Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In Buchanan's hot but bumpy debut, coworkers try to balance a sizzling attraction with responsibilities at work and home. Nine months after her husband's death, stay-at-home mom Juliana must reenter the job market to support her two school-age daughters. She needs something flexible enough to accommodate her responsibilities as a newly single parent, so she's thrilled when her lovely and understanding former supervisor offers her a job in HR at an architecture firm. Not everyone is so sympathetic; she overhears handsome architect Ben make some exasperated comments about working mothers that boil her blood. Fast forward two years, and the pair are still workplace nemeses whose relationship is defined by sarcasm and sniping. When they're assigned a joint project close to the CEO's heart, however, working close together soon leads to a steamy affair. It's a familiar office romance setup, but Juliana's actions, first in her often immature feud with Ben and then in their secret relationship, come across as especially inappropriate given her role in human resources. Still, Ben is an appealing hero, the realistically drawn child characters add charm, and Juliana's determination not to give up on love while maintaining her sense of self will strike a chord with readers of Susan Mallery and Kristan Higgins. For diehard enemies-to-lovers fans, this will do in a pinch. (Jan.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
DEBUT Single mom Juliana has returned to work in human resources for the first time since her husband's sudden and untimely death. When she overhears her new colleague, attractive architect Ben, putting her down on her first day of work, it ignites a feud that still rages two years later, even though Juliana is starting to notice an attraction between her and Ben that neither of them is willing to admit. When they're forced to work together on a new project that could lead to a major promotion for her, their workplace arguments begin to turn into something more, especially once Juliana learns that Ben is a single parent as well and their lives begin to intersect outside of work. However, just when they finally admit their long-simmering feelings for each other, someone from Ben's past threatens to take away Juliana's newfound happiness. VERDICT Buchanan's debut hits all of the right notes, leading up to a sweet and satisfying ending for Ben and Juliana. This twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope that also sensitively explores dating while grieving is perfect for fans of workplace romances.--Whitney Kramer
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young widow falls in lust--and love--with her work nemesis. It's been nine months since Juliana Ryan lost her husband, Jason, to a car accident, and she's barely starting to regain her footing as a widowed mother of two. Seven years as a stay-at-home mom haven't prepared her mentally or financially for life without Jason, but thankfully her old boss was happy to hire her again. On Juliana's first day as a human resources representative for KMG, a Florida-based architecture and design firm, all she wants is to make it through unscathed. Unfortunately, no more than a few hours in, Juliana has already had a panic attack in the bathroom and run right into a man who looks like Henry Cavill, leaving a smudge of lipstick on his white shirt. This is Ben Thomas, a hiring manager, and he's kind of a dick--as proven when Juliana later overhears him going on a tirade about her unprofessionalism as a working mother. Despite his good looks, Juliana hopes to have as little interaction with him as possible. But two years and two promotions for Juliana later, she and Ben aren't just coworkers--they're sworn enemies. It's no secret that they hate one another, the office teeming with their verbal sparring. Still, Juliana can't help being attracted to Ben, the feeling battling fiercely against her dislike, and it's pretty clear Ben feels the same way. When a new promotion arises for both Juliana and Ben, one that requires them to work together, they must declare a truce--if their intense feelings will let them. Buchanan's workplace enemies-to-lovers romance will appeal to fans ofThe Hating Game andThe Proposal, with just the right level of spice and sincerity. Juliana and Ben's relationship isn't complex, but it simmers with enough tension and desire to burn through their much-needed HR write-up. A sexy debut about second chances and desk romances. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
