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Billionaire Series #2
Not On The Agenda
Breaking down the walls around a broken heart is no simple task...
After the takeover of her family business, 30-year-old Frankie vows to keep her parents’ shop unchanged. Her plan breaks down when the mystery woman who saved her from a horrible first date walks in and announces she’s the new owner. While the woman is as beautiful as Frankie remembers, her charm is long gone.
Hayden, 47, has always put her expanding empire first. When she visits her newest acquisition, she is shocked to see the face that has plagued her thoughts for weeks. Hayden never mixes business with pleasure and is determined to suppress her overwhelming attraction to Frankie. An attraction that makes it hard for Hayden to maintain her ruthless corporate persona.
With different approaches to business, the two women bump heads at every turn. Soon, things heat up in and out of the boardroom…
After the takeover of her family business, 30-year-old Frankie vows to keep her parents’ shop unchanged. Her plan breaks down when the mystery woman who saved her from a horrible first date walks in and announces she’s the new owner. While the woman is as beautiful as Frankie remembers, her charm is long gone.
Hayden, 47, has always put her expanding empire first. When she visits her newest acquisition, she is shocked to see the face that has plagued her thoughts for weeks. Hayden never mixes business with pleasure and is determined to suppress her overwhelming attraction to Frankie. An attraction that makes it hard for Hayden to maintain her ruthless corporate persona.
With different approaches to business, the two women bump heads at every turn. Soon, things heat up in and out of the boardroom…
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2023
160 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Peterson
86 books170 followersChloe Peterson is the author of heartfelt lesbian fiction. She loves writing stories that celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community. Chloe relaxes by watching home building shows and reading fan fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 60 reviews
April 28, 2023
Disappointing
One main continually sleeps with a man while suggesting over and over again that she can’t stop thinking about the other main. It continues for the first 70% of the book. It doesn’t serve as interesting reading or hold one’s interest. I forced myself to finish but I was more than ready for it to be over.
One main continually sleeps with a man while suggesting over and over again that she can’t stop thinking about the other main. It continues for the first 70% of the book. It doesn’t serve as interesting reading or hold one’s interest. I forced myself to finish but I was more than ready for it to be over.
April 18, 2023
Needs a sensitivity edit
Spoilers:
There is a glaring error in this book. Honestly, it ruined it for me.
Frankie, who has lived her entire life with food allergies, whose parents opened a store to help protect her, accidentally grabs the wron granola bar on her way to work. In an allergy friendly store she manages. Why would she grab a bar anywhere else? Just wait until you get to work?
Then, after having an allergic reaction to nuts (undisclosed variety), the entirely supportive and understanding Hayden orders pad Thai for Frankie. And Frankie eats it.
Now, there are several things wrong here.
1. After an allergic reaction, you do anything to keep your system calm. You eat simple and safe foods for days until your system returns to normal. Or at least I do when I have had anaphylactic reactions. Even normally "safe" foods can reactivate my mast cells. Careful is an understatement.
2. Pad Thai is a dish with a peanut sauce and chopped nuts in the dish.
In summary, sensitivity readers are important if for no other reason than a person with a peanut allergy wouldn't go into a Thai restaurant.
Spoilers:
There is a glaring error in this book. Honestly, it ruined it for me.
Frankie, who has lived her entire life with food allergies, whose parents opened a store to help protect her, accidentally grabs the wron granola bar on her way to work. In an allergy friendly store she manages. Why would she grab a bar anywhere else? Just wait until you get to work?
Then, after having an allergic reaction to nuts (undisclosed variety), the entirely supportive and understanding Hayden orders pad Thai for Frankie. And Frankie eats it.
Now, there are several things wrong here.
1. After an allergic reaction, you do anything to keep your system calm. You eat simple and safe foods for days until your system returns to normal. Or at least I do when I have had anaphylactic reactions. Even normally "safe" foods can reactivate my mast cells. Careful is an understatement.
2. Pad Thai is a dish with a peanut sauce and chopped nuts in the dish.
In summary, sensitivity readers are important if for no other reason than a person with a peanut allergy wouldn't go into a Thai restaurant.
April 22, 2023
I'm giving it 2.5
no review
just disappointment
no review
just disappointment
December 18, 2025
Oh, yet another story that can only take place due to the abysmal stake of health care in the United States. Is there anywhere else in the world where you need to sell your successful small business in order to pay your medical bills, and then 1/3 of the way through the book you are once again completely broke and desperate? The way that Americans defend this system despite this being a common and easy to accept plotline baffles me.
Anyways….
This novel. Well. There were a lot of parts I liked, and the writing was good. I liked some of the characters most of the time; Frankie was a delight and so were the rest of her staff that were given screen time.
Unfortunately there were so many things that bothered me and I disliked. In brief:
-There were so many technical details (IDK what else to call it) about how businesses work that were wrong that it bothered me to no end. It’s like the author decided to write about something they don’t know a thing about and didn’t bother doing any research. A small family-owned business (local grocery store) doesn’t have “majority shareholders”. Don’t throw around business terms that you don’t know anything about. This was one of many examples and it kept distracting me; it’s also relevant to mention because it involved major plot points. A billionaire wouldn’t be having multiple meetings with “potential investors” for one of their small businesses, they would simply finance thing themselves or get a loan from the bank; investors not needed. You also don’t have investor meetings in the isle of the grocery store where they can be overheard for plot reasons.
-A billionaire who owns an “empire” consisting of a lot of businesses (a billionaire-making number of businesses) also wouldn’t be spending such a large amount of time personally handling small details of a neighborhood grocery store. I liked the personal touch, and it was needed for the plot, but they simply wouldn’t use their time like that.
-So many unrealistic actions that only happened to serve the plot. Example: a character with a lot of lifelong allergies eating a granola bar full of nuts….. bought in a rush on their way to THEIR ALLERGY FRIENDLY GROCERY STORE THAT THEY MANAGE. And then there was no epi-pin anywhere to be found, or mentioned.
-I don’t think someone with a peanut allergy eats Pad Thai.
-I’m doubling down on unrealistic portrayal of billionaires. I severely doubt that a billionaire and someone so broke they work two jobs would be going to the same bar and run into each other.
-Hayden treated Frankie like crap (generally, but one specific scene in particular) and then Frankie ends up being the one trying to make it up to Hayden? There was a lot that made Hayden unlikable and not nearly enough redemption for me.
-Hayden honestly was kind of an awful person through most of this novel.
-I hated that Hayden was actively in a relationship and hooking up with that guy for most of the novel. It somewhat undercut the relationship development for me that after any nice scenes between her and Frankie she generally ran off to sleep with that guy. IDK.
-I understand Hayden has issues because she had that one bad relationship that one time…..but that’s kind of a weak/cliché problem. It also didn’t have a satisfying resolution other than the fact that she decided to try and get over it. Underwhelming.
-Frankie was unrealistically stubborn and antagonistic regarding the business. Even the other characters pointed it out. “The new boss is hot” is not a good justification for her actions unless the author was trying to make them seem like an elementary school boy with a crush.
Anyways….
This novel. Well. There were a lot of parts I liked, and the writing was good. I liked some of the characters most of the time; Frankie was a delight and so were the rest of her staff that were given screen time.
Unfortunately there were so many things that bothered me and I disliked. In brief:
-There were so many technical details (IDK what else to call it) about how businesses work that were wrong that it bothered me to no end. It’s like the author decided to write about something they don’t know a thing about and didn’t bother doing any research. A small family-owned business (local grocery store) doesn’t have “majority shareholders”. Don’t throw around business terms that you don’t know anything about. This was one of many examples and it kept distracting me; it’s also relevant to mention because it involved major plot points. A billionaire wouldn’t be having multiple meetings with “potential investors” for one of their small businesses, they would simply finance thing themselves or get a loan from the bank; investors not needed. You also don’t have investor meetings in the isle of the grocery store where they can be overheard for plot reasons.
-A billionaire who owns an “empire” consisting of a lot of businesses (a billionaire-making number of businesses) also wouldn’t be spending such a large amount of time personally handling small details of a neighborhood grocery store. I liked the personal touch, and it was needed for the plot, but they simply wouldn’t use their time like that.
-So many unrealistic actions that only happened to serve the plot. Example: a character with a lot of lifelong allergies eating a granola bar full of nuts….. bought in a rush on their way to THEIR ALLERGY FRIENDLY GROCERY STORE THAT THEY MANAGE. And then there was no epi-pin anywhere to be found, or mentioned.
-I don’t think someone with a peanut allergy eats Pad Thai.
-I’m doubling down on unrealistic portrayal of billionaires. I severely doubt that a billionaire and someone so broke they work two jobs would be going to the same bar and run into each other.
-Hayden treated Frankie like crap (generally, but one specific scene in particular) and then Frankie ends up being the one trying to make it up to Hayden? There was a lot that made Hayden unlikable and not nearly enough redemption for me.
-Hayden honestly was kind of an awful person through most of this novel.
-I hated that Hayden was actively in a relationship and hooking up with that guy for most of the novel. It somewhat undercut the relationship development for me that after any nice scenes between her and Frankie she generally ran off to sleep with that guy. IDK.
-I understand Hayden has issues because she had that one bad relationship that one time…..but that’s kind of a weak/cliché problem. It also didn’t have a satisfying resolution other than the fact that she decided to try and get over it. Underwhelming.
-Frankie was unrealistically stubborn and antagonistic regarding the business. Even the other characters pointed it out. “The new boss is hot” is not a good justification for her actions unless the author was trying to make them seem like an elementary school boy with a crush.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
4 ★ | Loved Peterson ever since this novel. I want to be Hayden’s friend sooo badly. She’s so badass. Peterson writes characters well and makes them likeable and engaging. I can’t explain it but Hayden’s character on the cover is exactly what I’d expect her to look like and I can 100% picture her as a real life person. Bonus points for bumping into the evil ex.
December 29, 2023
Not my favorite. I don't know why. I guess that I struggled with what Frankie's character.
Instead of focusing in their relationship, it was more in everybody's problems.
Maybe I just didn't match.
Instead of focusing in their relationship, it was more in everybody's problems.
Maybe I just didn't match.
April 27, 2023
hayden stronger than me bc i would’ve told frankie to fuck off 25% into the book
July 6, 2024
How it started:
Billionaire, business-mogul and very successful owner of H Corporation, Hayden Jones buys Frankie Ivey’s hometown specialty general store! And boy are there sparks between these two!💥 Frankie hates everything about the buyout of her family store, and she will fight Hayden tooth and nail, every step of the way. How long can this go on though, as we know these two female power houses are fighting their attraction to each-other?! Hayden is definitely fighting her feelings, as she’s had her heart broken so so badly by her last love.
This book is as brilliantly written as the last, book one. This author has a special way of writing, the flow is seamless as it rolls into scene after scene, ever so smoothly, and perfectly paced. I would say this story is a moderate slow burn (similar to the first,) and it is well worth the wait!
The side characters are a blast in this story! Lots of laughs in this book! Also, the heat and tension between the two main characters is highly combustible! 🔥🔥
I highly recommend this series!! Book 3, I’ll see you soon!!
Billionaire, business-mogul and very successful owner of H Corporation, Hayden Jones buys Frankie Ivey’s hometown specialty general store! And boy are there sparks between these two!💥 Frankie hates everything about the buyout of her family store, and she will fight Hayden tooth and nail, every step of the way. How long can this go on though, as we know these two female power houses are fighting their attraction to each-other?! Hayden is definitely fighting her feelings, as she’s had her heart broken so so badly by her last love.
This book is as brilliantly written as the last, book one. This author has a special way of writing, the flow is seamless as it rolls into scene after scene, ever so smoothly, and perfectly paced. I would say this story is a moderate slow burn (similar to the first,) and it is well worth the wait!
The side characters are a blast in this story! Lots of laughs in this book! Also, the heat and tension between the two main characters is highly combustible! 🔥🔥
I highly recommend this series!! Book 3, I’ll see you soon!!
July 20, 2023
I didn't gel with this. I didn't see the chemistry, I didn't understand the battle and I didn't understand the relationship's with secondary characters. There is a trans character that has a very brief walk on role.
I did get some lines I liked, and I did persevere but certainly speed reading to get through, rather than reading fast to find out what happens next.
The sex scene I didn’t enjoy and I certainly didn’t enjoy the aftermath because it didn't ring true. I don’t know if it’s just because I haven’t gelled with the mains, or really their relationship, but this novel, so far, is not for me.
Over half way through there is a reminder sentence at the end of one chapter why something about one main mustn't be found out by the other. The next chapter it's found out. The lack of subtlety irritated me. The break up arc normally brings tension. It didn't, it brought irritation to me.
There is a sudden thawing, then a totally inauthentic meeting with the ex. Many novels use the “standing up to the nasty ex for your love interest” as a plot mechanism, this was clunky tho.
Now, one of the unusual things about this book isn’t the fact one main is bisexual but we see her “with” the man, no graphic details but they are obviously consensually together. Normally either we are told they are bisexual or we see them in an unsatisfactory relationship with a man. This isn’t something that affected me one way or another but it was unusual in my experience.
Also about 65% in, the mains start getting on, and so do I with the book! I think because I didn’t buy in to them not getting on, I wasn’t sold on each of their barriers, it didn’t work. Once they start getting on, because the, to me, unnatural barrier is gone, so is my irritation. However it briefly returned in a chapter where just the two mains interact, and it is all “I” and “she” and I cannot remember whose is the point of view, this to me means the voices aren't clear enough. It also returned with the following sentence….. “The minutes crawled by as if they were trying to light a fire under the anxiety already burning in my gut.” If that phrase appeals you may love this book.
I've been quite detailed on why this book isn't working for me, so others can decide, if it's me not the book. This has happened a couple of times recently and I've said it's me, and upped the book from a 2.5 on personal taste to a 3. I can't do that with this. Not when I've not enjoyed it and actually been irritated by it. It is a 2.5, but have to round down.
I did get some lines I liked, and I did persevere but certainly speed reading to get through, rather than reading fast to find out what happens next.
The sex scene I didn’t enjoy and I certainly didn’t enjoy the aftermath because it didn't ring true. I don’t know if it’s just because I haven’t gelled with the mains, or really their relationship, but this novel, so far, is not for me.
Over half way through there is a reminder sentence at the end of one chapter why something about one main mustn't be found out by the other. The next chapter it's found out. The lack of subtlety irritated me. The break up arc normally brings tension. It didn't, it brought irritation to me.
There is a sudden thawing, then a totally inauthentic meeting with the ex. Many novels use the “standing up to the nasty ex for your love interest” as a plot mechanism, this was clunky tho.
Now, one of the unusual things about this book isn’t the fact one main is bisexual but we see her “with” the man, no graphic details but they are obviously consensually together. Normally either we are told they are bisexual or we see them in an unsatisfactory relationship with a man. This isn’t something that affected me one way or another but it was unusual in my experience.
Also about 65% in, the mains start getting on, and so do I with the book! I think because I didn’t buy in to them not getting on, I wasn’t sold on each of their barriers, it didn’t work. Once they start getting on, because the, to me, unnatural barrier is gone, so is my irritation. However it briefly returned in a chapter where just the two mains interact, and it is all “I” and “she” and I cannot remember whose is the point of view, this to me means the voices aren't clear enough. It also returned with the following sentence….. “The minutes crawled by as if they were trying to light a fire under the anxiety already burning in my gut.” If that phrase appeals you may love this book.
I've been quite detailed on why this book isn't working for me, so others can decide, if it's me not the book. This has happened a couple of times recently and I've said it's me, and upped the book from a 2.5 on personal taste to a 3. I can't do that with this. Not when I've not enjoyed it and actually been irritated by it. It is a 2.5, but have to round down.
April 7, 2023
Great read, finished it in afew days. I loved Frankie as she never backs down from Hayden and stands her groin. I loved Hayden too as she had a tough Ice Queen exterior, but deep down I knew she didn't want to show any vulnerability.As all Ice queens....she was just protecting her self. An easy enjoyable read with great supporting characters from both Frankie & Hayden's friends.
January 4, 2024
Hayden is a strong-minded billionaire entrepreneur, and because of past experience she doesn’t want any lasting relationships.
Frankie is manager of the specialist anti-allergy food store set up by her parents to help her and others in the same position when she was a girl.
Because of her mom’s ill health, they sell the store to Hayden, a woman Frankie had unknowingly met before, her knight-in-shining-armour during a bad date.
The problem: Frankie is more head-strong than Hayden, and is totally against change in any form. But she is also loyal, and breathtaking!
This is a slow-burn, intense love/hate story, with many funny moments, and full of heart and love, for friends and for each other. All the characters in this are exceptional, and it was a story I really didn’t want to end.
Frankie is manager of the specialist anti-allergy food store set up by her parents to help her and others in the same position when she was a girl.
Because of her mom’s ill health, they sell the store to Hayden, a woman Frankie had unknowingly met before, her knight-in-shining-armour during a bad date.
The problem: Frankie is more head-strong than Hayden, and is totally against change in any form. But she is also loyal, and breathtaking!
This is a slow-burn, intense love/hate story, with many funny moments, and full of heart and love, for friends and for each other. All the characters in this are exceptional, and it was a story I really didn’t want to end.
April 24, 2023
Loved it. Nice writing. Well developed and interesting plot. Side plot also developed.
/I am a doctor, tho. The >3months hospital care for a STEMI threw me off, but I opted to ignore it and it didn't ruin the book/
/I am a doctor, tho. The >3months hospital care for a STEMI threw me off, but I opted to ignore it and it didn't ruin the book/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2023
Not much made sense in this book.
June 8, 2023
50/50
It ended well but man I really wanted to strangle Hayden for a while there. She was being so dense and even deliberately hurtful for a while there. And after she showed such a better side of herself in the Cameron/Elliot story
It ended well but man I really wanted to strangle Hayden for a while there. She was being so dense and even deliberately hurtful for a while there. And after she showed such a better side of herself in the Cameron/Elliot story
August 22, 2024
Genre: Sapphic Romanace
Rating: 3.25 Stars⭐️✨
Recommend: Maybe
Read via: Kindle Unlimited
Spoiler free Synapse:
This is the second book in the sapphic billionaire series. Frankie is taking over her family business ( an allergy friendly store ) after her mom becomes ill and her dad is focused on her mom’s recovery. Hayden is a billionaire that buys and invests in companies and she decided you buy the shares for Frankie’s family business. Frankie gives Hayden push back on her trying to make changes. They begin trying to navigate coming to agreements on business decisions and their budding attraction for each other.
Spoiler free review:
Her writing is really easy to get through and this book was overall just ok. Definitely nothing special. I thought this book was a bit cringey to be honest. It feels like every billionaire in this series so far had commitment issues. Also all of this are kinda insta lovey and I usually hate that trope. I kinda hated that the main character sleeps with a man the whole book and it has no purpose to be in the story.
Rating: 3.25 Stars⭐️✨
Recommend: Maybe
Read via: Kindle Unlimited
Spoiler free Synapse:
This is the second book in the sapphic billionaire series. Frankie is taking over her family business ( an allergy friendly store ) after her mom becomes ill and her dad is focused on her mom’s recovery. Hayden is a billionaire that buys and invests in companies and she decided you buy the shares for Frankie’s family business. Frankie gives Hayden push back on her trying to make changes. They begin trying to navigate coming to agreements on business decisions and their budding attraction for each other.
Spoiler free review:
Her writing is really easy to get through and this book was overall just ok. Definitely nothing special. I thought this book was a bit cringey to be honest. It feels like every billionaire in this series so far had commitment issues. Also all of this are kinda insta lovey and I usually hate that trope. I kinda hated that the main character sleeps with a man the whole book and it has no purpose to be in the story.
May 7, 2025
Adorable but the first 45% felt like the storyline was just moving in circles. Then nothing really happens until I was at almost 70%. I missed some exciting plot twist, but found the book generally cute. Excited to start Rieds story next
May 17, 2024
Lmao this book was unbelievably cheesy but better than the first
December 15, 2025
No thank you
July 17, 2023
Me gustó pero siento que hubieron cosas feas que hizo Hayden que no se hablaron, no sé resolvieron, solo se dejó pasar y la verdad que chimbo eso.
También siento que no hubo tanto desarrollo y estuvo muy largo.
También siento que no hubo tanto desarrollo y estuvo muy largo.
April 9, 2023
Really enjoyed the tension between these two characters and the build up to their coupling!! I would love to read more!! PS I love Frankie!!
August 12, 2024
2.5
Not a horrible story, but there were things I didn’t love.
I didn’t really feel a romantic connection between the characters. The physical attraction was there, but the story just missed the parts that made it feel truly romantic. I liked the characters and the family/friends, but the romantic chemistry wasn’t developed the way that I like.
I don’t mind suspending disbelief for a story, but I had some issues here. The billionaire heroine is very actively involved in the store her company acquired. Typically a person with that position in a corporation would go to the store like, once, and then let others handle the work. I don’t know why but this bothered me lol.
I also saw a review that I agree with that says the portrayal of a food allergy is inaccurate. The main character mentions having a severe allergy to all nuts and dairy, and yet we see her eat takeout pizza and Pad Thai that someone else ordered (no mentions of them being allergy-friendly substitutes). I’ve worked in restaurants for a decade and that wouldn’t happen.
I feel bad rating this so low, because I think others will enjoy it. For me it was just ok. If this genuinely interests you, or has tropes that you love, go for it!
Not a horrible story, but there were things I didn’t love.
I didn’t really feel a romantic connection between the characters. The physical attraction was there, but the story just missed the parts that made it feel truly romantic. I liked the characters and the family/friends, but the romantic chemistry wasn’t developed the way that I like.
I don’t mind suspending disbelief for a story, but I had some issues here. The billionaire heroine is very actively involved in the store her company acquired. Typically a person with that position in a corporation would go to the store like, once, and then let others handle the work. I don’t know why but this bothered me lol.
I also saw a review that I agree with that says the portrayal of a food allergy is inaccurate. The main character mentions having a severe allergy to all nuts and dairy, and yet we see her eat takeout pizza and Pad Thai that someone else ordered (no mentions of them being allergy-friendly substitutes). I’ve worked in restaurants for a decade and that wouldn’t happen.
I feel bad rating this so low, because I think others will enjoy it. For me it was just ok. If this genuinely interests you, or has tropes that you love, go for it!
June 28, 2025
Yeah let the girl who has to work two jobs to make ends meet and has a sick mom in the hospital prove her worth to the play girl billionaire who she’s head over heels for but said billionaire is still actively sleeping with someone else. But the billionaire is still worried shes after her money? Yeah cause that makes sense.
But seriously it was so sad seeing Frankie feel used and worthy after Hayden and her first slept together and Hayden literally tells her seconds after they’re done she’s not special??? And then after that it seems like FRANKIES groveling to earn Hayden attention or love. Like that just felt like torture I couldn’t endure anymore. Hayden just became so unlikable. Like girl you a billionaire with a B and you’re worried about some little store manger trying to steal your money? Be so fr.
But seriously it was so sad seeing Frankie feel used and worthy after Hayden and her first slept together and Hayden literally tells her seconds after they’re done she’s not special??? And then after that it seems like FRANKIES groveling to earn Hayden attention or love. Like that just felt like torture I couldn’t endure anymore. Hayden just became so unlikable. Like girl you a billionaire with a B and you’re worried about some little store manger trying to steal your money? Be so fr.
January 1, 2024
Frankie acts like a child and makes it impossible for Hayden to do her job even though Hayden’s changes would’ve actually helped the store and Hayden used Frankie for sex and then stalked her to find out she had a second job and backed Frankie into a corner and she had to tell Hayden her mom was sick…am I supposed to root for them???
I read 60% of the book and I was so over it I skipped to the last chapter AND NOTHING HAPPENS!!! I understood the last chapter of the book just fine only reading 60% of it!! So that tells me this book is a whole lotta nothing. It was boring and the characters are boring and one note.
I’m supposed to believe they live happily ever after forever?? HA!
I read 60% of the book and I was so over it I skipped to the last chapter AND NOTHING HAPPENS!!! I understood the last chapter of the book just fine only reading 60% of it!! So that tells me this book is a whole lotta nothing. It was boring and the characters are boring and one note.
I’m supposed to believe they live happily ever after forever?? HA!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2024
Frankie was SO annoying and immature, the author could never make me believe Hayden would fall for her. Also, just like in the first book of the serie, the way the "ice queen" switch from cold to so in love and open in a second did not make sense to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2023
Sometimes you have to get personal to be professional…
Frankie’s world turns upside down when her mother lands in hospital with heart problems and her parents are forced to sell their shares of the business they’ve built up in order to cover the medical expenses. The store has been a second home to Frankie for as long as she can remember, and she’s worried the new owner will destroy everything her parent’s had worked hard to create. The last thing she expected was for the new owner to be the same woman who saved her from an awful blind date, and the same woman she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since. There’s an obvious attraction between Frankie and Hayden, but Frankie’s stubbornness to accept changes that will better the store puts the pair at loggerheads. On Hayden’s part, she’s fighting off her growing attraction to Frankie because she’s sworn off serious relationships since having her heart left in tatters. But there’s no denying that something is simmering between the pair, and if they want their professional relationship to flourish, they may just have to give into temptation on a personal level.
There’s nothing like an age-gap workplace romance to sink your teeth into, and Chloe delivers a fun one full of tension, chemistry and heart - the hallmark of any good romance. Frankie and Hayden have instant chemistry with one another, and it only continues to intensify throughout the book, even when they both try to downplay their own feelings for each other.
The relationship between Frankie and Hayden was sweet and swoony, and this was balanced out with an insight into both of their friend groups which are both made up of fun and interesting characters. This book obviously comes after seeing Cameron and Elliott’s relationship in Not On The Resume, so I’m excited to go back and discover their story after seeing them all loved-up in this book. And Chloe’s hinted that another book is coming soon too, following Reid, so I’m keen to see more of Hayden’s friend group.
Chloe’s writing and pacing at times is a little off, which throws off the flow of the story, although not a great deal. Overall, it’s not a major hindrance on the book, but a few occasions felt a bit like whiplash with moments between the characters not really built-up to before jumping back to the main slow-burn pace of the story - it’s almost like a scene or two was missing just to build-up to these moments.
While the book is marketed as an age-gap romance, and the two main characters do have a 17-year age gap, it’s never really addressed in the book and never comes to be an issue as Frankie and Hayden embark on their relationship. And while this isn’t a bad thing, the one thing I do enjoy about age-gap romances is when the age gap actually comes into play at some point, even if it isn’t a big issue for the characters. The only real mention of any sort of age gap is in reference to Hayden’s casual relationship with Vinny, who is 20 years younger than her.
If you’re a fan of age-gap romances, look no further than Not On The Agenda and the characters that Chloe delivers. And if you need more sapphic books to add to your TBR, this is definitely one to add near the top!
Frankie’s world turns upside down when her mother lands in hospital with heart problems and her parents are forced to sell their shares of the business they’ve built up in order to cover the medical expenses. The store has been a second home to Frankie for as long as she can remember, and she’s worried the new owner will destroy everything her parent’s had worked hard to create. The last thing she expected was for the new owner to be the same woman who saved her from an awful blind date, and the same woman she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since. There’s an obvious attraction between Frankie and Hayden, but Frankie’s stubbornness to accept changes that will better the store puts the pair at loggerheads. On Hayden’s part, she’s fighting off her growing attraction to Frankie because she’s sworn off serious relationships since having her heart left in tatters. But there’s no denying that something is simmering between the pair, and if they want their professional relationship to flourish, they may just have to give into temptation on a personal level.
There’s nothing like an age-gap workplace romance to sink your teeth into, and Chloe delivers a fun one full of tension, chemistry and heart - the hallmark of any good romance. Frankie and Hayden have instant chemistry with one another, and it only continues to intensify throughout the book, even when they both try to downplay their own feelings for each other.
The relationship between Frankie and Hayden was sweet and swoony, and this was balanced out with an insight into both of their friend groups which are both made up of fun and interesting characters. This book obviously comes after seeing Cameron and Elliott’s relationship in Not On The Resume, so I’m excited to go back and discover their story after seeing them all loved-up in this book. And Chloe’s hinted that another book is coming soon too, following Reid, so I’m keen to see more of Hayden’s friend group.
Chloe’s writing and pacing at times is a little off, which throws off the flow of the story, although not a great deal. Overall, it’s not a major hindrance on the book, but a few occasions felt a bit like whiplash with moments between the characters not really built-up to before jumping back to the main slow-burn pace of the story - it’s almost like a scene or two was missing just to build-up to these moments.
While the book is marketed as an age-gap romance, and the two main characters do have a 17-year age gap, it’s never really addressed in the book and never comes to be an issue as Frankie and Hayden embark on their relationship. And while this isn’t a bad thing, the one thing I do enjoy about age-gap romances is when the age gap actually comes into play at some point, even if it isn’t a big issue for the characters. The only real mention of any sort of age gap is in reference to Hayden’s casual relationship with Vinny, who is 20 years younger than her.
If you’re a fan of age-gap romances, look no further than Not On The Agenda and the characters that Chloe delivers. And if you need more sapphic books to add to your TBR, this is definitely one to add near the top!
September 21, 2023
3.5
"It's not about 'can' or 'can't', Hayden," I said calmly. "It's about what we want. and I want you."
One thing I appreciate about Chloe Peterson's book is the healthy and open communication. She does a phenomenal job of having characters communicate about what they want or what they need. She also shows how past trauma and hurt can affect communication styles, for instances Hayden, who we learn has been burnt before romantically and has a hard time opening up. It was great seeing the growth and trust that builds between Hayden and Frankie, not only with each other but themselves.
The only reason this isn't a five star (to me) is because I didn't feel their chemistry until the end, though you can tell they were immediately attracted to each other. Like I can't explain it but a lot of the times, Frankie felt more invested in Hayden than the other way around and I get it from the past trauma, but sometimes, Hayden was just making bad decisions.
"It's not about 'can' or 'can't', Hayden," I said calmly. "It's about what we want. and I want you."
One thing I appreciate about Chloe Peterson's book is the healthy and open communication. She does a phenomenal job of having characters communicate about what they want or what they need. She also shows how past trauma and hurt can affect communication styles, for instances Hayden, who we learn has been burnt before romantically and has a hard time opening up. It was great seeing the growth and trust that builds between Hayden and Frankie, not only with each other but themselves.
The only reason this isn't a five star (to me) is because I didn't feel their chemistry until the end, though you can tell they were immediately attracted to each other. Like I can't explain it but a lot of the times, Frankie felt more invested in Hayden than the other way around and I get it from the past trauma, but sometimes, Hayden was just making bad decisions.
December 12, 2023
Frankie and Hayden had more than a rough start. Frankie wanted to keep her parents’ vision alive but took it literally and too far. Hayden had other people in mind. Hayden is this rich woman who could’ve used her money to make power moves and get what she wants, but her money not her charm could make Frankie bend. I thought it was hilarious that when Frankie frustrated Hayden, Hayden took it out on Vinny, some young model. She put on her big girl panties when she let him go. Frankie accepting Hayden’s help with her parents was so damn sweet. I can get why Hayden didn’t want to be in a relationship because heartbreak sucks, especially in the devastating way Natalie did it, at her damn dress fitting. Then Natalie married the woman. The scene in the park, I was rooting for Frankie to deck her. I am really enjoying this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
Really enjoying reading this authors work, and have multiple of her books sitting on my kindle waiting to be read.
This book was such a nice read, so many characters who were easy to keep a track of and really brought the emotions in the story to life.
The only thing that I did struggle with, was just how quickly Frankie would flip between hating and being ok with Hayden. One second she hated her, the next she was happy being her friend and then very quickly back to hate. It just felt a bit disingenuous to be honest.
It also really frustrated me how long Hayden strung along the guy she was seeing, whilst apparently being really hung up on another woman! And I loved the character of Hayden, but this one tho bf really bugged me.
Although these things did NOT put me off this book, or reading the other ones I have waiting for me :)
This book was such a nice read, so many characters who were easy to keep a track of and really brought the emotions in the story to life.
The only thing that I did struggle with, was just how quickly Frankie would flip between hating and being ok with Hayden. One second she hated her, the next she was happy being her friend and then very quickly back to hate. It just felt a bit disingenuous to be honest.
It also really frustrated me how long Hayden strung along the guy she was seeing, whilst apparently being really hung up on another woman! And I loved the character of Hayden, but this one tho bf really bugged me.
Although these things did NOT put me off this book, or reading the other ones I have waiting for me :)
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