The concept of this story was good. We all know nothing in life is perfect and this story proves that. This was the first book from this author that I have read and I dont think it will be the last. I enjoyed her writing style and loved the fact it was a light entertaining read and not held back by too much backstory. Right from the 1st chapter you are pulled into the story with just enough information that you find yourself unable to put the book down. Emmaline was a strong woman who knew what she wanted. Although, I will say her behaviour at the start of the book annoyed me. I mean who changes their WHOLE name just because your annoyed at your ex husband it screamed childish. I didn’t get the need for her to change her name. After all it wouldnt have made a difference she was only out for a one night stand.

Taken by the CEO was quite a bit lighter, story-wise, than other books I have read by this author. The main focus of the story was of Emmaline and Parker’s relationship. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a fun read! Stefanie London has this amazing writing style that puts you completely at ease. She always demonstrates excellent comedic timing, and there are a few giggle out loud moments in this book. Characters are very well developed, and both Emmaline and Parker are genuinely nice people, and once the kinks are worked out, perfectly suited to each other.
Highly recommended story for those times when you are looking for a light-hearted romp just to relax and enjoy.

Stefanie always writes books that are sexy and a great storyline. This one was a unique start to a billionaire romance. Emmaline wants a clean slate and decides her name will be "Sarah" for her one night stand. When that one-night stand turns out to be her boss, who also lied about who he is, it all backfires. I loved the strong character Emmaline is! Although she'd had a marriage where her ex controlled her, she refuses to do it again. She is very gentle about how she does this as she's not an abrasive, extroverted person.. Her boss, Parker, wants to take care of her but does it by taking control. Stefanie did a great job with the characters and teaching them they can be together...well written!

I was intrigued from the start, lies always come to light and that's what happened when Emmaline pretends to be someone else and is caught out by her new boss whom she lied too

I received a copy and voluntarily leave my own thoughts

I  initially enjoyed the beginning of this story. It reads like a rom com novel with Emmaline wanting to be someone else for a night. She wants to live a little after going through a horrendous break up. Emmaline thinks what she needs is a one-night stand, which probably wouldn't have been so bad had she not, unknowingly, had one with her boss, Parker. It was hilariously excruciating getting through the moment they each realize what they've done.

​After that, however, the book is rather unremarkable as it follows the suit of so many other romance books. It was entertaining, and I would totally read another Stefanie London book (I have already - see below), but it wasn't my favorite from this author.

This is a well written entertaining read.
Although predictable with no great surprises it is well worth a read.

Fun and sexy, I loved this story. It was a quick and easy read!

This was a really great start to a new series by Stefanie London. Apparently it was a spin-off from another book, but even though I haven’t read that one, I didn’t have any trouble with this one.

Emmaline is determined to recreate herself. She’s recently divorced from a controlling piece of shit and she refuses to allow his garbage to infect the rest of her life. So when she goes out for her first “make myself better” run and manages to lock her neighbor’s dog in her car, she invents an entirely new persona for her sexy rescuer. I don’t typically love books that involve deceit as a way to get the couple together, but really “My name is Sarah” isn’t exactly the worst lie I’ve ever read. It’s also dispatched pretty quickly, so it wasn’t that big a deal.

I loved Emmaline’s determination to make her own life on her own terms. For the entire span of her marriage, she did everything for her husband. She didn’t work, she stayed home, cooked his meals, cleaned his house, accompanied him to his every function, and generally playing the part of the perfect Stepford wife. She didn’t have any friends of her own, and all of the couple friends they had went his way in the divorce. She could have allowed herself to remain emotionally beaten down by her ex-husband, and it would have been completely understandable, but she didn’t.

She also refused to allow Parker to make decisions for her. She was determined to make it on her own, and to know that she made it on her own. It wasn’t enough for her to win the position she was vying for, she had to know that she had won it on her own merit. She had to know that she was good enough, that she could make it on her own after being told for so long that she couldn’t.

Parker has his own demons to deal with. He’s recently returned to Australia to take over the role of CEO of the Wentworth Group from his recently-retired father, with whom he has his own issues. Those issues have caused him to develop a very small list of criteria for the women he dates – they can’t expect him to trust them, and she has to be content playing second fiddle to everyone and everything else in his life. He does recognize that this makes him sound like an asshole, so he mainly sticks to one-night stands in order to avoid “dealing with other people’s emotions”. Again, he sort of sounds like an asshole. And in a lot of ways, he kind of was an asshole, but not the alpha type of asshole that’s just a jerk for no reason. He really does think he’s taking a moral stand with a lot of his actions. He knows that Emmaline is determined to make it on her own, he knows that proving to herself that she can do it is the most important thing to her right now, he just goes about trying to help her do that the wrong way.

I also didn’t think he took her concerns about their relationship as seriously as he should have. He’s the CEO, she’s a new employee in the HR department who’s trying to win a higher position. Of course it would come back on her if their relationship was discovered. She tried to talk to him about it, especially when it became clear that at least one of her co-workers had figured out the relationship and gave her a hard time about it. There is no way that “our relationship is no one else’s business” is going to keep her reputation from being absolutely destroyed. Something like that, especially if she won the position she was trying to get, would follow her forever, while it rolled right off of him. Double especially because he was the judge with the final say on who won. But he refused to even acknowledge that it was an issue. Which, for him, it really wasn’t. His reputation wouldn’t suffer at all. Just hers, and I really wish he had taken her more seriously.

I believed in these two as a couple. I think they’re the kind of couple who will only grow closer and grow better the longer they’re together. They each have lessons to learn from the other, and they’re open to doing so. Their connection is immediate and palpable. Neither of them are looking for anything serious right now, which is, of course, exactly when they’re most likely to fall. This book set up the stories for Parker’s siblings, which I have to assume are coming at some point. I really hope so. They didn’t play huge roles in this book, but I liked what I saw of them, and the family dynamic will be fun to watch unfold.

Overall – this was another really great entry in Stefanie London’s book list. It was a quick read, perfect for a springy afternoon on my deck with a glass of wine and a dog in my lap.

Taken By The CEO is about Emmaline who has just gone through a divorce. She thinks that she needs a big change in her life and she is debating changing her name. When she locks herself out of her car and meets a new guy when she is trying to get help, she decides to lie and tell her that her name is Sarah. They go on a date and then she realizes that he is the new CEO at her job!! Emmaline is worried now that her promotion is at stake and the CEO thinks that she is a liar. The CEO, Parker, ends up forgiving her after he finds out that she didn't know who he was at all and wasn't lying to try and get to his money. Emmaline ends up withdrawing from the promotion as her relationship with Parker heats up. She doesn't want anyone to think that she slept her way to the top. Parker reinstates Emmaline's application behind her back and even though typically the CEO has final say in who gets the promotion and wanted it to go to Emmaline, he lets the rest of the committee decide instead. It looks like this is going to be the first in the series and I'd definitely consider reading more! This was a fun, quick read even though there was a lot of will they / won't they back and forth with the main couple I still enjoyed it.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

Taken by the CEO is a surprisingly thoughtful, sexy romance. Emmaline and Parker are a great couple with loads of chemistry. She's just divorced her cheating ass of a husband and has finally decided she deserves to have some fun in her life. When she meets Parker and has a hot one night stand with him it helps her let go of some of the negative feelings her ex has left her with. But, when she finds out he's the new CEO of the company she works at, how will she react? How will he react, especially considering she had told him her name was Sarah and that she was a school teacher?

Thankfully, their chemistry overcame any objections the two might have had about a hot, no strings relationship that isn't grounded in commitment or feelings. But, of course, feelings do develop between the two and neither communicates those feelings to the other. I really like both Emmaline and Parker, they're realistic characters with realistic feelings and personality traits. Although Parker is a CEO, he's not too dominating or ruthless. He is a bit controlling, (the major bone of contention between the two and cause of their breakup) but honestly, I didn't think he was OTT about it. I think Emmaline overreacted a tad in this area, but thank God Parker realized why she felt the way she did and made it up to her. Emmaline too is a great character. She's smart and loyal and sweet. She let her marriage to her ex influence her too much with regards to how she dealt with Parker, but once he declared his feelings, she came around. All in all, they're a great couple with hot chemistry and once they let their feelings be known, such a sweet couple!

4.5 Stars! Stefanie London is the queen of sexy characters and witty dialogue! Although her hero seemed like a bully and not right for sweet Emmaline, as usual Ms. London pulled it off and gives readers a satisfying and wonderful happily-ever-after for this perfect for each other pair.

Looking forward to more in this series. I loved all the books in the BTB series and am so happy to see some of those characters pop up here.

Emmaline/ Em never asked for much in her life. Em was getting a divorce after six years with a cheating man.who had made her a trophy wife with no purpose or achievements of her own.Em had walked in on her husband having sex with his business partner in the dental exam chair. Em was determined to be someone new. So Em now worked in the H R department of one of the biggest retailers in Australia - Wentworth group. Edward/ Parker came back to become CEO of the family business to take over and restore the value of their name. A name his father had dragged through the mud. Em’s sister Grace said she needed to take up a hobby and she decided running would be a good hobby. Em’s first time out she had taken the neighbor’s Chihuahua and had ended up falling and then locked the dog, her keys,her purse, and phone in the car. She stopped Parker and asked to use his phone when she explained why. Em told Parker her name was Sarah. Parker asked “Sarah” out to dinner and she had Parker meet her at her brother in law's bar. Sarah was not going to be like Em who had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth a “ society girl”. Sarah was going to be an ordinary girl with an ordinary life and problems. Em decided at dinner as “ Sarah” she would have her first ever one night stand. Parker was fine with a one night stand also. Then Parker goes to meet his new employees and finds out Sarah is really Em and is one of his employees. Em finds out Parker is really Edward though he never uses that name and was the C E O of the company she works for which has ASTAR program that takes the best performers and gives them an accelerated career plan. Then after a late meeting Parker asked Em to come home with him again. Something about em made Parker forget his responsibilities and problems. Parker made Em feel desirable and wanted and alive.
I loved this story. It had a great plot. I loved how em finally got away from her unfulfilling marriage and was making a career for herself. I also loved how how Parker took it upon himself to show Em how good sex can be. I loved how determined Parker was to not feel anything but desire for Em but in the end…. I loved how Em stood up to Parker and ended things because she felt controlled again. I didn’t find anything to complain about in this story which is unusual but great. Everything just seemed to fall in place. I felt like i was there with em and Parker . I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.

Stefanie London does it again. I enjoyed the heck out of this book! The premise has been done a million times, so of course the characters have to steal the show or it would just be another oops, I had a one-night stand with by boss and didn't know it story. Well, Emmaline Greene and Parker Wentworth not only stole the show with their banter and heart, but also with their growth.

Emmaline wants to start fresh. She wants a personality make-over. Her past has made her hit bottom and she's had enough. People are gonna start to take notice, even if she has to pretend to be someone else :) Being someone else gives her the confidence she needs to step outside her comfort zone. Cue the dreamy Parker Wentworth. *happy sigh* Now Parker has got himself some baggage as well. He's a newly appointed CEO to his family's business, which has scandal running amok! He's going to change that. He's done with the reputation the company has. He's gonna turn it all around .....

Bwaahahahhaha , as you can read in the blurb, Parker is starting out on a stellar note :)

It is phenomenal how this story unfolded and how both Emmaline and Parker grew thru it all. Of course their journey began a bit rough around the edges (lol) but it turned into a humorous, heart-warming journey that will make you smile all the way thru :)

Copy provided for blog tour review

sweet and emotionally fabulous spin off of this Behind the Bar series.
There is good chemistry and good development between the characters. I loved the pace and the ending of this story. Emmaline went after her HEA and Parker was ready for is HEA. These two MC were perfect for each other.

My rating: 4.3 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

When you want a fresh start and there's just one little detail you omit, there's bound to be trouble. Discover a spicy must read from Stefanie London!

Taken By the CEO was a very entertaining novel. The storyline is a classic that while would be over used, in this case was well written. Emmaline and Parker have a one night stand with no names involved only to find out Emmaline is his new employee. Both lead characters were so likeable, Parker is sexy and strong while Emmaline is sassy and strong headed. Emmaline is dealing with some emotional baggage and Parker is the perfect male specimen to help her carry it. I really like this story and would give it 4.5 stars. I would easily recommend this book!

Taken by the CEO turned out to be a fun, flirty and sexy romance I just couldn’t put down.

Emmaline is in the process of getting a new life. After a failed marriage to a cheating scumbag who only wanted a trophy wife to be a good host and a great cook, she desperately needs to feel useful. Now working in the HR department of a big retail oriented company she is feeling better by the day. The only thing missing is jumpstarting her dating life. Afraid to repeat past mistakes she wants to be a whole knew her, totally different from her former meek wife thing. That’s how she ends up giving the man-hunk she met while running at the park a fake name and a fake career.

Parker has enough things on his plate right now: not only is he starting as the new CEO for his family’s company, but he is back in his home country after years of distance from his family and his father’s scandal. A night of no-strings-fun with the sexy blond is just what he needs to let some team off.

Neither of them expected to have such a good time and still be thinking of each other the next day. Much less meet at the company’s breakfast when they realize Emmaline is Parker’s employee. When their chemistry proves too much to ignore they embark on pseudo-relationship, but with both of them worried about the rumors along with their personal issues their future is doomed. Or is it?

I really liked Emmaline. While she was a bit insecure at first I loved that because of her relationship with Parker, she regained some of her confidence as a woman. She was a hard worker, sweet and funny and an all-around nice girl.

Parker wanted nothing more than to be different from his father. Uncompromising with his values and morals, he was a bit controlling, a lot demanding and a total workaholic. At least at first, but spending time with Emmaline started to mellow him and showed him what he was missing and pushing away.

“A restless itch developed in his palms, and it would only be sated when he grabbed fistfuls of her hair and her ass.”
I appreciated how the cheating issue was tackled in Taken by the CEO (not our couple, so relax, it’s the dad) and the family dynamics was really interesting. I’m really looking forward to reading the other Wentworth siblings’ stories.

Engaging, fun, sweet and with some really hot shenanigans going on this was a really good read.

Taken by the CEO by Stefanie London is book number one of The Scandalous Wentworths. This is Emmaline Greene and Parker Wentworth's story.

Emmaline always does what everyone wants her to do. Not anymore! She meets this guy and ends up having a one night fling and she told him her name was Sarah. Oh well, she won't ever see him again! Wrong! He is her new boss! Yikes!

Parker has just taken over as CEO of his family's business. He doesn't do relationships but will do no strings one night stands. Right now, his focus needs to be on restoring his family business' reputation. I wonder how that works for him since he slept with one of his employees before his first day as CEO. To be fair to Parker he didn't know that she was one of his employees. Parker's first day at work was an interesting day and so was Emmaline's! Isn't that how everything works. The one time you do something risky it back fires on you.

This story has humor, passion, chemistry, and a heartwarming story. For Parker to be a no strings one night stand kind of guy he sure was a romantic and loving guy. I fell in love with Parker and Emmaline's characters. I enjoyed their story.

FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

After divorcing her cheating, controlling ex-husband, Emmaline Greene dreams of being someone else - someone confident, attractive and sexy! When an attractive man comes to her rescue, she decides to act on her dream and pretends to be a school teacher called Sarah. This alter ego gives her the boost that enables her to have her first one night stand - and what a night it proves to be for both her and Parker! She assumes her lies don’t matter as they’ll never see each other again . . . .

Edward Parker Wentworth has returned from Boston to take over as the CEO of his family’s company, a role his father previously held. He’s determined not to be involved in a relationship and can’t afford any distractions as he strives to lay to rest the scandalous reputation and poor employee relations which are a legacy of his father’s time as CEO. However, Sarah proves to be just too tempting and he reluctantly lets her disappear from his life . . . . but doesn’t understand why he really doesn’t want her to go.

First day in his new role, Parker gets the biggest surprise when he discovers that Sarah isn’t really Sarah and that she’s actually one of his employees! Mind you, it was just as big a shock to Emmaline. Can they resist each other? Will they succumb to temptation? Can they - should they - get to know each other? How will it impact on their jobs and lives?

Starting with one lie, their relationship possibilities leave them both torn between giving each other a big miss or giving love a chance. I enjoyed how the characters change and evolve through the story. There are plenty of humorous moments in this fun read which had me laughing out loud at times but the author still manages to pack in the angst and turmoil, showing how the characters are wary, anxious and yet so drawn to each other. It is a great, fun romance to escape into and I can't wait to read more about the Wentworth family in future!

Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.

I liked this book. Emmaline is newly divorced and decides to have some fun she meets Parker at a running track and they meet up for a date that turns into much more only problem is she uses a fake name of Sarah thinking she will never see him again along with a story of being a school teacher. well come to fine out Parker is the CEO of the company Emmaline works for. As they to fight their attraction to one another it gets harder and harder and Emmaline is trying to get into a program that Parker has finale say in who wins when she pulls out of it because of her feelings for him and he goes behind her back and submits her name anyways she has to decided if she wants to stay with someone who is trying to control her once more.
I did enjoy this story. and I hope we get to see Parker sister story next.