Falling Under You: A Fixed Trilogy Novella

Norma Anders has worked at Pierce Industries for several years and has made herself indispensable as Hudson Pierce's CFO. One evening at yet another after-hours business engagement she is obligated to attend, she finally decides to act on the long-term crush she has had on her boss and corners Hudson away from the crowd and kisses him. When he doesn't return her kiss, she pulls back to hear him say, "You don't want what I have to give." Norma flees to the roof completely humiliated where she encounters her assistant Boyd - the best one she has ever had, though he is male, hot, and 9 years her junior - where he offers an ear to listen to her concerns. When she confesses that she made a move on someone she has had a thing for a person who is unattainable, he tells her he can relate to that feeling. And when he forces her to look into his eyes, she realizes that her all business at work assistant is talking about her! But there is no way she can start anything with him no matter how tempting. Fraternization is against company policy, especially where there is a power differential in place as she is Boyd's boss! And she doesn't want him to move to another executive because he is by far the best assistant she has ever had. Boyd Barrett grew up with money, so he has a trust fund, but he saw the toll all the work his parents did took on them as they both passed away while only in their fifties. He has decided that he wants to work, but only at a job where he can be on from 9-5 and then leave it at work to live his life beyond those walls. He has had a thing for his incredibly sexy boss for awhile, but he has bided his time in making his move until he felt the timing was right. When Norma confides in him that she made a pass at Hudson that was rebuffed, he knows she is just the right level of open and vulnerable to suggestion, so he goes for it. But Boyd doesn't just want a one night fling or even what many consider to be a traditional relationship: he likes to be in charge in the bedroom. He knows that Norma relishes her role as boss at work, but he has a feeling she would like to pass that control elsewhere, and he believes he is the perfect man to take it from her. But she has to surrender first, and while he is a patient man, she is taking longer than he expected to completely pass the reins. Norma is shocked when Boyd proposes a power shift outside of the office walls - is it even possible for someone so in control of every aspect of life since she was a young girl to just let go? She has to admit the idea holds appeal, but can she truly surrender to Boyd, and if so, how will this impact their work life and their future? What I liked: --- This book took off quickly! --- The main characters were very likeable and I definitely found myself rooting for them --- Interesting to see Hudson from an outside view (I read the first 4 books in the Fixed series before I read this one, which I definitely recommend even though this book could be considered a standalone) --- HOLY STEAMY GOODNESS BATMAN! What I didn't like as much: --- Not much! I was a little frustrated with Norma at times, but I felt like she remained true to her character and the way someone would have likely reacted in her shoes Overall, really good novella supplement to the Fixed series that I enjoyed tremendously and devoured in one sitting! Plot --- 4.5/5 Main Characters --- 4.5/5 Supporting Cast --- 4/5 Steam Level* --- 4.5/5 (mild BDSM elements, specifically bondage) Violence --- none Language --- liberal use of the f word POV --- 1st (Norma's) *Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all

Norma and Boyd are familiar faces from the Fixed Trilogy and the Found Duet but their story has never been more than hinted at previously. Falling Under You gives us that story of their forbidden romance over the course of several years. It all begins with Norma fleeing to the rooftop in humiliation after making a pass at her boss Hudson and being summarily rejected. She was certain he was the one man who could handle her success and they got along very well, so his brush off was a bit unexpected. Her assistant Boyd follows her outside to check on her, and he shows her a side of his personality she has never seen in him before with an authoritative demeanor that makes her take a second look. He has watched her longing for the wrong man for far too long and he gives her an unexpected proposition: trust him to give her exactly what she needs and show her how right he can be for her if given the chance. She shocks herself by saying yes then has her world rocked in ways she never expected. That experience makes her re-evaluate a few things in her life but also causes her to get stuck in a loop of overthinking everything. There are so many reasons she should not give in to her desire to take him up on his open invitation to explore a deeper relationship with a true power exchange between them, but despite the long list of cons and against her better judgment, her heart finally talks her into it. Don't think everything is all sunshine and roses from there though! There is a long slow burn build up as Norma struggles to truly embrace what Boyd is asking of her, and he tries to find the patience to wait for her to work through it in her head and either accept it fully or walk away. Through it all, I was just as frustrated as both of them, but they grow closer and they are ready to combust when the time arrives that they are both finally on the same page. Falling Under You was a nice trip back to the world of the Fixed Trilogy and I enjoy Norma and Boyd overall. I think I am going to need a re-read to get a Hudson fix now especially after reading the quick glimpse into Chandler's book at the end of the story too!

Falling Under You is part of author Laurelin Paige’s Fixed Trilogy as well as the newest in the 2016 1,001 Dark Nights line-up and let me just say: this book was SO HOT! Not only was it so hot but it was also so beautifully emotional that I was glued to each page from start to finish. Being in a long-term, respectful, platonic working relationship, Norma knew Boyd pretty well. So she thought. The thing is, how well can you really know someone when they only show you the side fit for cubicles and interoffice memos? But it shouldn’t matter anyway because no matter what Norma thought of Boyd, he was off-limits. Not only because as his superior it would be frowned upon but also because company policy forbade it. But beyond that, Norma thought she had Boyd all figured out. He wasn’t really her type. He’s handsome, a stellar assistant, and a true gentleman…and maybe a little too soft for her. Little did she know, that was only the side he showed her in the workplace. Outside of the office he is still a gentleman, but also a total dominant in the bedroom, and when she sees that side of him? She’s a goner. The situation soon changes from “I could never see myself with Boyd” to “I could never see myself without Boyd”. What will happen when it comes to being able to keep her relationship and her career? Wow. Just wow. I know Laurelin Paige is a genius when it comes to her couples and their dynamic. I know she weaves so much heart and heat into a story that captivates with each page. I know this, yet every time I pick up another one of her books I am blown away anew. Falling Under You was a prime example of her talent. I loved Norma and Boyd. I loved Norma and her tenacity when it comes to her career. I admire her work ethic and professionalism. She’s a woman who knows what she wants out of life and goes after it. I also loved that she was willing to admit she needed what Boyd wanted to give her and that she was willing to give up control for once in her life. It was so beautiful to see her transition and to see her grow as a person when she lets go for him. Boyd was a perfect match for her both in the boardroom and bedroom. He knows how to handle Norma and has such kindness and patience with her. He’s also damn sexy and when he takes control and it is positively delicious. The intimate scenes in this novella are scorchingly sexy with an underlying layer of emotion that Ms. Paige delivers so damn well. Whether you’re an established fan of Ms. Paige or this is your introduction to her work, I know you will love Norma and Boyd as much as I did. Thank you, Ms. Paige, for this wonderfully sexy and touching story!

I was so excited to hear that Norma and Boyd from the Fixed Series were getting their own story! I knew it would be HOTTER THAN HELL but I didn’t expect it hit me in the feels! Every single one of them! Yes! Yes! Yes! This story was sexy, sweet, funny and emotional! Oh my goodness! I’m in LOVE with these two! Norma and Boyd’s love journey had me cheering for them throughout the entire book. Actually, i’ve been cheering for them the moment I realized they were a “thing” in the Fixed Series. I needed more of them like...RIGHT NOW. Boyd is kind, loyal and commanding. And HELLA hot! Whew. Those glasses. Those abs. That tousled hair. RAWR. Put that whole package in a suit. Oh. God. YES. He had me panting like a horny b*tch in heat. Norma is a woman I can respect, she does what’s best for others, always giving, never taking. She’s a such a generous soul. I love her to death! Boyd shows her how to let go and give herself a break. And that just made me fall even more for this amazing man. So when their MOMENT happens, I swear I felt electrified. I was burning. Hot. On fire. I melted into a puddle of lust for these two! Their sexy times were not just hot but beautifully emotional, and that’s why I love this story so much! This novella is a sexy little number that packs a punch right to the g spot! Laurelin NEVER fails to disappoint. Falling Under You is so eloquently written I was captivated from start to finish. It’s just simply a beautiful story that I felt deep in my bones. I never wanted it to end! I hope to see a little bit more of Norma and Boyd in the future.

To say I was disappointed in this installment to the series is putting it mildly. I seem to be in the minority here, but I found this book nowhere near the quality of the other books- which I loved. The development of the story took quantum leaps in time that just left big gaps that could have been filled with a LOT more story. It seemed to just jump ahead in places for the sole purpose of brevity. Sure, if we've read the other books we know what happened to some extent, but not as seen from the perspective of these 2 characters. The relationship between Norma and Boyd just seems cheesy and unrealistic at best. I never really understood Boyd at all. And Norma sure is stupid for a woman who is supposed to be brilliant. If it were not for a couple of good scenes between them, I'd have given the book only 2 stars, but because I have enjoyed the author's other work, and I didn't totally hate this one, I am being generous with 3 stars. Or really 2.75. Hudson is like a ghost in this book. He enters and hands down his proclamations a couple of times, but we have no idea why he says what he says. He comes across as a complete jackass actually. I'm glad I read the other books! If I am correct, his "wife" is mentioned as such, but not even by name. It's like this book is just an outline of the book, and the author was too busy with another project to actually finish writing this one. And one thing totally bothered me. Minor spoiler alert here: Boyd is supposedly independently wealthy because he inherited a third of his father's company, but he makes it clear that he only owns "shares" in it. That would NOT make someone wealthy unless he had sold some of his interest or got some enormous dividends. But with his explanation, this didn't happen. Therefore, it's ridiculous. It also made no sense to me how or why he sought out a job with Norma in the first place. And the ending (another spoiler here) where they suddenly have a foster daughter comes so far out of the blue, it's as ridiculous as the rest of the book. Not my favorite. I hope the author does better with Chandler's story!

I'm both amazed and slightly surprised. I'm actually satisfied with this read. I'm surprised in the fact that Laurelin Paige got all aspects of this story (packed into such a short read). Bravo. Well done. I was both sexually frustrated as well as satisfied with this read. Boyd has me going for a while there. I wanted to strangle him. Like punch him in the face serious. I was absolutely frustrated with him. Then things started to click. I see why and where he was going with his "teachings". Norma was extremely headstrong and she lived for her job. I was just as frustrated with her. She just needed to give in. This turned out to be a wonderful love story. There was no insta-love. This was written during a 2+ year stretch. I'm so in love with Norma and Boyd. They were extremely hawt together. Their intimate moments were every erotic and sensual. I loved them. This was a really great read.

I loved reading about Norma and that she finally got the happy ending she deserved as well. As the only sister I can relate the need to take care of and protect the younger siblings and having to grow up quickly. I love that she found her person.

I enjoyed Norma and Boyd in the Fixed Trilogy and Found Duet books. Previously, they haven't been the focus so it was great seeing them up close and personal! This novella captured the beginning of their relationship and it was absolutely delicious! I loooooved getting lost in Norma and Boyd's world. We saw their relationship from Hudson and Alayna and Gwen and JC's perspectives but we're getting their story direct from the source this time. And boy is it sweet!!!! Norma has had a hard time in life but she does what she has to do and did the best she could with her siblings. She's worked hard to get where she is in her career and she hasn't let a man stop her. Or more realistically, she hasn't found the man for her to make her change her life's focus. Laurelin Paige does a FANTASTIC job of pulling you into their world and sucking you in. I love how both Norma and Boyd are strong characters but they also need what the other offers. They find they don't have to be in charge all the time and that doesn't change who they are but makes them stronger together. The anticipation is palpable and their chemistry is HOT! Highly recommend this novella!