Susan Meier has a lot of fun with small town living in HEAD OVER HEELS FOR THE BOSS. On the one hand, community spirit and friendships are close, practically like a big extended family. But gossip mills can run rampant -- mostly spreading good news but at times driven by spite. No one wants to be the target of nasty gossip and therein lies the core problem in this crisp romantic comedy.

Isabelle Cooper and her parents loved, and prospered in, Harmony Hills. Their business, Buds & Blossoms, was well known and respected for amazing flowers for any occasion. Izzy finds herself slightly adrift when her parents sell B&B to a local investor so they could retire. As part of the sale, Izzy was contractually obligated to work for the new owner, Devon Donovan. She was well qualified for more than running the floral shop. With an MBA under her belt, she was more than ready to practice some of her business skills. Although she would sorely miss the B&B, she couldn't deny feeling lucky for the chance to spread her wings.

The most immediate problem was working with and for Devon, her teenage crush. But Izzy was good at hiding how her youthful feelings had been hurt. She is now an adult. But as time goes on it is Devon's obsession with rules that complicates matters between them.

They are both mature adults who acknowledge the ever present sparks. Izzy has dreamed of a relationship with Devon, who works up a plan to sort of have his cake and eat it. His great plan is a secret affair that would remain apart from work -- no messing with employees rule, therefore no sexual harassment worries -- secret from town gossips thereby keeping Izzy's reputation intact. No harm no foul. Yeah right!

Izzy and Devon find themselves actually enjoying this secrecy game -- until it becomes much more than a game. Izzy knows she wants more and hopes that time will be on her side. But Devon can't get past his rules mentality. He is driven not by his heart but by his head. No winners in this game.

Susan Meier finds herself in good company for her engaging dialogs. She reminds me of several of my favorites like Christie Craig, Susan Mallery and Jill Shalvis just to mention a few. Meier deepens the intensity of the storyline much to the joy of the reader. What starts out as a cute romantic comedy arrives at a very satisfying conclusion.

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