A review by sharonleavy
The New Guy by Kathryn Freeman

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Sam is at a bar one night, drowning her sorrows after a family event, when she catches the eye of a handsome stranger. They're attracted to each other and agree to have a one night stand (as single consenting adults are entitled to do). 

When Sam goes to work the next morning (she's CEO of a software company), lo and behold her one-night-stand is sitting in the lobby - he's her new employee. 

The company is in trouble, and Ryan could be the man to save it - but can he and Sam be professional? 

This was fine, I really grew to like Ryan as the novel progressed. Sam, less so. I felt that some of her behaviour was questionable. 

The portrayal of a gay man as a camp flirt is outdated and overused but I appreciated his friendship with Ryan and the way that friendship developed over the course of the book. 

Ryan himself was a great character, I thought. We really got to know him and what motivated him. I didn't really care much about Sam, tbqh. 

This was fine!