Well...it was ok. I think I expected a little more character development before the h/H jumped on each other -- it just looked a bit unrealistic. The heroine is too young. I don't know, this story was just missing something. Sorry.

Lochlan has the life he wants, no ties, no kids just making it big as a successful businessman. Everything is perfect until his long serving personal assistant finally puts her foot down and retires. Her last job is hiring her replacement, May, which puts Lochlan into a spin, he knows she’s too young and inexperienced to do the job he needs plus he can feel the danger of having such a beautiful woman around. He has always been against workplace relationships and doesn’t want to start now. However, he has promised to give her a chance and starts to be impressed by her quiet efficiency. Great to catch up with the Collin’s family again. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mari Carr consistently writes terrific stories, combining organic emotional connection and palpable sexual chemistry. This is my first read in the Wilder Irish series, but I've read most of the Wild Irish series. The gaps in my reading did not take away anything from reading May Flowers.

Love Lochlan. He's hot and ambitious, for sure, but I especially liked his capacity for self-examination and his willingness to embrace change. Not that he changed any fundamentals about himself, but he was willing to alter his life's course when his situation became different rather than dig in his heels because "this is how I've always done it."

May is a terrific character. I could feel the delicate balance she maintained between keeping all her responsibilities under control and letting things get away from her. She's strong and determined, which makes it so satisfying to watch her consider letting Lochlan share her burden.

Most of all, I love the Collins family and loved this peek back into their shenanigans via this second generation. I'll read about the Collinses as long as Carr keeps writing about them.

Office romance with alpha boss trying to resist his young, sweet assistant and of course, BDSM. This was like a Harlequin Presents amped on steroids and I loved the crackycheesyness of it all.

Loch, our workaholic hero, is totally flustered when his former assistant hires a very young, very sweet, and very submissive PA named May Flowers. The cheekiness of the story cracks me up. Gotta love a hero who has ESP for submissiveness and a heroine who can carry off the name "May Flowers". May is also the sole caretaker for her orphaned nieces and elderly mom. She should have been named "Snow White".

In a Disney movie minute, Loch goes from vowing to drive May out of his office to wanting to sweep her up in his strong arms. This isn't insta-love so much as ista-protection. Loch doesn't just want to screw May, he wants to build a super big castle and moat around her delicate self. Big props to May for standing up to him:
You are a born protector, Lochlan. You would have been a knight in the Middle Ages. You were a normal, demanding boss right up until you walked into my crappy apartment the other night. Then, boom. The chain mail went on and now you’re stepping in to save the day. I’m not a damsel in distress. I know my life is pretty shitty right now, but you know what? It’s my life. My shit. I’ll deal with it.
Thattagirl, May! Turns out Loch is part of an enormous extended Irish family and is known by all to have a fear of the "K" word - kids. Yet he tackles May's complicated family situation without missing a beat. How Loch uses his dominance to break down May's stubbornness and anxiety issues is not just hot but an added nuance to the usual boss-secretary trope.
Never, not once in his thirty-one years, had he felt like this. Felt this overpowering need to take over. Which was ridiculous when he considered it. After all, he was the CEO of a large company, a dominant lover by nature, a man used to being in charge. All of that came natural. But that wasn’t what he wanted here. This was something so much more primal, unstoppable. He wanted May. Wanted her body, her heart, her soul. Wanted the two little girls down the hall to stay there forever, wanted to make more kids with her, wanted to shoulder all her problems for her. He never wanted her to sleep on a couch again. Nothing but soft beds and feather pillows would be good enough for her. Lochlan wanted everything he’d spent a lifetime avoiding.
This was an unexpected romp down memory lane - I had forgotten about reading Mari Carr's Collins siblings series years ago and it was fun to find the next generation just as hot and romantic as ever.

4 stars

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed the book generously provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

This was a classic office romance and I really enjoyed it. It was an intense story with likable main characters, explosive chemistry and just enough kink to keep things interesting :)

Lochlan never really believed his long time personal assistant and right hand would really follow through on her promise to retire. So when he comes back after a trip overseas, he isn’t happy to find his assistant heading out the door and leaving him with a fresh faced and beautiful young woman with limited experience and innocent vulnerability radiating off her. Keeping her around while battling his intense attraction to her becomes harder with each passing day.

May knows that Locklan wasn’t convinced she would be a good fit for the job, but with her sick mom and her two nieces depending on May to keep a roof over their heads, May is determined to prove him wrong. They eventually settle into the perfect working pair and everything is great until their personal lives bleed into their profession.

I loved the sexual tension between these two. I loved when Lochlan was quick to admit his feelings for May and the fact that she was it for him. She was the one and from then on, he set out to make her and her ready made family, his number one priority. This was sweet, sexy and entertaining. The whole Dom/sub thing was never excessive and was pretty hot, tbh. Lochlan was not the arrogant or bossy and controlling type of Dom. He was a nice mix of protective, caring and alpha. I liked knowing that May was different and his reaction and feelings to her were special and meaningful. Plus points for that.

Memorable Moment:The few times we get to interact with the rest of the Collins were a nice touch but the prologue and epilogue with Pop Pop were the sweetest moments! I loved how it all tied together and kept the family tradition going.

Would definitely recommend!

Mari Carr is an excellent storyteller. In only a few short hours I read May Flowers, the fifth book from her Wilder Irish series. Ms. Carr has the damsel in distress trope down pat, and I could not get enough of the genuineness of the characters that make up the Collins family.

23 year old May Flowers has fallen onto rough times. Due to tragic circumstances, she is the guardian to her two young nieces. She also looks after her mother, who may be developing dementia. Her new job as the administrative assistant to Lochlan Wallace, CEO and tech guru, is a dream come true. Lochlan does not believe May is capable of handling such a demanding position, but she surprises him in many ways. They become more than employer and employee, and both of their lives become replete with longing, devotion, and love.

I enjoyed this sometimes emotional and heartwarming story. May and Lochlan are an engaging couple, and their sexy times are hot and a bit kinky. However, I did not always feel the desire between them. I liked Lochlan's dominance in the bedroom, and the way he was able to bring comfort into the lives of May's family. If you are looking for a well-written romance with characters that are easy to connect too, then pick up a copy of May Flowers.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

May Flowers by Mari Carr is book is book 5 in the Wilder Irish Series. This is the story of Lochlan and May. I have not yet read the previous books so for me this was easily a standalone book.
Lochlan has grown his business to be one of the richest one around and of course making him rich too. Although he has strong family roots he enjoys the playbook life. Then his assistant who is an older women who he adores says she is retiring hires May to take her place. May is a struggling women trying to raise her two nieces and take care of her mother who is starting to lose her mind to dementia...so her plate is full. But she needs the demanding job because of the great pay and she will try to work through her attraction with Lochlan. Lochlan fights he need for May becuase he has a big not fraternization policy but it only takes a couple of weeks before that goes out the door and he knows that May is the women that he has been looking for.
Loved their story...could not put it down. Will be looking for more books by this author!!

A copy was provided to me for a fair and honest review
Book Title: May Flowers

Overall rating: 5/5 What an adorable, fun, slightly raunchy read! I loved every second of May and Lochlan’s story!

Heroine (May): 4/5 She is stubborn. She wants to care for her family and make it on her own without the help or what she would feel like a handout from her boss. I like her tenacity but man was I on Lochlan’s side of wanting her to just let go, and allow him into her life.

Hero (Lochlan): 5/5 He may come off as serious business man with no plans for love, but he is super sweet under the sexy millionaire exterior.

Plot: 4/5 I have a thing for the CEO with one of his co-workers story line. Also I like the trope of the guy falling hard for the girl and pursuing his stubborn to not get involved prey.

Personal Review: I loved this book, the writing, the pacing, the characters. I loved all of it. This was my introduction to the author and you can be sure I’ll be picking up another one of her books real soon.

When CEO Lochlan’s PA is retiring, he entrusts her to find a replacement, what he didn’t expect her to come back with is May. Upon first impression May seems too inexperienced for the job but his old PA forces him to try to make a go of it before passing judgment. Despite both their efforts to deny it, there is desire and sexual tension between May and Lochlan. An accident at May’s home brings out the knight, no, warrior in Lochlan and all that desire mixes with the urge to protect her. Things heat up from there despite May trying to constantly through a bucket of ice water on the relationship.

The writing was the type that had constant butterflies fluttering around my stomach. It’s a rare story that bring that type of reaction out of me, so yes I really loved these characters and their love story.

This is the story of a strong woman who thinks she never needs help and has the whole world on her shoulder. Then there is this man capable of loving so fiercely and all he wants is giving her protection. She needs a distraction, he needs her. Lochlan is sure he can take control of everyting, but her emoction can't be controlled. She pushes him away, he pushes toward her more. When they meet he thinks she isn't able to do her job, she proves him wrong and when an accident happens, he starts seeing her differently, he sees the side of her determined to protect her family, even if it means not caring about herself.
In the first part, the developement is quite slow, but as you keep reading, it becomes better and better.
The writing was good and in particular with Lachlan's character...just SEXY! Dominant boss has totally won me!
Three words to describe this book: HOT, SEXY, BOSS!

I loved everything about this book! It was amazing from start to finish. I couldn't put it down and read the entire book in one sitting which led to me staying up until the wee hours of the morning but it was totally worth it. Cant wait for the next adventure.

Buy all the books in both Wild Irish and Wilder Irish!

Lochlan Wallace didn’t want his assistant to retire but when she finally hired her replacement, he knew she was serious. May Flowers was smart and willing to learn but she was underqualified but his now retired assistant Sally made him promise to keep her as his assistant for at least 6 months. May Flowers was supporting her mother and two nieces after the death of her brother and sister-in-law so the increase in salary was helpful and needed.

Loch never planned to get married but when he slowly changed his mind about children and marriage. May kept her emotions close and when Loch figured out she was a submissive all expectations were gone.

There is so much more to the story and Mari Carr gives tidbits about other stories in the Wild Irish and Wilder Irish series that gives the reader an update on what is happening to the family. Both series are worth reading one after another.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

May flowers is a boss assistant romance that well there is a whole lot more. Lochlan is used to getting his way. Now in his 30s he owns his own company and has made millions. He loves his family, doesnt like the dreaded k word and well he would be lost without his assistant. When she retires and finds her own replacement, Lochlans well controlled world is going to spiral and fast.

May is a strong character and very likable. Her relationship with her boss isnt needy or out of desperation so its a good change up. Her life at home is insanely mess and when Lochlan gets a face first dose of reality the last thing she expects is for him to plant his feet in.

Its a seriously enjoyable quick read that i couldnt put down. I gave up sleep and was miserable at work to finish. Honestly enjoyed it.

Lochlan is seriously an alpha dominant, "her words prompted a scowl she couldn’t understand. “Dammit,” he muttered, reaching out to her. “You aren’t fine. Come here.” May is just so pure and honest, “not yet. But I drank a lot of champagne and just came three times in a row, so I’m probably not in the best frame of mind to think things through.” I liked this book, I really fell in love with Lochlan

MAY FLOWERS by MARI CARR is another outstanding story! I've read several books by MARI CARR and each of them has proven to be special, she's a wonderful storyteller. The families she's created are so real and fun you want to be part of the magic.

She’s tied up at work...by her boss.The last thing Lochlan wanted in a new assistant was some inexperienced, gorgeous, submissive blonde. However, a promise to a friend ensures that’s exactly what he’s stuck with.May knows she’s out of her league, not only in her new job, but with her boss. He makes her want things she’s never considered.When trouble at home shows Lochlan more about her life than she wants him to see,When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Mari Carr is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

This was another amazing book by Mari Carr. May Flowers had it all swoon-worthy romance, an awesome story, and lovable characters. You can't go wrong with the Collins clan!

I've read almost all these books in all the series and I love them!! This is Lochlan and May story, Lochlan right hand woman is his older assistant and she wants to retire! While Lochlan away she hires a young fresh assistant that she thinks is perfect! Lochlan wants nothing to do with her, she's to young to innocent to inexperienced too everything!! He's going to make her quit! Well May has a whole other life that was really heartbreaking, but she has to keep this job to pay for all the crazy things in her life! This book has everything! It's funny, hot, angst, drama, heartache and heartbreak! And we get to check in with the whole family!! I loved that! Definitely don't miss out on this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

This was a sexy and sweet, good old fashioned, confirmed bachelor falls for secretary, story. Lochlan recognizes something in May the moment he meets her. He resists, but that is his brain, his heart and soul won't let him back away from her. He falls hard, he falls fast, and once he realizes he has, he is all in for the beautiful woman

May has secrets, she has suffered, and she is barely surviving. This job is too important to let an affair with the boss mess things up. No matter how many sexy dreams he conjures up, she just can't. She has been convincing herself everything is fine for so long, letting go is a dream. But May doesn't deal in dreams, reality is at her all day, every day

Lochlan is rather stubborn, and May just needs to give him an inch, and he will give her the world!

Number 5 in the Wilder Irish series. A sweet, sexy read. I love this series and May Flowers did not disappoint. Lochlan and May were great together. Loved it.

I really cannot explain how much I loved this story! It has been a few years since I've read any of Mari Carr's novels, I definitely see a marathon re-read coming on. This story hit all the spots that I love in a romance book, a very protective and possessive alpha male with a strong, kind, and sweet heroine. An office romance is not one of my favorite tropes especially with the stereotypical boss and secretary falling in love, but this one I could not put down.

May Flowers has a lot going on in her life. She is taking care of her mother and two nieces who are going through a tough time. May needs this job and she is working to the bone to keep them all afloat. Lochlan does not know this, his retiring administrative assistant (who he really did not believe was retiring) hired May to take over. Lochlan does not like this new change, especially going from a dependable older assistant to a beautiful soon to be 24-year old. It also did not help that he finds her attractive and he recognizes that she is a submissive. Lochlan is at the point in his life that he does not want any entanglements, he does not want the married life with kids or anything to do with the Collins curse, where they fall fast and hard, but this all changes once he finds out what May is going through. Lochlan is a warrior, he is a champion and protector and that is exactly what he was going to be for May and her family.

I loved this story so much! I loved watching Lochlan fall so hard for May. I felt so much for May and what she was going through at home, but she had such strength and I loved that she had someone who actually wanted to care for her. I am definitely going to want to re-read the stories of the prior generation and I can not wait for the next in the series! Definitely a must read.