing features tho huh? And I love being able to see everyone's pictures... speaking of pictures I might have to post a couple soon... dream bosses and all that...
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Mixed feelings
While I can certainly understand the lure of the forbidden, office romances usually turn my stomach, even in fantasy. Most authors do a reasonably good job of selling it, but I have a hard time suspending my disbelief. I can understand in a situation where the "office" is your whole life--like the military, where you tend to eat, sleep, and play with the people you work with, but even then, it's been my experience that real, live people put a decidedly UNromantic flavor into it, making it just about office booty call. I'm not even that cute, and I have lost count of the number of men who have hit on me despite my clear references to my husband, or my sure knowledge of their wife. Ugh! Even worse is when the organization you work for has clear policies regarding romances and they ignore it, assuming you won't argue because you're too low ranking. There are good reasons most companies discourage them! When someone sees a couple engaging in a romance despite clear prohibitions, it's hard to respect the one that outranks you supervisorally (is that a word? It is now....) because now you know they don't think the rules apply to them. How can you count on them to make good choices for the company--ones that might affect you financially or professionally--if you can't even trust them to keep their hands off the girl twenty years their junior? I mean, sure, in theory that 45-year old and that 25-year old are both legally adults, but he's still old enough to have fathered her...and then some.
That said, I have admittedly found myself attracted to men I work with. It's hard not to, given my environment (won't say where I work--just know on average the men are between 18 and 45 and spend at least 90 minutes a day working out....) and I can certainly see where there is a huge pool of fantasy water just begging to be waded in. As a Marine officer I once knew put it, "all the women in this town are either married, enlisted, or so in love with themselves they scream their OWN name during sex." Amusing, yes, and even if untrue, it's totally understandable why one might be more tempted to break the rules given an environment like that.
Keep up the good work! Like I said...most good authors do a decent job of selling it. I just have seen too many real life instances of it blowing up on people for it to go beyond a really nice story.
Screaming her OWN name??!!
- LOL - that's funny. But yes Julianna you are so right - so often the case in real life is just a little hideous - esp when there is that power imbalance - of say that 45 year old and the 23 year old fresh(-ish) from school - which isn't to say that it doesn't work but the occasions they do are rare. I'm not so keen on that scenario in books either to be honest. I like it where the H and h are on more of an even footing - even if he's the 'boss' - perhaps they're not too far apart - in terms of age or experience or something. I guess that's why I like the Modern Heat books - where the characters are that little bit younger and where the heroine (hopefully) has a bit of gumption to her. I'm in the middle of writing another 'boss' scenario but the heroine has status in another way altogether that more than makes her an equal to him - that's kind of fun! And in the book I just finished the heroine is a millionaire in her own right and has her own company - again, more than a match/equal for the hero (that one isn't a boss situation, but its the kind of power balance I like).
I guess we're just one step away from having the heroine as HIS boss - I'm sure it's been done before but not that often - we do seem to like 'masterful' men in romance!
In All Night with The Boss those feelings of ambivalence you describe, and the reluctance to enter a situation that will undoubtedly end up messy, is exactly what holds Lissa, the heroine, back. But of course, as so often happens in real life, temptation just becomes too strong. Rory too, proves he is a true character and one she can trust in...
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
From boardroom to...bedroom?
Great topic, Nat.
I enjoy office romances (and have written a few, including my Romance out next month, Executive Mother-To-Be.) And the Modern Heat I've just handed in to my editor!
I like having my hero and heroine on equal footing, lending a little spice to the odd power struggle here and there...though having a strong alpha boss sweeping the heroine off her feet is pretty appealing too :)
PURCHASED FOR PLEASURE (Harlequin Presents) Feb 08
EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE (Harlequin Romance) Feb 08
http://www.nicolamarsh.com
http://www.nicolamarsh.blogspot.com
I have a hard time with
I have a hard time with office romances...I think it was all that time quoting the HR manual to people :D
I prefer for it to be people thrown together at work, not a long term scenario where careers can be derailed. I did one with a corporate type and his caterer, but she usually had the upper hand there...
I think it is because women in my generation are more cautious about getting involved with men who have power over them. Dozens of times I've had girlfriends walk away from possible relationships because they were just too risky professionally. It used to be that most women in romance were the secretary, a position that is sadly seen as interchangabIe, but now women are on all the rungs of the corporate ladder and know how hard it is to slip off in heels.
I do think it would be fun to do one where the BOSS was the heroine :D Not sure how that would work with the alpha male of the Modern Heat / Presents novel though...
Jenna Bayley-Burke & The Blog
HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX - February 20
A little spice...
...and a power struggle here and there definitely do it for me- I like the battle in and out of the bedroom, the boardroom etc until they both realise they have equal power over each other...
Tell us more about "Executive Mother to Be" Nic - it sounds great!
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
SHE'S the boss...
... yes Jenna - I'm thinking it could be great too - might be tricky but could be great if pulled off. I've read a few where they're co-workers or vying for the same position etc and they're great - but one where she's actually the boss of him?!
Could deffo work in a Blaze right?
It must have been done - surely?
I like the 'thrown together' thing too - like a temp situation. Altho, I have a soft spot for the ones where he finally sees his secretary for the woman she really is too...
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
real life vs book life
Hey Nat!
I looooove 'Falling for the Boss' romances. In fact my first few sold books were office romances making my editor ask if I could possibly try writing something different ;). I did. For a while. Though my last HR I sold is called HIRED: THE BOSS'S BRIDE, so no prizes for what that one's about ;).
I've been giggling about all those poor HR gals out there feeling queasy when reading office romance novels. Too close to home, I'm sure! Mmm, perhaps I ought to write a book about an HR consultant whose job it is to spruik about the dangers of inter-office relationships who then falls for her employee. I call dibs!!!
Office romances offer forced proximity which is fantastic for a romance writer. And where else is your workaholic boss meant to meet 'the one'? So much time is spent at work, and many people work in co-ed environments, it makes sense. Heck, I met my hubby at work!!!
And what great conflict? How will the workmates react? And what if it all goes wrong...? Been there...
And I really love knowing the details about what characters in books do for a living so setting the romance in the workplace gives that added edge of scenery as secondary character.
Here's to more office romances, I say.
Ally
'FALLING FOR THE REBEL HEIR' Harlequin Romance, March 08
'THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PRPOSAL' Modern Heat, May 08
http://www.allyblake.com
http://www.allyblake.blogspot.com
Fabulous comment Ally!!!
... and so, so true... yes the proximity thing is a winning point isn't it - and the amount of time spent together.
Glad to know of at least one office romance that's lasted the distance in real life!
I'm sure there are more out there...
Meanwhile, I can't figure how to put piccies in the posts but I do have a treat for you - I'll have a pic of one "Dreamboat Boss" on my eharl blog each day - so go over to:
http://community.eharlequin.com/content/dreamboat-boss-number-1
- hopefully that link works - take a look and come back and tell me what you think!!! Would you be happy to work under him? (so to speak....)
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Dreamboat Boss
Wow, now that's the kind of boss I would like to have. Mmmmm the perfect hero for one of your books! Just heard that you have hit the Walden Books bestseller list for All Night with the Boss - guess I'm not the only one who loved it!
Scarlett
...nice to have you back! I'm so thrilled about the Waldies
And yes, Hugh is THE MAN isn't he? Ally made the rash comment that we don't need any other inspiration 'cos he can do all types of hero BUT I beg to differ - come back tomorrow to check out DreamBoat Boss number 2... oh he's so worth it!
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Dreamboat bosses... And how I fell for one.
Nat,
Love this thread, enjoying it almost as much as reading All Night with the Boss... While I agree with Julianna that sometimes office romances can be dodgy and even sleazy in real life, I do like reading about them in romance when they're done well. And also I should fess up here and say that I once fell head over heels for my boss!
We were both working at a TV magazine in London, I was a trainee sub editor and he was the chief sub (not exactly a boss of the high-powered executive, double-breasted suit variety, but dishy none the less). I thought he was gorgeous and funny and noticed him giving me 'the look' on occassion so I thought he liked me too, but he never asked me out. I discovered through the grapevine he had a long term girlfriend and that was that... But then three years later, after he'd left the magazine and started working for a rival, I got a call one press day. Nearly fell off my chair when he said who he was and asked me out. That night he told me he had always fancied me, but like a true hero didn't think of asking me out till he'd split up with his girlfriend. So what happened next? Reader, I married him - and we're still married 14 years later and have two boys and I still think he's dishy and sexy and sweet.
So you see, it can work out, as long as he's the right guy.
Heidi Rice
BEDDED BY A PLAYBOY, Presents, Jan 2008
THE MILLIONAIRE'S BLACKMAIL BARGAIN, Presents, Mar 2008
www.heidi-rice.com
Oh Heidi...
now THAT is a story!!! I LOVE it - what a guy. He must have had some confidence to ring you up out of the blue... and honourable too eh!
OH yay for happy ending office romances - actually I was thinking on this some more and I think we need them - it really is a place where lots of us meet our life partner - they're not all 'sleazy-old-man-shags-naive-junior' ... in fact I don't know that that story exists in the Harlequin backlist!
But while I love the two younger people meet and fall in love at work scenario, I do quite like the icy tycoon is melted one too. There was an online read ages ago that is still on the Mills & Boon UK site - its actually a lovers reuinite story - but it has the boss theme beautifully entwined in the reunite bit - its by Lynne Graham and is called The Greek Tycoon's baby.
love it. (You can read it at millsandboon.co.uk in the online reads library)
(BtW Heidi - have you seen this weeks Waldies list?!
)
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
ok friends...
...off to bed I am (forgive the Yoda speak, tired, I am).
Chat away and Ill be back in the am my time with Dreamboat Boss number2!!!
~Natalie
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
I love happy endings!
Heidi, what a lovely story. And Nat, great topic!
I worked as a temp in my mid twenties. A married boss offered to drive me to the train station this one day, and suggested we go out to dinner. Hoping to put him off, I said, "Sure, My boyfriend would love to meet your wife." He flat out said, they weren't invited. Ick.
But Harlequin boss romances are magical, probably my favourite theme. I'll keep Hugh in mind when I'm reading yours, Nat. Can't get much hotter than that
Robbie, waving to Jude and Betty and Nic and everyone!
www.robyngrady.com
The Magnate's Marriage Demand - Desire Aust. NZ/Feb 08 (A Waldenbooks Bestseller!)
For Blackmail...or Pleasure - Desire US Mar 08/Aust.NZ Apr 08
One Wild Night & A Marriage Ultimatum - UK Apr 08/Presents US July 08
Good morning!
- well it is my time, I think it might be a bit after lunch yesterday in the US which is a bit crazy!
HOt boss number two is on my eharl blog - do you have ANY idea how hard it was to get a pic of him in some kind of suit??? (other than an award ceremony style one - and in those he's always wearing his glasses, hat and goatee...)
But I thought the desk thing kinda gave a bit of a boss look to it
I'm not sure I could QUITE take him seriously as a boss - he seems to be a rule breaker rather than maker - maybe he'd be perfect as an eccentric entrepreneur style boss... totally gorgeous tho.
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Robbie!
Good to see you here!
Ick on that boss - that kind of guy has no place in our kind of romance books right?
Cool its probably your favourite theme - no wonder you write such great ones!
They are so classic aren't they - AND some of them seem kind of 'possible' - not too far into the realms of fantasy - as Heidi and Ally can attest!!!
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
Location, Location, Location...
... now as you may know, I do like a bit of sauce with my story (like a whole bottle!
) - but if our H and h are too attracted to stop themselves getting into a passionate clinch in work hours... where oh where are they going to be able to?
Back in the good old days everyone had an office right - and the door could be closed... and I guess the CEO still probably does.... but so many office layouts these days are open plan... so where are our couple to go???
I'm a big fan of the stairwell for a few hot and heavy moments... less keen on the loos (just a little tacky don't you think,?). There's always the supply cupboard... or the photocopy room? What about on top of the photocopier?! I'm sure that's been done in a movie sometime....
...where would you put them???
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com
location
Hummm? At night on the bench in the roof top garden.
Rooftop gardens
- oh that's nice! So the company has some swish garden on the top of its building??!! That could totally work - is it for the boss' use only or all staff... hmmm.... - good one!
Out now: All Night with the Boss ; Bedded by Arrangement
http://www.natalie-anderson.com