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Mr. Boss #1

The Unexpected Card

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One business trip is all it takes for this boss to end up with the unexpected...

As co-owner of Ives & Wells, Josh is ready to nail the most important business trip of his career. But does it have to include his business partner’s moody younger sister Layla escorting him to New Orleans?

As much as they hate each other, it isn’t completely crazy. Technically, she’s an employee and Josh is her boss. But one fight after another leads to an explosion in the bedroom� more than once.

Josh definitely wasn’t planning on nailing more than a good business deal on this trip.

Unfortunately, their plan to leave the antics in the bedroom and out of the office falls apart as soon as they return home. First, because some of their mutual talents can’t be forgotten. Two, because there is a business partner that may kill Josh as soon as he figures out what happened. And three, because some secrets can only be kept for so long, give or take nine months.

The Unexpected Card is a standalone novel from the new Mr. Boss series. I filled this workplace romance with banter, a swoony boss, and surprises along the way.

Unknown Binding

First published June 7, 2021

757 people are currently reading
1,300 people want to read

About the author

Evey Lyon

81books383followers
Evey writes heartwarming romances with steamy moments, often in small-town settings with an element of sports. An American from the Midwest, she now lives in a tiny country in Europe where it rains a lot. That is probably why she occupies her days typing away on her laptop with music on repeat and slow-roast coffee nearby. Oh, and she vows to never break up with cake.

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5 stars
574 (34%)
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560 (34%)
3 stars
374 (22%)
2 stars
100 (6%)
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33 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
5,960 reviews140 followers
June 6, 2021
Wow !!! What a great start to the new Mr Boss Series.
If you love romantic comedy look no further that The Unexpected Card because I’m sure like me you will fall in love with Layla and Josh. This is very different to most older brothers best friends tales, this couple can’t stand being in the same room together and they barley tolerate each other but that leads to some hilarious banter. A couple that want to rip each other’s heads off spend time working on a new client only to find the hate they feel is more like love and lust. But Layla should be off limits and how is Josh going to explain to his best friend and work partner that he has fallen madly in love with his sister and will their friendship survive him crossing the line.
I fell hard and fast for Josh and I adored Layla, this book certainly ticked all my boxes, I laughed at the hilarious banter, I swooned at sizzling chemistry and I’m sure anyone who picks this slow burn, passionate romance will also love it. Great start to the news series and I’m excited to what’s next from the very talented Ms Lyon.

Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,693 reviews22 followers
June 4, 2021
Layla and Josh were hilarious!!! They weren’t your typical older brother best friend story. These two barely tolerated each other and their banter were just extremely funny. Then things changed between them but the banter still continued up until the very end lol. Her brother at first was shocked for like a good ten minutes but he knew Josh would never hurt his sister. Josh relationship with his sister was also amazing. Great story!!
Profile Image for è.
151 reviews
April 22, 2025
super mega giga mignon mais bon c’est pas le livre de l’année
Profile Image for Romance Reads Reviewed by K.
385 reviews14 followers
December 6, 2021
After the successful Matchbox series, E.H. Lyon is back with The Unexpected Card, the first book in the Mr. Boss series.

What I loved the most in the story is how the relationship between Layla and Josh grows. At first, they want to rip the other's head off, but when they spend more time together and get to know each other better, they discover nothing is what it seems.
Josh was a swoon-worthy hero, he often tried to get a rise out of Layla, but to me, it felt it was only to get her attention. Once he discovered his real feelings, he became this perfect man who cared for and protected her.
Layla was a sassy spitfire who wasn't good at emotions. I loved how she pushed back and let Josh work for her love.
Their constant banter was hilarious, and even after they started to like each other, they kept teasing and trying to get a rise out of the other.
I believe people can let themselves think they hate a person to hide their real feelings for themselves, so the storyline felt very realistic.
I expected the drama that happened would have been more dramatic, more explosive, but it also didn't bother me that it wasn't.

Josh and Layla had so much sexual chemistry, which came across very well in the very descriptive, super-steamy sex scenes.

I enjoyed reading The Unexpected Card. It is a slow-burn filled with passion and emotion, but it isn't a heavy read.
It is the perfect book to relax, forget about reality and disappear into another world.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf).
1,626 reviews97 followers
June 8, 2021
The Unexpected Card by E.H. Lyon is an older brother’s best friend, hate to love, workplace romance. Josh and Layla cannot stand to be in the same room as each other and their tolerance for the other is limited. Their relationship is very much off-limits, but since when has desire listened to the limits of relationships. The tension, intense chemistry, and hilarious banter only added to the complexity of their relationship and honestly, I loved it!

I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers romances and this one certainly falls in that category. I loved this slow, passionate romance. The back-and-forth banter between these characters is something I love to see in couples. I loved these two so much. Josh is bossy, swoon-worthy, arrogant, and hot. Layla matches Josh’s qualities. She’s beautiful, talented, and sassy. This results in an explosive relationship between the two. Their HEA isn’t straightforward and the twists and turns make this an amazing love story. The characters were relatable, well-developed, and had a deep relationship. I’m looking forward to more by E.H. Lyons!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
January 22, 2022
The story line had potential but the execution just failed for me. I didn't feel like there was any character development - I didn't learn anything about either of them really. It was all very superficial to me. IMO if a book is going to be advertised as a surprise baby it should happen early on so we can see the characters come to terms with this and watch their feelings evolve and develop. To me, there was too much "before" or lead up to the surprise pregnancy that it didn't give the story a chance for the characters to tell us who they were. Didn't hate the story just found myself skimming way too much and no real urge to devour it.
Profile Image for Shannon  Williams.
586 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2021
E.H. Lyon’s New Series is Gonna be HOT!
I became a fan of E.H. Lyon’s work when I discovered the Matchbox series a few months back. “The Unexpected Card� is the first in her new Mr. Boss series. Josh Ives is bossy, super hot, and fairly cocky, and fans actually got their first glimpse of him in the Matchbox series (his sister, Harper, is the heroine in “Crazy with You�). Layla is beautiful, sassy, and happens to be the younger sister of his business partner and a sometime-independent contractor at Ives & Wells. As much as they drive each other bonkers, their chemistry is nothing less than explosive, and as the road to their HEA progresses - with all of its twists, turns, and surprises - we see true friendship and love blossoming as well. Too many aww moments, touching points, and steamy sexy bits to count in this book. And as I discovered in her previous works, Lyon does an exceptional job of creating well-developed, likable, and relatable characters that ya just want to hang out with. I am so looking forward to Book 2 in the series! ABSOLUTELY WORTHY OF FIVE STARS!!!
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
1,812 reviews98 followers
June 5, 2021
I found this author with her debut Matchbox series and enjoyed each book. It comes as no surprise with this new series; her writing just gets better. Her women are sassy, men are sexy, dialog on point, and imagery is fantastic.
The start of her new series Mr. Boss is perfect, a hate to love, rom-com, with the best banter from start to finish. It is the growth of the characters throughout the story that impressed me. Along with the slow burn, tension, and sexual chemistry, it was hard to put this book down. I recommend this book as an afternoon escape for the day.
I received an advanced copy from the Author; this is my voluntary review.
106 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2021
This book just wasn’t for me. I found the writing style awkward and at times too formal as the author regularly avoided contractions which kept interrupting the flow of the story. I also didn’t feel any chemistry between the characters, and their bickering came across as awkward. The sex scenes also felt very flat. DNF
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews208 followers
June 8, 2021
I found myself hooked from the beginning to the end with the well developed storyline. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews90 followers
Want to read
February 3, 2024
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (11/2/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,258 reviews28 followers
June 7, 2021
In this story we meet Josh and Noah who own an advertiser agency in Chicago. Layla is Noah's baby sister and is very talented in graphics and she is a consultant for their company for occassional clients. One is one of their new clients, Trey Radnor, who is opening a new hotel in New Orleans and requests her especially and so thats how Josh and Layla who have a hate filled/attraction type of relationship end up on a trip in New Orleans.

What happens in NOLA stays there? well not always sometimes true love, attraction and life gets in the way and what a way to go. I really enjoyed this story. Josh and Layla have a very complicated story and I really enjoyed that about the story. The feelings they have for each other is complicated and the same goes with their after NOLA relationship.

The author did a wonderful job with Layla and Josh and I absolutely adored this love story even if its a bit of a forbidden story. I also loved the title of the book as the Unexpected Card had a very deep meaning in this story and I loved how the characters revisited that and made it a part of their story.

This story is lightly connected to the authors Matchbox series, as Josh is Harper's brother. Harper is in the second book, Crazy For You.

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews182 followers
June 8, 2021
Layla & Josh are like oil & water as they tend to antagonize each other the moment they have to interact, but the sparks are still flying. He's her brother's best friend & business partner so for Josh to go there would be a big no no. They go out of town together to land a big contract, and finally, those sparks are going to ignite & ignite they did. They spent their down time setting the sheets on fire, but she was adamant that when they got back it was over. However, the magic of NOLA had them bringing back an unexpected party favor, but it will make things very complicated since she doesn't want to upset her brother. The best part of it though is Josh, who definitely would do anything for Layla. I'm not saying that she was terrible towards him, but she was a bit more emotional about things LOL, so he had to retreat from time to time. Oh, and there's still that whole issue of her brother, and how he would react to them. The Unexpected Card was an amazing story that I devoured in very short order, and I promise you that you don't want to miss out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,238 reviews44 followers
July 22, 2021
The Unexpected Card: A Mr. Boss Novel
#1
Written by: E. H. Lyon

E.H. Lyon gives good books! See what I did there!

The Unexpected Card was a sassy, steamy, deliciously hot story about Layah and Josh.

All guys know that sisters of friends and or business partners are off limits, but Layah has been playing havoc with Josh’s mind for a very long time. Sassy Layah loves to take Josh to task, call him boss and give him serious side eye. Neither one of them is willing to admit to themselves that it just might be that they are attracted to each other. Enter a business trip to the city of beignets, café au lait and Hurricane cocktails that puts them right in the eye of the storm. The “ok I am attracted to you, let’s do this dirty thing while we are here in the city that never sleeps� happens and happens and happens!

Now, to get back to Chicago and try to move on from what happened. Easier said than done!

This book kept me on my toes, lots of humor, lots of steamy attraction between Josh and Layah and lots of “oh my gosh, how did that happen.� Add in secrets they are keeping, a brother who might be a bit of a rule stickler, a best friend who can keep a secret and so much more!

Honestly, E.H. Lyon is now on my one click list and she continues to prove she has earned that spot! Her books give you every thing you need for an enjoyable afternoon of reading!
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,720 reviews97 followers
June 6, 2021
"This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. In fact I have grand plans to read her back catalogue as soon as possible.
Josh & Layla’s story covers several tropes that are my kryptonite. Then for this book to be so incredibly well written with such likable characters I couldn’t read it fast enough only to be disappointed once I got to the end.
I loved Layla’s sassiness, and how very strong and confident she was. She was a wonderful character to read. But it was Josh who was the standout for me. He inadvertently made people have preconceived ideas about him, which he definitely played into mind you, but he was such a good guy underneath it all and honestly he was so swoony when he did this that I have now declared him my new book boyfriend!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book." ~Sharon



Layla and Josh's story was a cute lighthearted read and covers so many favorite tropes; hate to lovers, best friend's sister, and an unplanned pregnancy that all works out in the end. The sparring is fun and I enjoyed watching them evolve individually and together as they acknowledge their love. This was a fun escape from reality. ~Cindy
Profile Image for Ree.
2,496 reviews53 followers
June 12, 2021
For years, Layla & Josh have always gotten along like cats and water. But underneath the surface is an attraction, a connection that, when explored surprises everyone.

I enjoyed this read. Layla & Josh's chemistry was obvious, and I liked the way that the author took the time to build the relationship between them. Their story puts a different spin on the older brother's best friend trope that totally worked for me. I loved the way they bantered - it was entertaining and funny. There are multiple tropes in this story. While it can get cumbersome in some books, I felt that E.H. Lyon did a great job with this book. As a first-time reader of her work, I am looking forward to more from her.

I recommend this read. You'll love Layla & Josh - I guarantee it!

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Sarah Elyse.
1,539 reviews90 followers
June 18, 2021
Layla and Josh don’t get along. They never have, and they’re pretty convinced they hate each other, at least, until they fall into bed with each other. This is the most important business trip of Josh’s life, and technically, he’s Layla’s boss, but for some reason, neither one of them can find it in themselves to care. At least, until they realize that actions have consequences, and a couple nights of fun can turn into something very permanent�

Wow!!! I really loved Layla and Josh. Layla is this fiery little spitfire of a woman who is the queen of sass and refuses to let Josh manhandle her - most of the time. Josh is this seductively charming guy that turns out to be a real sweetie at heart. This book had me wanting to cry at some parts, and die of laughter at others. This is a light, steamy read that you don’t want to miss!!!
Profile Image for Michelle Duncan.
538 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2021
This one had so many of my favorites all rolled into one:
- brother's best friend;
- enemies to lovers;
- office romance
- surprise pregnancy

Josh and Layla had to perfect amount of sexy, I hate you but want you back and forth banter. I love that the moment things changed wasn't immediate, but that both needed to face their own fears and pasts before thy both got there.

This story was emotional and very relatable/believable. The author did an amazing job of hooking me in and having my heart invested in Josh and Layla's happy ever after. The characters were very well developed and the side characters each had amazing roles in making this story work as well as it did.

I am looking forward to the next story in this series!
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,611 reviews85 followers
June 5, 2021
Sexy and fun.

What happens in New Orleans doesn't always stay in New Orleans. When you go to a tarot card reader don't laugh at the cards she reads for you. They may just come true. That is what happened for Josh and Layla when they got the unexpected card. They found a lot of unexpected things could be really great. I like their banter. Their attraction is too much to ignore, even though it is against the rules to have a relationship with a co-worker in their office. Noah is a little over the top with his protection of Layla.

I like that at the end you get a link to read "The Broken Rule" free. That is a fun read. You can also get the Prequel to the Matchbox series. I enjoyed them so much I got the first book of the Matchbox series too. Now I have to catch up on all the characters stories. I hope you enjoy this author as much as I do

REVIEW BY LAURA
1,933 reviews12 followers
June 5, 2021
This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. In fact I have grand plans to read her back catalogue as soon as possible.
Josh & Layla’s story covers several tropes that are my kryptonite. Then for this book to be so incredibly well written with such likable characters I couldn’t read it fast enough only to be disappointed once I got to the end.
I loved Layla’s sassiness, and how very strong and confident she was. She was a wonderful character to read. But it was Josh who was the standout for me. He inadvertently made people have preconceived ideas about him, which he definitely played into mind you, but he was such a good guy underneath it all and honestly he was so swoony when he did this that I have now declared him my new book boyfriend!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,037 reviews54 followers
June 10, 2021
A great start to this new series, Layla and Josh had this great banter that had me laughing out loud.

Josh is Layla's brothers best friend he's also her boss, sort of. These two can barely tolerate each other so when they are on a business trip and things take a turn romantically then the fun really begins. But Layla should really be off limits and when hearts become involved will they all come out unscathed.

A romantic comedy with great characters that you cannot help but fall in love with and one I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for BikiReads.
203 reviews7 followers
June 10, 2021
Josh is Noah’s business partner
Layla is Noah’s sister
Layla and Josh have to work together but dislike each other (or so they say).
But after a few days on a business trip to New Orleans the line between love and hate becomes blurry.

This was a nice read. I loved the dynamic between Layla and Josh. Their banter was great. You can really get a great picture of their personality through the writing. I also loved the wittiness from both the main characters. A lot of times in these enemies to lovers trope, the heroine is portrayed as a bit stuck up and I’m glad Layla was not at all like that
Profile Image for Colleen Daley.
314 reviews32 followers
June 8, 2021
Layla and Josh drive each other crazy but it's all thanks to the hot chemistry bubbling underneath. I really enjoyed this witty, fun, and sexy book! Layla is smart, sassy, and fiercely independent but she can't help but let Josh under her skin. Josh is bossy, sarcastic and hot! Layla may drive him crazy on the surface but he can't stay away from her. I loved the progression of their love story and can't wait for the second book in the series, hopefully Noah's story!
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,700 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2021
The Unexpected Card is so amusing. This story is a best friends little sister, enemies to lovers, office romance, and surprise pregnancy just to name a few . It found it to so enjoyable and entertaining. It was lighthearted, laugh out loud, and plenty of steaminess. I adored Layla, and Josh, they made me smile, laugh, and they were so perfect for one another. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Sheri.
129 reviews
June 11, 2021
OMG the banter between these two makes this book so much fun to read. I love the love hate relationship that these two have.

Josh is not only her boss, but her partner and best friends sister so he keeps trying to tell himself that it can’t be anything.

One night of sex turns into so much more.

The chemistry between these two is undeniable. I love these two.

I can’t wait to see what is next from this series. This is definitely one of those books that you can read again and still enjoy like it was the very first time.
Profile Image for Kristen Lowe.
17 reviews
July 31, 2024
I've been reading a few romance/rom-com's lately vs the dark stuff I usually read and it has been a nice break, this book included! The main characters had lots of past trauma that readers identify with and just enough angst to make it a cute enemy to lovers. I love a good HEA and adding the NOLA tarot vibes was perfect 🫶
Profile Image for Emma.
309 reviews10 followers
June 3, 2021
Who doesn't love a good steamy office romance?

This book has it all: kinda enemies to lovers, a forbidden romance and some serious tension between Layla and Josh.
I absolutely loved the writing style and was able to read the whole thing within a single day without even realising hours had gone past.
The banter between Layla and Josh only makes the development of their relationship from hating each other to being in love even better and I will definitely be looking forward to reading some more by tjis author

Thankyou to E.H. Lyon for this gifted ARC copy in return for leaving an honest review.
16 reviews
June 16, 2021
Seems to be I've been reading a first books of many writers lately...including this The Unexpected Car by E.H. Lyon....and it didn't disappoint me!

I loooveeeeee Josh...despite being loyal to his bestfriend/business partner Noah...years of hiding his real attraction to his sister, Layla....because...well bestfriend's sister=off limits
And once they were together...maan what a great man he is for her...patient...always think what's best for her...what's not to love from him?!

Great book and can't wait to read about Noah and Layla's bestfriend, Lauren ^^
Profile Image for Skye Yanovsky.
1,177 reviews20 followers
June 26, 2021
Enjoyed!!

I really enjoyed this story. It was funny and romantic and swoony. I would definitely recommend this enemies to lovers/workplace/best friends little sister/surprise pregnancy romance. It has it all and it was so enjoyable to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews

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