Outmatched by Kristen CallihanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was hilarious. It puts two completely opposite characters together in a boyfriend for hire situation. Throw in some miscommunication, an arrogant, misogynistic billionaire villain and a failing boxing gym and you've got the makings of a really interesting story.
Parker is successful in the field of renewable energy. She's very passionate about saving the planet. Unfortunately, she's found herself at a very old school company where the guy at the top is very old fashioned. He doesn't really think about diversity in any way, and prefers employees (read that as men) who are committed (read that as married, with 2.5 kids, and own a home). Parker decides that if she wants to keep her dream job, she has to play the game and keep up with appearances to impress the boss. So she hires Dean Morgan to pretend to be her boyfriend to attend work events with her and give the appearance that she is in a committed relationship. When they are supposed to have their first date, his brother Rhys, a former pro-boxer shows up instead to give her a piece of his mind about the arrangement. He is a bit protective of his baby brother. Rhys is everything Parker is not, tall, athletic, working class, and he swears in just about every sentence. Rhys has alot going on, but he's got to save his gym so he decides to save Parker and the gym by taking Dean's place. Fortunately or unfortunately for Parker, the head honcho boss guy is enamored with Rhys and his past boxing career.
Their relationship gets off to a rough start, but they quickly find that they kind of like each other and their opposing personalities. Then they realize they really like each other as they bond over
their disdain for Parker's boss. Parker and Rhys have great banter throughout the book, and they made me laugh so many times. This isn't terribly angsty, so if you are looking for that this isn't it. There are some trying moments where lines of communication get crossed and they fight, but those situations were quickly resolved. I really liked that Rhys pulled Parker out of her comfort zone and out of her head. She was quiet and uptight and mostly accepted things as they were to please everyone around her. As a woman working in a mostly male dominated field that can be really easy to do, keep your head down and your mouth shut but there is a price. You have to speak out against the jerky CEO/boss or things won't change. I like that Rhys had her back without doing it for her, and that she had his. They both had each other's well being in mind when they were at a crossroads to do something when they were going to do something they would both regret.
I hope this writing team continue working together. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading anything they collaborate on in the future.
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