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lololovesthings's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
4.25 stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed "Love Interest," which is Clare Gilmore's debut book. This is an enemies-to-lovers workplace romance with a hefty side of corporate goings-on. I will admit that it was a little difficult to get into this book, but as soon as the initial elevator scene happened, I was all in on the main characters Casey and Alex. I don't think I've read a book like this, mainly because of Casey's penchant for finance. I just adored her, and I saw a lot of myself in her character. I also loved Alex, whose tragic backstory slowly unfolds to paint a picture I didn't expect at the start of the book. There is fantastic character development for both her and Alex, and even better development where their love story is concerned. The pining, the longing, the adoration from afar, the unease, the unsureness... I was bewitched by their coupling. They have spectacular banter, great inside jokes, and enough sizzling will-they-won't-they to last me through the season. I also appreciated all of the secondary characters. I loved learning about Casey's parents, her coworkers, and her long-time friends. Unfortunately, I feel like this book ends much too quickly. I enjoyed the ending, but it felt like it wrapped up way too fast compared to the rest of the book. Still, I will be thinking about Tide Free and Gentle for a long, long time to come. Read this book ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley, Clare Gilmore, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Love Interest," which is Clare Gilmore's debut book. This is an enemies-to-lovers workplace romance with a hefty side of corporate goings-on. I will admit that it was a little difficult to get into this book, but as soon as the initial elevator scene happened, I was all in on the main characters Casey and Alex. I don't think I've read a book like this, mainly because of Casey's penchant for finance. I just adored her, and I saw a lot of myself in her character. I also loved Alex, whose tragic backstory slowly unfolds to paint a picture I didn't expect at the start of the book. There is fantastic character development for both her and Alex, and even better development where their love story is concerned. The pining, the longing, the adoration from afar, the unease, the unsureness... I was bewitched by their coupling. They have spectacular banter, great inside jokes, and enough sizzling will-they-won't-they to last me through the season. I also appreciated all of the secondary characters. I loved learning about Casey's parents, her coworkers, and her long-time friends. Unfortunately, I feel like this book ends much too quickly. I enjoyed the ending, but it felt like it wrapped up way too fast compared to the rest of the book. Still, I will be thinking about Tide Free and Gentle for a long, long time to come. Read this book ASAP!
Thank you to NetGalley, Clare Gilmore, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual harassment
vj_thompson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Yep, this book wrecked me. The ending was when so many tears were shed. Casey as a character is SO relatable because I was in her shoes believing I wasn’t worthy or enough. Like I was placed in an inescapable box. It only takes an Alex or a Miriam or anyone to support you and show what you aren’t seeing. Now onto my request. Clare, please write Freddy’s story. I am OBSESSED with him. Thanks for writing an amazing, beautiful, and emotional book ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Death of parent, Abandonment, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Toxic relationship, Cancer, and Terminal illness
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