Being a powerful and strategic businesswoman, Mae doesn’t back down from any challenge. Hopping from one job and place to the next, she has a spotless reputation of dragging businesses out of a corporate death spiral.Oliver has been burned one time too many in his life. The last time it almost cost him his company that he worked very hard for. To say he doesn’t trust easily might be an … understatement when he discovers that a beautiful woman has taken over the lead of his company.
With both Oliver and Mae being professional and sharing the same mindset of keeping the office floors clear of romance, they might be facing an even bigger dilemma when Mae’s reputation, as well as their hearts, are on the line.
Loving Mae can be read as a standalone. The Swamp Head Series; a seven book novella series based on a family born and raised in the swamp. Each sibling will get their own INSTAlove story told (each a different genre) and even though it is a series, each book is a standalone.
Cyrus (Billionaire Romance)
Claiming Elsie (Romantic comedy)
Chester (Single Mom Romance)
Loving Mae (Office Romance)
Cross Ties (Romantic Suspense)
To Live (Royal Romance)
To Love (a hint of MC Romance)
more
Loving Mae is book four in the Swamp Heads series, but can be read as a standalone. I have read (devoured is more appropriate) all of this authors MC reads, yet this was my first in this series. I, in no way, felt lost or like I was missing anything. This is a insta-love office romance filled with humor, sweetness, and amazing characters.
Mae is a woman with quarks and an awesome attitude. I totally want to become BFF’s with her. Her job is to travel to different companies and help them through their struggles. She meets Ollie, (in the most brilliant and hilarious way), and their sparks are immediate. Ollie is shut off from love and women because of a past issue, but he still sees his heart’s mate in Mae. The chemistry is electric, but in this sweet and refreshing way. They both know they are it for each other, they just need a bit of help seeing that they can have everything; love and work.
What makes this story, and this author amazing, is that it is written in away that makes the reader absorb every line. I laughed with these characters, swooned with Mae, got excited with Ollie, and was rooting for a place in their ever after (best friend honors). I normally dislike internal dialogue, as I am an action person, but this story changed my mind. Some of the best lines were from Mae or Ollie talking to themselves; their rambling thoughts made the story. I love the care that this author put into making her characters unique; classic cars, useful but odd collections, and a couple of rats named Walnut and Crackers.
I collect great lines from books and this story gave me quite a few to devour. My favorite (review appropriate that is) are: “See through all that oxidation, honey, because when it’s all polished, it’s extraordinary.” Oh… and lets not forget: “Loving Mae is as natural as the beating of my heart.”
I had the extreme pleasure to read and review this story as an ARC and I am leaving my honest review. I highly recommend this story to new readers and devout followers alike. Happy reading.
Fiery, feisty and independent but underneath a little insecure and just wanting to have someone special to share her life with. I loved Mae’s humour both spoken and thought and her sass. Oliver is very much the alpha male and boss, used to people doing as he says, until he meets Mae. Again I loved his humour. There is a small amount of angst just enough to keep it interesting, the story is well written and not very long so ideal for short reads. This is the sort of story to pick up when you are having a bad day and need some light relief to lesson the bad stuff and lighten the mood. It makes you chuckle while reading (at least it did me) and made me feel good. There is enough tension without it being overwhelming. A great read with the main thought I take away are all the chuckles I had while reading it, all their inner thoughts were funny. It certainly had the feel good factor. I loved it.
I knew after meeting these two characters in previous books in this series that they would clash. And Damn, it’s beautiful!! Hallie-Mae is driven, professional, no-nonsense and knows exactly what to do to save a company from going under. Oliver finds it hard to trust after being kicked in the balls, professionally speaking!
When these two meet its like clash of the titans with lots of chemistry!! Absolutely loved it!
This was a quick and cute read about Oliver, a hard business man trying to pull his company back into black and Hallie Mae, a fixer who comes in to get Oliver’s business back on track. There is an insta-lust element that turns into love very quickly. This was a fast pace and easy to read story.
I enjoyed Oliver in his sister’s story, so was looking forward to him getting his own HEA. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Mae, however. She’s a little all over the place, and it took me a while (much longer than Ollie’s insta-love) to warm up to her.
This story is definitely cute, steamy, and enjoyable, tho! And I really loved Ollies gift for Mae at the end!! : )
I loved this quick office romance !
Hallie Mae is our smart, savvy, sassy business woman. She is the fixer, go into a company and fix the problems to help them to continue to succeed. Hired to save Oliver’s company their first meeting shall we say was impressionable . Oliver comes off as arrogant , brooding and questions Hallie’s methods . Hallie is not accustomed to be questioned regarding her business methods and is not liking his tone! They are constantly at each other but their is a fine line between love and hate .
I absolutely loved the banter and sexual energy between this power couple .
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Loving Mae is the fourth installment of Esther’s “Swamp Heads” series. The series follows 7 siblings as they find their one true love and the hijinks that throw their worlds into a tizzy! It wasn’t what I was expecting though, as this is not only the first “office romance” in the series, but by the author ever! I wasn’t sure how it would work out or if it would.
Hallie Mae is Elsie’s twin sister and the total opposite of her. Where as Elsie lives and works in their hometown, Mae has become the ball busting, strong and determined career woman who has turned around lots of different companies when they were facing bankruptcy. She has steeled herself against feelings or letting her emotions get involved with so many other things. She has travelled for years fixing other people’s problems, but she’s never stopped to see if she had any that needed to be solved. It’s not until she’s sent in to pick up the pieces of a company that is in the “family” so to speak.
Oliver has had to become the tough guy, the one who doesn’t take crap from anyone and who does what it takes to be a good businessman. Not too long ago his world was turned upside down when his sister and niece had relocated with Mae’s brother, Chester. They had found true love and he was incredibly happy for them. However, he missed them and was feeling the pressure of the mess he was having to clean up from his old business partner who happens to now be his ex brother in law. The guy not only stole from the company that they built up, but from his sister and her daughter. He refuses to stand back and watch his company fall apart. He agrees to do what it takes, even if that means hiring someone from the “outside”. His main goal and focus is on the business…until in walks Mae…..
Their first encounter is hilarious and honestly, I laughed so hard! Just their dynamic and Mae’s sassy ways were spot on and put Ollie in his place! They both are such strong characters and demand attention on their own. The way they communicate, their quirks and emotions really had me smiling. I loved their shared hobbies too! Who would have thought right? I really loved this book! For it being another new direction for Esther, she hit it spot on! She proves that not every office romance has to follow the stereotypes for the genre to be well received. This is a quick, insta-love, sweet, hilarious and super freaking HOT book that will have you craving more!
After being so used to Esther’s Dirty talking Bikers and mafia guys this is a nice change of pace.
Mae has been asked to help save Oliver’s company and while he doesn’t want her there he knows shes needed. He makes it known that she’s not welcome but she is also headstrong and not a pushover. She gives it right back to Oliver and lets him know she’s not going anywhere. Sparks fly between the two of them from the beginning.
But, Mae has a rule, is she willing to cross it or Oliver? Or will she stick to her rules? These characters will have you laughing at their banter throughout the entire book. Unlike the other Swamp Head series books, there’s a build-up of their relationship which I loved.
I thought I was in love with all the different MC’s that Easther has written but i think i have a new love. This is the perfect combo on sweet, spicy and sassy. I have no idea how Esther keeps coming up with these amazing stories, but I can’t wait to read more!
Can Mae move on after her faithful pet Walnut passes? Can she do the job and move on, even though she might be leaving a piece of herself behind?
Ollie’s not sure what to do with the butt in the air front of him but he sure has some ideas. Can he hold onto his company and not loose his heart at the same time?
I really have been enjoying this series by Esther Schmidt. Shorter stories that are safe, low angst, and with a helping of steam.
HERO~ Oliver was a grumpy, suspicious, broody guy at first. He had his reasons, and they were legit. He tried to fight his feelings for Mae but the attraction was inevitable
HEROINE~ Oliver’s nickname for Mae was HellCat and it was fitting. OTT in her actions ( often with this authors heroines) she tried to keep Oliver at arms length most of the story.
SEXUAL HISTORY~ Neither were virgins and their past was refreshingly not dwelled upon
OM DRAMA ~ a former jealous employer tried to make trouble but she never had a relationship with him at all.
OW DRAMA~ none
STEAM not heavy steam
VIOLENCENo violence at all
SAFETY Safe – neither with others after meeting
ENDING~ ok epilogue 2 years out. Would have loved info about their future
Loved Ollie & Mae! My favorite part is when he walks into his office & sees her. This book kept a smile on my face from beginning to end. Looking forward to the next book