Tag «office romance»

Movie Monday: The Hating Game

Movie Monday: The Hating Game

Movie Mondays: On the occasional Monday, I will review a book series or novel that has been made into a movie. I will then answer the question that everyone asks: which is better, the movie or the book? Here is this edition’s offering:

Book Cover | Movie Poster
 

Book: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016) | Movie: The Hating Game (2021)

Which did I read/see first? the BOOK

Author: Sally Thorne
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Office Romance
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Dates: August 2016
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook

thoughts

I had had this book on my TBR for a long time but it wasn’t until I was on an extended road trip with a friend that I decided to pick this one up as an audiobook. The movie had just been released so it was fresh in my mind. I had actually hoped that the audiobook would be like listening to a rom-com and it seemed like a good book to binge for our day of driving.

We had such a blast listening to this! It was fun and funny but also had deeper moments between the two leads. I loved the banter between these two; they’re the definition of a “fine line between love and hate”.

Lucy is charming and quirky. I love that she says whatever is on her mind instead of playing games. Josh is the perfect counterpart with his many layers. Their chemistry is so palpable!

overall

It was a great read to binge on a road trip!

Rating: 5/5

similarreads


Were My Expectations Met?

Absolutely! I thought the movie really captured the spirit of the novel and did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. And that sexual tension between the leads was once again the highlight.

How Close is it to the Book?

Despite my best intentions, I didn’t get a chance to watch this movie until nearly a year after I read the book. So while I don’t remember some of the finer details, I do know that the main plot points are all there. I would have liked to watch more of their “hate” scenes for the comedy, but as I said before, the spirit of the movie was captured nicely with the few little bantering clips we got.

The one thing I did noticed they changed was one of Lucy’s plot-points with a co-worker. But I actually liked how the movie navigated that more than the book did.

Did I Like the Cast?

YES! I thought everyone was cast perfectly. I sometimes think Lucy Hale (Lucy) plays the same sort of roles but I really don’t know who else could have been Lucy. She was great with her humour and feistiness. And her chemistry with Austin Stowell (Joshua) was amazing.

Originally, Robbie Armell was supposed to be Joshua. I think he would have been great based on what I remember of him in The DUFF. But Austin did a great job being the frosty Joshua while conveying his true–yet subtle– feelings for Lucy. He can smolder.

thewinneris wintie

I really think you can’t go wrong with either version. The audiobook reads like a rom-com and the movie is charming and captures the book perfectly.

Do you agree? Leave a comment below!


Synopsis for The Hating Game (from Goodreads):

Nemesis (n.)
1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome;
2) A person’s undoing;
3) Joshua Templeman.
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Trailer:

connect Twitter GoodReadsBloglovin' Amazon.ca Reviews RSS Email

catchphrase

Disclaimer | Request a Review | Contact

Single Sundays: Bossy Brit by Kendall Ryan

Single Sundays: Bossy Brit by Kendall Ryan

Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:

Synopsis for Bossy Brit (from Goodreads):
Sexy billionaire Liam Bennett is cocky, dangerously handsome, and more importantly, my new boss. If only my ovaries didn’t flutter when he was near—yeah, that’d be super helpful.

When our long hours lead to a dare—and an X-rated encounter—I never expected it to be the hottest night of my life.

It’d also be super helpful if Liam didn’t know it and taunt me about it every chance he got. Unable to deny our attraction any longer, our work relationship brings a whole new meaning to the term inbox.

But being with him comes with some baggage—like an ex-wife and three kids kind of baggage. And a lawyer who wants half of his company.

Unsure that I’m cut out for this new level of complicated, my traitorous ovaries beg me to try.

Heaven help us all.

breakdown

Author: Kendall Ryan
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: Hot
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: November 25, 2019
Source & Format: Amazon Kindle–eBook

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I was in a bit of a reading-funk in November 2021 as the end of the year approached. So I decided to read some of the shorter novels I had sitting on my Kobo and Kindle to get me back in the mood all-the-while adding some titles to my year-end Goodreads Goal. This one popped up and sounded like a great option for my mood. I’ve enjoyed Kendall Ryan books in the past so I was looking forward to read this freebie I picked up.

The Plot:

Despite the shorter page count of this story, I felt like everything was fairly well-rounded. Could we have had a more elaborate plot and characters? Sure. But there is something to be said for a straight-forward romance. I thought this was super cute and had a tone of realism to it (Liam managing his divorce and his kids) that I appreciated.

The Characters:

I’m sure it is hard to write a character from a specific country and not make them fall into every stereotype. But honestly, I totally forgot Liam was supposed to be British. Other than the occasional drop of the words “knickers” and “arse”, I forgot he was billeted as a British hunk. He has been living in America for the better part of a decade so maybe he lost some of his British-isms.

The Romance:

It was easy to see why Noelle and Liam would fall for each other. At first, I worried their relationship was based on physical chemistry only but as I read more, I say how they connected with each other. I also liked that they were strong in their convictions and knew what they wanted. Perhaps we don’t see them get frightened of their relationship because of the shorter page count? Regardless, I liked how their relationship progressed.

My Rating: 3/5

overall

This was a well-rounded, genuinely cute romance that is a great one-shot read for those who want something that will bring a smile to your face.

Read if You Like: single dad heroes, office romances
Avoid if You: want erotica, want a longer novel

similarreads

connect Twitter GoodReadsBloglovin' Amazon.ca Reviews RSS Email

catchphrase

Disclaimer | Request a Review | Contact

Single Sundays: Dirty Headlines by L J Shen

Single Sundays: Dirty Headlines by L J Shen

Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:

Synopsis for Dirty Headlines (from Goodreads):

Célian Laurent.
Manhattan royalty.
Notorious playboy.
Heir to a media empire.
…And my new boss.

I could have impressed him, if not for last month’s unforgettable one-night stand.
I left it with more than orgasms and a pleasant memory–namely, his wallet.
Now he’s staring me down like I’m the dirt under his Italian loafers, and I’m supposed to take it.
But the thing about being Judith “Jude” Humphry is I have nothing to lose.
Brooklyn girl.
Infamously quirky.
Heir to a stack of medical bills and a tattered couch.
When he looks at me from across the room, I see the glint in his eyes, and that makes us rivals.
He knows it.
So do I.
Every day in the newsroom is a battle.
Every night in his bed, war.
But it’s my heart at stake, and I fear I’ll be raising the white flag.

breakdown

Author: L J Shen
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Office Romance
Heat Rating: Steamy (Kink: mild)
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Source & Format: Hidden Gem Books–eARC

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I have a few books marked on my TBR by L J Shen but when the opportunity to review this one came up, I figured it was the best one to start with. Why? It checked off a lot of my favourite romance tropes in the synopsis alone. Workplace romance after an awkward first encounter. Hate to Love You/Enemies to Lovers. Playboy lead. So I was ready to dive in.

The Plot:

To be fair to this book, I probably started reading it at a bad time in my life. I had a lot of things going on when I started this so I wasn’t able to read it as much as I wanted. But I also think the fact that it took me nearly 2 months to read (when I usually finish a book in 3 days) shows how not into this book I was. (Usually, when I’m in stressful times I read a book in one go but not the case here).

As for the plot, there’s a lot going on but it wasn’t the drama that killed it for me. If anything, it’s what propelled me to keep going when I wanted to DNF it numerous times. It’s angsty and almost soap opera-esque because it is a little over the top but that’s exactly what I want from a story set in a News Room.

The Characters:

Despite all of Celian’s playboy, asshole-ish characteristics, he failed to charm me. I think because I didn’t find his falling for Jude to be realistic (more on the romance below). Sure, he can talk dirty (perhaps one of the best dirty-talkers I’ve ever encountered in a book), but I just didn’t get won over by his antics.

And Jude…well she was a huge disappointment as well. Talk about wish-washy in terms of her convictions. The poor girl is all over the place. One minute claiming she’s unlovable but in the next sentence uttering that she wants a relationship with the guy. Why? She’s also extremely quirky and that doesn’t usually work for me. I guess it was a sign when she kept talking about her Chucks (the shoe I loath most in this world) that we just weren’t going to be friends.

The Romance:

This is by far the biggest factor in my lower rating: I just did NOT see the chemistry between these two. Yes, they seem to have fantastic sex together but besides lust and a good romp, what was keeping them together? I really don’t know. Their quirky tendencies? I think this goes hand in hand with their character profiles and how I failed to get a solid read on who they were as people. Because if I don’t understand them as individuals, how can I appreciate them as a pair together?

My Rating: 2/5

overall

Lots of other people seem to love this book but besides the drama, there wasn’t a whole lot I enjoyed.

Read if You Like: quirky characters, office romances, enemies to lovers
Avoid if You: dislike soap opera drama

similarreads

connect Twitter GoodReads Riffle Bloglovin' Google Plus Amazon.ca Reviews RSS Email

catchphrase

Disclaimer | Request a Review | Contact

Single Sundays: Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren

Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:

Synopsis for Dating You / Hating You (from Goodreads):

All’s fair in love and work. The first standalone romance by New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Beautiful Bastard) is a sexy, compulsively readable romantic comedy that dives headlong into the thrill and doubt of modern love.

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire.

But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending or just a dramedy of epic proportions, you will get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, raucous, and hilarious romance style at its finest.

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Author: Christina Lauren
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Drama
Heat Rating: really warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: June 6, 2017
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I’ve been a fan of Christina Lauren’s series for a while so I was curious to see what they could do with a standalone. This one looked like it would be a lot of fun and I couldn’t wait to see the chemistry between Evie and Carter come to life as they competed for the job.

The Plot:

I laughed a lot while listening to this which is always a big plus. The antics these two get into were creative and hilarious. I got some very high intensity ideas to prank my co-workers with 😉

The other big highlight for me was the emphasis on sexism in the workplace. I read this book in February 2018, just on the cusp of the #MeToo movement and it further resonated with me the systemic problems women face in the workplace. Watching both Evie and Carter come to terms with it was an interesting aspect to this novel.

However, there was something off about the pacing which is why this isn’t a 5/5. This book was utterly addicting thanks to the characters and the chemistry between them. But I felt like it got lost in some of the more filler moments.

The Characters:

I really loved these two. Evie was a strong heroine and her attitude and drive is admirable. She’s hilarious and completely her own person which is great. As is Carter who is equally charming and sincere.

Both had some great character development and I got sucked into their stories.

The Romance:

I loved the chemistry between Evie and Carter. They were a perfect match from the start. Carter is just adorable with his infatuation. This book has a bit of a slow burn feel to it, so the tension is absolutely palpable between these two.

Compared to other Christina Lauren novels I’ve read, I liked that this one wasn’t so focused on the sex scenes. They’re really aren’t all that many (just your standard for contemporary romance nowadays) and I really appreciated that in a way because it just highlighted the great connection between these two instead of their physical chemistry.

My Audiobook Experience:

I’m really glad with my decision to read this as an audiobook. It just made this thing seem like a rom-com movie to me. One of the funniest audiobooks I’ve listened to. Shayna Thibodeaux  and Deacon Lee did great jobs as the narrators. Their tone and performance was just fabulous!

My Rating: 4/5

overall

This is a funny and charming contemporary romance. It isn’t as erotica based as previous Christina Lauren novels so take with that what you will. But returning fans and new readers alike will enjoy this novel!

Read if You Like: Chick Lit, office romance, rom-com
Avoid if You: want more erotica

similarreads

  • Wallbanger by Alice Clayton (Cocktail Series #1)
  • Lace Up by Shae Ross (Pretty Smart Girls Series #1)
  • Smut by Karina Halle

connect Twitter GoodReads Riffle Bloglovin' Google Plus Amazon.ca Reviews RSS Email

catchphrase

Disclaimer | Request a Review | Contact

Single Sundays: Company Ink by Kat Colburn

Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:

Synopsis for Company Ink (from Goodreads):

The Company has a rule about falling in love on the job.

I’ve never been one for rules. But I need this one. I need this rule to remind me why I can’t be with Dani Wallace.

I need this smart little foul-mouthed fighter by my side more than I need her in my bed. I need her to close this massive deal. She thinks it holds the key to her escape from cubicle hell and another shot at the life she always wanted.

But there is more riding on our success than she can possibly ever know. So I’ll keep my hands to myself and my secrets safe for one more day.

But now I can’t stop wondering what my best friend has on beneath her conservative suit. I can’t stop imagining the things that sharp mouth of hers could do to me if I leaned back in my chair and unzipped my pants. And I can’t stop pushing our flirting too far.

I’m trying to remember the rule. But some rules are made to be broken.

breakdown

Author: Kat Colburn
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: December 2017
Source & Format: Author–eARC | Thank you Kat Colburn!

thoughts

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

When Kat asked me to read her debut office romance novel I was excited to see what it was all about. I love a good office romance novel thanks to the delicious sexual tension that often accompanies them. And this one was billed as a “slow burn” which has been one of my favourite tropes of late.

The Concept:

I have to say that the synopsis is slightly misleading. For one thing, it made me think that we were going to get Dan’s POV for a majority of the book since the synopsis is told in his voice. And while Dan does have a POV, it is a while before we actually get to it.

It’s also billed as a “friends-to-lovers” romance but it should be “strangers-to-friends-to-lovers” romance as these two don’t know each other at the start. I went in thinking these two had been friends for a while and only know the tension was becoming too much for them to handle but that isn’t the case. And the slow burn (ie watching them become friends and then into more) romance we get is nice to see but not necessarily what I was expecting when I picked up the book.

The Plot:

This story suffers a bit from its pacing. It takes a long time for these two to become friends and during that time we get more details about the business than I would have preferred. Points of it felt repetitive too. It made the first half of the book seem terribly slow and I was starting to lose interest. You could have easily cut out some scenes and still delivered the story successfully.

The second half picks up though when the two start to almost cross the line romantically and the suspense aspect of the plot picks up. The drama that comes from the suspense plot was a nice touch and gave this story a refreshing spin to it.

The Characters:

I had a weird relationship with Dani as a lead. Sometimes I appreciated her almost cynical views on life but other times she came across as rude and that irked me. I did understand her character’s background though as she is rather open in that respect. But then I would be confused about some of her thoughts and actions because of things she would say earlier but do/think the opposite of later. (Like with respect to her career).

Dan was an interesting lead as well. He’s got an aura of mystery around him which is always fun to read about in a lead. Of course, keeping those secrets got a little irritating but it did add to the suspense of the novel.

The Romance:

I found that this was a lot more telling than showing. You get told that they spend all this time together yet you rarely see them interact in those moments. So the chemistry was something that took awhile to be readily apparent to me.

I will say, I did enjoy the slow burn aspect. It was perhaps slower than I anticipated but in the second half of the novel I felt like the romance really benefited from that approach. I always like to see the emotional connections between characters and there was no doubt in my mind what great partners these two were for each other in all aspects.

My Rating: 2.5/5

overall

I think those looking for a heated office romance will not find that here. But those looking for a story that takes its time building up will enjoy this debut.

Read if You Like: slow burn, office romance
Avoid if You: want erotica
similarreads

connect Twitter GoodReads Riffle Bloglovin' Google Plus Amazon.ca Reviews RSS Email

catchphrase

Disclaimer | Request a Review | Contact

Spin-off Saturdays: NSFW by Piper Lawson

Spin-off Saturdays: On Saturdays, I will review a novel or series that is a spin-off novel or series. It is recommended that you read the original first in order to get the most out of the spin-off but that isn’t always necessary. Here is this week’s offering:

NSFW is a spin-off of Play

breakdown

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author, Canadian Author
Author: Piper Lawson
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: really warm
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Date: October 11, 2017
Source & Format: Author–eARC

thoughts

My Expectations?

When I read (and loved) Play last year, I finished the book asking one question:

Can Charlie have her own novel please?

She was hilarious! The pranks she pulls on their co-worker Avery were awesome. No one is safe from her antics and that was great to read about.

Well ask and you shall receive! (I wish I had that much power). Obviously, Charlie was a hit as a character. She just has a great energy, completes hilarious antics on a regular basis and has the most delicious tension with her boss. I couldn’t WAIT for this story to be published and see what happens when the sparks fly and ignite.

What I Loved:

–Charlie–

I grew to love Charlie as a lead in Play and it didn’t take me long to remember why I enjoyed her character so much when I picked up NSFW. She just has this fabulous presence. She’s such a badass in a way that isn’t rude or stand-offish. She’s tough and confident and she has no problem telling people how she sees it. I love that in a heroine.

But I also liked that she has her flaws too. Watching her grow as a lead and become her own person was awesome.

–The Tension–

The chemistry between Avery and Charlie was palpable in Play and it carries over seamlessly here (though you really don’t need to read Play to enjoy this novel at all). I love the whole “hate to love you” vibes these two had and seeing that evolve into something more. Their banter always put a smile on my face and was part of the reason I finished this book in one sitting.

–Character Growth–

I mentioned above that Charlie had great growth as a character and I’ll say it again here as well. And it’s not just in one aspect of her life either, which takes this up a notch from other new adult stories. Charlie is a little lost in everything in her life and I think that makes her super relateable as a character. She feels like her career is at a standstill, her family dynamic has evolved, she’s got some things from the past she needs to move on from and her romantic relationship leaves something to be desired. She deals with a lot and it rounds out her character nicely.

But I also want to give props to Avery too! Despite the fact that he doesn’t have a POV, he has a significant amount of growth as a character. I liked that he wasn’t this “perfect” hero that Charlie could only be with once she established herself. Rather, they both had things they had to work on individually before they could even fathom a relationship together.

What I Didn’t Like:

It’s over and I think I read it too fast 😛

Series Rating: 5/5

overall

I had high hopes for this novel and Piper definitely delivered! She brought these charming characters to life once again and created a story that was entertaining from start to finish!

Read if You Like: office romance, character growth, new adult romances
Avoid if You: dislike romance
similarreads

booksynopsis

Synopsis for NSFW (from Goodreads):

Being bad never felt so good…

The office is full of rules. Everything is off-limits. Making a charity calendar of the sexy guys on your floor? Not allowed. Shrinking your boss’ underwear when he sends it for dry-cleaning? Can’t do that either.

But those things keep the natural balance. See, Avery Banks, our resident rising star, is a shark. The tall, blond, and gorgeous kind with zero patience and even less forgiveness.

Good thing I’m the Mae West of executive assistants. I live to put grown men in their place.

He wasn’t supposed to find out…

Now he’s made it his personal vendetta to screw me the way I screwed him. I’m at his beck and call, 24/7, for every humiliating, meaningless request.

Until we stumble on a new game. One we both want to play. One we both need to win.

And once we start…I’m not sure Avery wants to replace me.

I’m not sure I want him to.

All I want is more of this. The fire under the ice. What happens behind closed doors.

It’s twisted, and so damn hot. But he’s my boss. And with the company coming off a scandal even I couldn’t engineer? What we’re doing is strictly NSFW.

Lucky for me, Avery and I have one thing in common…

We both suck at following the rules.

NSFW is a full-length standalone sexy contemporary romance. It’s the story of Charlie and Avery (from PLAY) – so if you love this one, pick that up too.

connect Twitter GoodReads Riffle Bloglovin' Google Plus Amazon.ca Reviews Amazon.com Reviews RSS Email

catchphrase