The Substitute by Kristen Proby Release Blitz

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a new age-gap, workplace romance set in her beloved Single in Seattle series!

Derek Langley can’t keep an assistant to save his life. He’s grumpy, demanding, and sometimes mean, which mirrors his reputation in court. Derek doesn’t have time to coddle an employee, so when the temp agency informs him their next placement will be the last, he knows he’s doomed.

Maya Sterling is excited to move to Seattle. She wants to be closer to her siblings and her new friends, and a position with a temp agency fits the bill for her new life in the city. She doesn’t plan on walking in and finding a sexy British grouch for a boss, but his gruff nature doesn’t really bother her. In fact, she’s attracted to his rough-around-the-edges nature.

They quickly realize the attraction is mutual and steam up the office. But Maya’s position with Derek is temporary, and she knows she must maintain a professional distance to preserve her sanity.

Will they be able to resist each other? Or does fate have other plans?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Single in Seattle series!
For book one, The Secret, click HERE.
For book two, The Scandal, click HERE.
For book three, The Score, click HERE.
For book four, The Setup, click HERE.
For book five, The Stand-In, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

 

 

“So, why does Gray think your boss is a jerk?” Liv asks me as we walk into the department store.

“I don’t think he’s a jerk, but I’ve only known him for a week.”

Sidney scowls at me. “Why would Gray think that, then?”

“I guess Derek has a reputation for being hard to work for.” I shrug and hold up a navy-blue dress, but Stella takes it out of my hands and puts it back on the rack.

“That’s for someone in their sixties,” she informs me, shaking her head.

“Thanks. Anyway, I admit Derek can be abrupt and short, but he doesn’t bother me. At least not so far.”

I glance over at Liv, who’s watching me.

“What?”

“I’m telling you, you like him,” she says, narrowing her eyes.

“Look—”

“He doesn’t just not bother you. You’re hot for him.”

“Is he attractive?” Sidney asks, reaching for her phone. “Hell, I’ll google him. What’s his name?”

“Derek Langley,” I reply and bite my lip. This is fun. And a little nerve-racking. “He’s British. So, he does have a sexy accent.”

“Oh,” Sid says, turning the phone so the others can see. “Yeah, he’s fucking attractive.”

“Hot,” Stella agrees. “Dang, Maya, you should go for it. Wait, is he married?”

“He doesn’t wear a ring.” I consider that, tapping my finger on my chin. “Of course, not everyone does. I don’t think he’s married.”

“I can’t find any evidence of a wife,” Sidney says, tapping on her phone some more. “Unless it’s recent.”

“He’s my boss,” I reply, shaking my head. “Sure, there’s some chemistry there, but I work for him. I don’t think that’s ethical.”

I’ve caught him looking at my lips several times, and when we stand close together, he shoves his hands in his pockets as if he’s restraining himself to keep from touching me.

But maybe that’s all just in my head.

“You said yourself it’s only a thirty-day assignment,” Liv says, waving me off. “I say take those thirty days and have fun with them.”

“We’re going straight to the lingerie department,” Stella decides.

“You guys.” I laugh but don’t stop them from pulling me to the intimates section, where they choose lots of lacy, silky, beautiful things for me to try. “What if I’m being silly, and he wants no part in anything sexy with me?”

“Number one, he’d be stupid,” Sid says. “And number two, if he’s not interested, someone else will be.”

“You have a point. Okay, let’s do this.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is book 5.5 in the Single in Seattle series, and also another 1001 Dark Nights in the series; it is fun to get these short novellas to give us a quick fix between longer reads – and this is one is fun and frenetic.

The unexpected chemistry between the grumpy, rude lawyer, Derek, and the calm, unfazed Maya burns the pages. Of course things will not run smoothy because he is not really able to process what is happening to his very nature now that he has met her – and Maya is so wonderfully unflappable, and so in tune with her own needs, that we are treated to a whirlwind of a romance.

It is great to catch up with previous couples, two of which, of course, involve Maya's siblings, and the epilogue is really delicious and funny!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is a super quick, cute story about Derek and Maya.

Maya is coming home after spending some time in Europe and once she realizes that no matter what her parents say, they want her to move to Seattle and follow her heart; she goes to Seattle. Maya is still figuring out what she truly wants from her life, so she goes through a temp agency to find a job.

Derek is known for being a grump. He has a difficult time keeping help because of his brusque demeanor and sometimes downright mean words. He knows it's something he should work on, but he just can't seem to find the time.

When Maya walks into Derek's office, there is instant chemistry. These two have to figure out how to work together while keeping each other at a pleasant friendship distance. Despite their attraction, both know that mixing business and pleasure can lead to disasters.

Will Maya thaw Derek's icy demeanor or will she throw in the towel and find another way? This is a super quick read that will have you smiling.

 

 

 

KRISTEN PROBY is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.

Connect with Kristen Proby!

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Facebook Group: Proby's Peeps

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Substitute (Single in Seattle #5.5) by Kristen Proby to read and review.