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salimah's review against another edition
2.0
I did not buy into the romance at the heart of this romance novel because the problematic power dynamic was no less problematic because the woman was the boss and her subordinate a man. I also didn't buy their connection; there was no established emotional development. It wasn't earned when the "hero" initiated their first kiss and the heroine's escalation--right after being harassed by her superior? Not only did that not feel earned, it felt like a perverse sublimation of instincts.
These characters weren't developed enough. If you are going to write a credible workplace romance between a supervisor and someone who reports to him or her, you have to create a rationale, circumstances, and incredible character development to back that up. But honestly? I just don't think it can be done unless the romance is between peers or involves a scenario where one of them reports to someone else, in another department. In this very story, there was active, aggressive harassment of the heroine by her superior. But she justified her actions to herself because her subordinate was also into it. It was immediately discrediting.
These characters weren't developed enough. If you are going to write a credible workplace romance between a supervisor and someone who reports to him or her, you have to create a rationale, circumstances, and incredible character development to back that up. But honestly? I just don't think it can be done unless the romance is between peers or involves a scenario where one of them reports to someone else, in another department. In this very story, there was active, aggressive harassment of the heroine by her superior. But she justified her actions to herself because her subordinate was also into it. It was immediately discrediting.
tessanne's review against another edition
1.0
Kinda wish I’d DNFed this one. I love a good, steamy romance with sexy times. This one had sex times. No “y” on the end there because so many of them were more clinical than sexy. And it was also boring. And there was no emotional connection between the main characters.
I spent most of this book wondering when the emotion would enter the building. There was mostly sex and regret and discomfort over the inappropriateness of the behavior (because workplace power imbalance).
My kindle said this book was about 335 pages but GR says it was 297. It felt SO LONG. At least 50-75 pages could have been cut because they just weren’t interesting and didn’t further the storyline.
I’m so sad about this book because I was super excited to read it after reading the blurb at the end of Partner Track which I adored.
1.5 stars rounded down for all the bad vibes and boredom.
I spent most of this book wondering when the emotion would enter the building. There was mostly sex and regret and discomfort over the inappropriateness of the behavior (because workplace power imbalance).
My kindle said this book was about 335 pages but GR says it was 297. It felt SO LONG. At least 50-75 pages could have been cut because they just weren’t interesting and didn’t further the storyline.
I’m so sad about this book because I was super excited to read it after reading the blurb at the end of Partner Track which I adored.
1.5 stars rounded down for all the bad vibes and boredom.
neglet's review against another edition
Hot as advertised; enjoyed the exploration of workplace dynamics and dual POV.
naturally_caffeinated_reader's review
5.0
Loved this story so much they share some common ground and each focus on themselves and becoming their best versions... they follow their heartbroken to eachother... plus the story has a ton of intense steamy hot.. you gotta read it to see it......
ebartsch85's review
4.0
I read this not remembering that Ruby Barrett was the author of The Romance Recipe and it took me like more than half the book to realize that there's character overlap from that book. This book makes me want to re-read The Romance Recipe because I loved that one so much. This one isn't quite as strong as Romance Recipe, however it finished very well and I definitely cried a little.
justjessreading's review
3.0
I had high hopes for this, but it was just OK. It felt like a LOT of filler and conflict just for the sake of conflict vs conflict that progresses the story.
I felt there was a big opportunity left on the table. Not exploring the relationship of someone whos lost their parent to someone dealing with the same possibility.(to say that without spoilers) It could have been a bigger plot point and helped build more of a foundation between the two. and maybe made us feel more emotionally invested in the characters. just MY thoughts though.
8/24/22
Edited to add after a lil reread: I do like the way Ruby writes and her metaphors dont feel over used or "flowery"
I felt there was a big opportunity left on the table. Not exploring the relationship of someone whos lost their parent to someone dealing with the same possibility.(to say that without spoilers) It could have been a bigger plot point and helped build more of a foundation between the two. and maybe made us feel more emotionally invested in the characters. just MY thoughts though.
8/24/22
Edited to add after a lil reread: I do like the way Ruby writes and her metaphors dont feel over used or "flowery"
krakow54's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
bai96's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5