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Love Interest
Casey Maitland has always preferred the reliability of numbers, despite growing up the daughter of two artistic souls. Now a twenty-four-year-old finance expert working in Manhattan, Casey wonders if the project manager opening at her company – magazine powerhouse LC Publications – is a sign from the universe to pursue a career with a little more sparkle. That is, until she’s passed over for the job in favor of the board chairman’s son.
Alex Harrison is handsome, Harvard-educated, and enigmatic. Everybody loves him – except for Casey. But when the two are thrown on the same project, they both have something to prove. For Casey, it’s getting tapped for a transfer to the London office and fulfilling her dreams of travelling. For Alex, it’s successfully launching a brand that will impress his distant father.
As work meetings turn into after hours, Casey and Alex are drawn to each other again and again, but neither can avoid the messy secrets and corporate intrigue threatening to tear them apart. What they discover about their own company might change everything – including the dreams each of them is chasing.
Alex Harrison is handsome, Harvard-educated, and enigmatic. Everybody loves him – except for Casey. But when the two are thrown on the same project, they both have something to prove. For Casey, it’s getting tapped for a transfer to the London office and fulfilling her dreams of travelling. For Alex, it’s successfully launching a brand that will impress his distant father.
As work meetings turn into after hours, Casey and Alex are drawn to each other again and again, but neither can avoid the messy secrets and corporate intrigue threatening to tear them apart. What they discover about their own company might change everything – including the dreams each of them is chasing.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2023
410 people are currently reading
43875 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,324 reviews
November 7, 2025
4.25 stars
This was a very enjoyable read. Both of the MC's were easy to like and to root for. This was advertised as enemies to lovers, but the enemies portion really doesn't last too long? Totally fine for the storyline, just thought that was odd. More like mild work adversaries which clears up in the first 20% to lovers.
At first, I thought we were going to have a progressive non-third act breakup (it was so close), but then it happened any way. But it was done fairly well and definitely made me a little emotional. Seemed pretty ridiculous that Alex has this pretty shit relationship with his father and he was still trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. Bro, what did he ever do to gain that loyalty from you?? Noooothing.
I did like the side characters, though sometimes some of her friends would blur together a bit; it helped that Alex only had one friend >D
Overall, would recommend for romance lovers out there.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was a very enjoyable read. Both of the MC's were easy to like and to root for. This was advertised as enemies to lovers, but the enemies portion really doesn't last too long? Totally fine for the storyline, just thought that was odd. More like mild work adversaries which clears up in the first 20% to lovers.
At first, I thought we were going to have a progressive non-third act breakup (it was so close), but then it happened any way. But it was done fairly well and definitely made me a little emotional. Seemed pretty ridiculous that Alex has this pretty shit relationship with his father and he was still trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. Bro, what did he ever do to gain that loyalty from you?? Noooothing.
I did like the side characters, though sometimes some of her friends would blur together a bit; it helped that Alex only had one friend >D
Overall, would recommend for romance lovers out there.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2025
3.5💫
This was cute! It definitely had a lot of potential to be great because it started off so strong, but it kind of went downhill after a while.
I was eating up their banter in the beginning, but we kind of lost the chemistry as the story went on. The plot felt a little pointless, and caseys personal backstory didn’t seem very important.
I loved the YouTube segments between them and I wish we got more of that!!!
buddy read w emily💜🦋
This was cute! It definitely had a lot of potential to be great because it started off so strong, but it kind of went downhill after a while.
I was eating up their banter in the beginning, but we kind of lost the chemistry as the story went on. The plot felt a little pointless, and caseys personal backstory didn’t seem very important.
I loved the YouTube segments between them and I wish we got more of that!!!
buddy read w emily💜🦋
October 6, 2023
Love Interest is a refreshing workplace romance with tropes including one bed, opposites attract, found family, and he falls first! The story follows Casey who has just missed out on a promotion at her work. When she meets Alex, the man who was hired for the position instead, and finds out he is related to the former CEO, she instantly takes a dislike to him. However, when the two are forced to work on a project together, Casey quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. As the two get closer while working, their apparent attraction ignites and they decide to explore their connection while they can, as Casey has plans to move to London and Alex doesn't like to be tethered to one place. However, their relationship rapidly evolves from temporary to something more as they both learn to trust in each other and open up.
This is a true workplace romance, 80% of the story takes place in the office and the main plot revolves around our MCs working together. While I could have gone for less of that, I did appreciate the attention to detail in the writing that kept me engaged in the otherwise mundane topics. I absolutely loved the evolution of Alex and Casey's relationship. I adored how they slowly realized their love for each other and didn't hold back once they did; the emotional connection they had was so beautiful. Overall, Love Interest is an endearing workplace romance full of emotion and lovable characters, that will leave you completely charmed and invested. I honestly cannot believe that this is a debut story from Claire Gilmore, she absolutely blew me away with her witty writing and the abundance of character development. I am so excited to see what she comes up with next!
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Claire Gilmore for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is a true workplace romance, 80% of the story takes place in the office and the main plot revolves around our MCs working together. While I could have gone for less of that, I did appreciate the attention to detail in the writing that kept me engaged in the otherwise mundane topics. I absolutely loved the evolution of Alex and Casey's relationship. I adored how they slowly realized their love for each other and didn't hold back once they did; the emotional connection they had was so beautiful. Overall, Love Interest is an endearing workplace romance full of emotion and lovable characters, that will leave you completely charmed and invested. I honestly cannot believe that this is a debut story from Claire Gilmore, she absolutely blew me away with her witty writing and the abundance of character development. I am so excited to see what she comes up with next!
~Many thanks to Netgalley and Claire Gilmore for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
October 12, 2023
The worst thing about this is that it had such potential..dnf at 34% because I was bored out of my mind.
Firstly, this is not enemies to lovers. They’re enemies for like 3 pages and then all of sudden besties. No tension, no chemistry- just a mundane conversation every now and then.
The side characters added nothing to the story, felt like they were there to prove that the fmc was likeable. It didn’t work.
I’m so annoyed I was really looking forward to the release of this book.
Firstly, this is not enemies to lovers. They’re enemies for like 3 pages and then all of sudden besties. No tension, no chemistry- just a mundane conversation every now and then.
The side characters added nothing to the story, felt like they were there to prove that the fmc was likeable. It didn’t work.
I’m so annoyed I was really looking forward to the release of this book.
October 31, 2023
Love Interest by Claire Gilmore
Contemporary romance.
Casey Maitland feels there is truth in numbers. She is a finance professional at LC Publications and because of her creative fathers, thinks she may have missed the true direction in a career. She tries for a Project Manager transfer but loses out on the job to the board chairman’s son. Alex Harrison and Casey are tasked to work together on a project and she soon realizes he has a vision she totally missed. Worked hours turn into overtime and the team relaxing at the local bar. Which leads to more time together and sparks between the two. Corporate secrets and intrigue could cause a total overhaul and job loss so they need to figure out their own priorities.
Casey is adorable with her numbers but still wanting to honor her fathers. The group bar events are so true and amusing, all I could think was “those were the days”. Career concerns can really hit home too. Obviously there are deeper issues and concerns in this book that I thought were handled well. I loved the ending too.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance.
Casey Maitland feels there is truth in numbers. She is a finance professional at LC Publications and because of her creative fathers, thinks she may have missed the true direction in a career. She tries for a Project Manager transfer but loses out on the job to the board chairman’s son. Alex Harrison and Casey are tasked to work together on a project and she soon realizes he has a vision she totally missed. Worked hours turn into overtime and the team relaxing at the local bar. Which leads to more time together and sparks between the two. Corporate secrets and intrigue could cause a total overhaul and job loss so they need to figure out their own priorities.
Casey is adorable with her numbers but still wanting to honor her fathers. The group bar events are so true and amusing, all I could think was “those were the days”. Career concerns can really hit home too. Obviously there are deeper issues and concerns in this book that I thought were handled well. I loved the ending too.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
June 29, 2024
okay i ended up finishing bc i just couldn’t stand the fact it was half read but yeah i don’t recommend
February 10, 2025
WHY 😭 WAS 😭 THIS 😭 SO 😭 CUTE 😭😭😭
October 24, 2023
4 stars.
Sweet, charming, never boring office romance.
I'm a sucker for a slowly developing relationship, and that was the best part of the book for me, especially since Casey was definitely a step behind in liking Alex and falling in love with him.
The book was told in Casey's pov and it was beautiful to see Alex fall for her first. Casey on the other hand held herself back for the longest time.
Once they admitted their love everything just started to get complicated for them, though.
I liked the twists in the plot, and understood why both Casey and Alex thought they needed to act like they did, and the author did a wonderful job letting them act like adults, talking things through but also sometimes withholding information because of office loyalities and not yet trusting the other completely.
I liked that the secondary characters, friends, parents (most of them), were an awesome, integral part oft the story.
I may have loved Alex more than Casey, but maybe I was just jealous because of how taken he was with her, and how perfect he thought Casey was.. yeah and maybe I felt she was a bit too perfect, haha. Alex had edges, but Casey was just this perfect wonderful specimen of a collegue / friend / daughter who thought too little of herself but was so so good at her work, who everybody just had to love/like because she was such a good person, too (and very beautiful obviously).
All in all this was a very well rounded, enjoyable, feel-good, and sometimes even tender romance.
Sweet, charming, never boring office romance.
I'm a sucker for a slowly developing relationship, and that was the best part of the book for me, especially since Casey was definitely a step behind in liking Alex and falling in love with him.
The book was told in Casey's pov and it was beautiful to see Alex fall for her first. Casey on the other hand held herself back for the longest time.
Once they admitted their love everything just started to get complicated for them, though.
I liked the twists in the plot, and understood why both Casey and Alex thought they needed to act like they did, and the author did a wonderful job letting them act like adults, talking things through but also sometimes withholding information because of office loyalities and not yet trusting the other completely.
I liked that the secondary characters, friends, parents (most of them), were an awesome, integral part oft the story.
I may have loved Alex more than Casey, but maybe I was just jealous because of how taken he was with her, and how perfect he thought Casey was.. yeah and maybe I felt she was a bit too perfect, haha. Alex had edges, but Casey was just this perfect wonderful specimen of a collegue / friend / daughter who thought too little of herself but was so so good at her work, who everybody just had to love/like because she was such a good person, too (and very beautiful obviously).
All in all this was a very well rounded, enjoyable, feel-good, and sometimes even tender romance.
October 8, 2023
I LOVED this book!
It was exactly what I needed, and at the right time.
This story is about two coworkers, Casey Maitland and Alex Harrison in this new coworkers enemies to lovers, he falls first, romance.
It starts with our dear Casey, initially hating Alex because he swoops in, assumingely out of nowhere, and nabs the job she was hoping would be a promotion for her. Alex being nun the wiser has no problem seeing the tension but not understanding where it’s coming from does us (the audience) a solid and pursues Casey anyway.
If you are looking for a light, easy read that will still pull on your heartstrings and keep you turning pages. . . Well, this is the book for you!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for this amazing ARC!
It was exactly what I needed, and at the right time.
This story is about two coworkers, Casey Maitland and Alex Harrison in this new coworkers enemies to lovers, he falls first, romance.
It starts with our dear Casey, initially hating Alex because he swoops in, assumingely out of nowhere, and nabs the job she was hoping would be a promotion for her. Alex being nun the wiser has no problem seeing the tension but not understanding where it’s coming from does us (the audience) a solid and pursues Casey anyway.
If you are looking for a light, easy read that will still pull on your heartstrings and keep you turning pages. . . Well, this is the book for you!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for this amazing ARC!
April 3, 2024
This was so sweet. I basically couldn't put it down. I loved the dynamic between Alex and Casey and I loved for their banter. I also loved the work place setting. I saw myself relating to Casey in so many aspects, so it wasn't hard to connect with her at all. Another thing that I loved where the side characters. I hope the author writes books revolving around them in the future.
August 21, 2023
3.5/5
Really cute story.
I felt that at times the story got slow and it was hard to keep going. I’m glad I finished the book because overall it was really cute and I did enjoy it. Casey is a good main character and it’s great to watch her dreams come true. Alex is like an onion with a lot of layers you get to read about.
Really cute story.
I felt that at times the story got slow and it was hard to keep going. I’m glad I finished the book because overall it was really cute and I did enjoy it. Casey is a good main character and it’s great to watch her dreams come true. Alex is like an onion with a lot of layers you get to read about.
February 15, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ for Alex . He was the saving grace for this book. Casey was an ICK. Just really didn’t enjoy her character. Book was boringgg and I just didnt want to pick it up. The author really wanted to make casey’s backstory traumatic to give her a reason for her anxiety. She complained about her parents a lot like they had this mindset that they wanted more for her but that was just all in casey’s head because they NEVER gave that impression not one time. They seemed like very caring loving parents. I think she had this repetitive behavior or “ruining a good moment” I did like the anxiety rep (a girlieeeee knows that life)
also the author kept adding real like references like venmo, and aritzia and it would take me out of the story (maybe that was jsut a me thing)
I remember one time casey realllly pissed me off. She shooed alex like actually shooed him with the finger wave and I was like wow that was sooo rude, and you could tell he thought so too but they moved on and started kissing.. it was weirddddd lol anywho.
love doing buddy reads with book bestie lauren. ♡
also the author kept adding real like references like venmo, and aritzia and it would take me out of the story (maybe that was jsut a me thing)
I remember one time casey realllly pissed me off. She shooed alex like actually shooed him with the finger wave and I was like wow that was sooo rude, and you could tell he thought so too but they moved on and started kissing.. it was weirddddd lol anywho.
love doing buddy reads with book bestie lauren. ♡
October 7, 2023
This is a tough one for us to rate. Why? We think we were just not the right readers for this book. This is an MF contemporary workplace romance, written in first person present tense, with a 24 year old FMC and a 25 year old MMC. In other words, it's a Gen Z workplace romance - and it feels like it. Characters talk to each other in memes ("your starter pack would be the zodiac, hot wings, comfy PJs, and Taylor Swift!" [not actual dialogue, but something like this actually happens]), star in viral YouTube shorts that are filmed during the work day (and get paid extra to do so!), and bond through text messages. In one particularly illustrative metaphor, Casey (our sole POV) describes her attention going into portrait mode when she's around Alex - "all I focus on is him." At one point, "Hips Don't Lie" is referred to as "old school Shakira."
If pop culture references from this exact moment, digital culture permeating even the simplest interpersonal interactions, and the board of directors of a gigantic publishing conglomerate putting the future of their entire company into the hands of two young people who graduated from college 4 years ago sound like something you'd be really into, then you should definitely pick this one up. Like we said: just not for us.
3.5 stars rounded to 4 based on the writing and the fact that it's not you (the book), it's me (us).
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
If pop culture references from this exact moment, digital culture permeating even the simplest interpersonal interactions, and the board of directors of a gigantic publishing conglomerate putting the future of their entire company into the hands of two young people who graduated from college 4 years ago sound like something you'd be really into, then you should definitely pick this one up. Like we said: just not for us.
3.5 stars rounded to 4 based on the writing and the fact that it's not you (the book), it's me (us).
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
December 2, 2024
I've changed my rating for this book because it's one of the books that I forgot I read and literally forgot about completely.
I liked this one but it took me a while to get into and connect with the characters. However Casey and Alex are so relatable (especially Casey) and they're so wholesome, both together and separately.
I liked this one but it took me a while to get into and connect with the characters. However Casey and Alex are so relatable (especially Casey) and they're so wholesome, both together and separately.
December 29, 2023
2.2 stars || ages 16+
i have been having the WORST luck with picking out books. and this was no different. sex and no plot
again it literally had sm potential to be great. it was such a cute setting. workplace rivals to lovers. but they ALWAYS just have sex. and there's like no cute moments cause they're all hot and spicey.
ok if we want to be technical I didn't rly finish this book. but I think I deserve it. i suffered through and only had about 50 pages left before I started skimming. but like there was no plot so there was no point. it was just them trying to save the business and them having sex. i rly didn't care what happened if it meant I had to skip every other paragraph because she was talking abt how his body felt during sex.
ok now I'm just on a rant abt sex in books. or smut in general. i think it's absolutely stupid. i hate it. i would 100% much rather have cute little moments than there be a descriptive sex scene in practically every chapter.
i had started a list of pages to skip if you wanted to read this book and not the smut... but ehhh, the only reason to read this book is for the smut. so there's no reason to write out all the pages cause there ended up starting to be too many. and I think I kinda read like two of them and then when I was skimming found a bunch more.
this book was just such a waste of time. which is part of the reason I kept reading it. cause I didn't want all that time to be wasted. but I literally couldn't do it.
i felt NOTHING for the mc's. there was nothing special about them. and I felt like we didn't rly get to know them like we learned a lot abt their childhood and then growing up but not a lot abt who they are now.
alex was hot as hell tho. I'll give 'em that. but it kinda dims when you read abt him having sex... if that makes sense. it's infuriating that that's all these mc's end up wanting. and all they can seem to think about when they are in each other's presence.
but y'all, whatever floats your boat. if this is your jam... go for it. but it ain't mine.
i have been having the WORST luck with picking out books. and this was no different. sex and no plot
again it literally had sm potential to be great. it was such a cute setting. workplace rivals to lovers. but they ALWAYS just have sex. and there's like no cute moments cause they're all hot and spicey.
ok if we want to be technical I didn't rly finish this book. but I think I deserve it. i suffered through and only had about 50 pages left before I started skimming. but like there was no plot so there was no point. it was just them trying to save the business and them having sex. i rly didn't care what happened if it meant I had to skip every other paragraph because she was talking abt how his body felt during sex.
ok now I'm just on a rant abt sex in books. or smut in general. i think it's absolutely stupid. i hate it. i would 100% much rather have cute little moments than there be a descriptive sex scene in practically every chapter.
i had started a list of pages to skip if you wanted to read this book and not the smut... but ehhh, the only reason to read this book is for the smut. so there's no reason to write out all the pages cause there ended up starting to be too many. and I think I kinda read like two of them and then when I was skimming found a bunch more.
this book was just such a waste of time. which is part of the reason I kept reading it. cause I didn't want all that time to be wasted. but I literally couldn't do it.
i felt NOTHING for the mc's. there was nothing special about them. and I felt like we didn't rly get to know them like we learned a lot abt their childhood and then growing up but not a lot abt who they are now.
alex was hot as hell tho. I'll give 'em that. but it kinda dims when you read abt him having sex... if that makes sense. it's infuriating that that's all these mc's end up wanting. and all they can seem to think about when they are in each other's presence.
but y'all, whatever floats your boat. if this is your jam... go for it. but it ain't mine.
February 11, 2024
Love Interest by Claire Gilmore 💻💜
I was swooning hard throughout this book! There were so many one liners that had me absolutely melting. I'm so glad this pretty purple cover drew me in cause it is a new favorite for sure.
This has a bit of rivals to lovers - a favorite trope of mine. Casey is a finance expert for a magazine company and loves her job. When a project manager position opens up she wonders if she should try to pursue something a little more creative. She interviews for the job but it instead goes to the board chairman's son, Alex. She unknowingly meets Alex in the elevator and is charmed by him. But once she figures out who he is a grudge forms. It doesn't help that everyone loves him except for her. They end up getting put onto a video diary sort of project for the company showing what an average day in the life is. Their banter slowly to turn into flirting. With how much time they spend together, in and outside of work, they open up to each other. Turns out there are some messy secrets and workplace dynamics that might keep them apart.
Gosh there were so many little moments that added up in this book for me. I loved Casey and Alex so much. They were so well developed and complex. Casey was a relatable character for me. She is strong willed, knows what she is good at, and does what she needs to put herself first. Then there's Alex... the perfect mix of a golden retriever and cinnamon roll character. I absolutely LOVED him. He doesn't know why Casey has this grudge against him but you can tell he is so intrigued with her from the start. I mean their meet cute is in the elevator when Casey just got bad news and all he wants to do is make her smile. So he tells a joke in hopes to do that. I just 🥹. Every time he is around her he's trying to get to know her more and figure out why she's so hesitant to open up to him. We don't get Alex's POV in this book, but I think that was perfect cause it added to the tension.
💻 workplace romance
🥹 he falls first
🦮 mix of golden retriever / cinnamon roll hero
🤍 nickname in another language
🛏️ only one bed
💵 she works in finance
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
I was swooning hard throughout this book! There were so many one liners that had me absolutely melting. I'm so glad this pretty purple cover drew me in cause it is a new favorite for sure.
This has a bit of rivals to lovers - a favorite trope of mine. Casey is a finance expert for a magazine company and loves her job. When a project manager position opens up she wonders if she should try to pursue something a little more creative. She interviews for the job but it instead goes to the board chairman's son, Alex. She unknowingly meets Alex in the elevator and is charmed by him. But once she figures out who he is a grudge forms. It doesn't help that everyone loves him except for her. They end up getting put onto a video diary sort of project for the company showing what an average day in the life is. Their banter slowly to turn into flirting. With how much time they spend together, in and outside of work, they open up to each other. Turns out there are some messy secrets and workplace dynamics that might keep them apart.
Gosh there were so many little moments that added up in this book for me. I loved Casey and Alex so much. They were so well developed and complex. Casey was a relatable character for me. She is strong willed, knows what she is good at, and does what she needs to put herself first. Then there's Alex... the perfect mix of a golden retriever and cinnamon roll character. I absolutely LOVED him. He doesn't know why Casey has this grudge against him but you can tell he is so intrigued with her from the start. I mean their meet cute is in the elevator when Casey just got bad news and all he wants to do is make her smile. So he tells a joke in hopes to do that. I just 🥹. Every time he is around her he's trying to get to know her more and figure out why she's so hesitant to open up to him. We don't get Alex's POV in this book, but I think that was perfect cause it added to the tension.
💻 workplace romance
🥹 he falls first
🦮 mix of golden retriever / cinnamon roll hero
🤍 nickname in another language
🛏️ only one bed
💵 she works in finance
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
August 1, 2023
Just spectacular. Clare Gilmore is a very, very special writer. Full RTC.
October 12, 2023
RATING: 3.25✨
SPICE: 1.5🌶
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ ~320 pages
✔ Contemporary romance, workplace setting
✔ New adult
✔ Finance analyst FMC x digital media specialist MMC (both mid 20s)
✔ Biracial, Korean American MMC
✔ Workplace rivals-to-friends-to-lovers
✔ HFN
Review:
This is an arc review – thank you to NetGalley and the publisher as always, extremely grateful for these opportunities!
Love Interest by Clare Gilmore is a workplace rivals to lovers, new adult, contemporary romance that follows our finance-guru FMC Casey, great with numbers, little awkward with people, and our favorite nepotism (or is he?) MMC Alex, a ray of sunshine that covers his gray inner clouds.
After Alex snags the job both (unbeknownst to him) he and Casey were vying for, things start off on the wrong foot. But their obvious chemistry has them working together in other ways, in and out of the workplace…
I believe this is Clare Gilmore’s debut, or at least her first published work, and I definitely took that into my consideration when reading and writing this review. It’s an amazing accomplishment, and there are some definite things to appreciate here.
Clare Gilmore’s dedication and passion for making the world seem real, seem relatable, reflect the true and diverse nature of our society and the varied people you would find in a workplace was very evident and appreciated. Side characters had their own motivations that weren’t just there to serve the main characters’ needs or whims (for example, side characters specifically concerned for their own job security and less so about the main character’s issues). That is realistic! No character ever felt stale, or like a stereotype. This contemporary worldbuilding was seamless.
However, that dedication to keeping things real can sometimes be a double-edged sword, and while Gilmore got the good parts of it right, I believe the overall tone, pacing, and writing suffered from it a bit.
For example, the detailed nature of the way Gilmore told the story led to many instances of telling and not showing, when we know that the gold standard is show, don’t tell. With every small twitch explained, every appearance commented on, every action rationalized, there soon became too much too fast. And because (specially the main characters) the characters started to balloon outward with an abundance of attributes, it got a bit difficult to fully capture everyone’s true characterization.
This is a silly example, but it’s the one that came to mind. Casey is billed as this green thumb goddess who loves plants, but when Alex suggests that in order to save the Finance department money to fund his own project, they cut the budget for the gardening magazine offshoot. And I think, oop, Casey is gonna have a field day with this one, because of her love of plants. But she just kind of… somewhat agrees with it? It was definitely out of character.
While we’re still on the topic of writing, and this is probably a personal opinion versus something truly critical against the book so just take it from my POV, I really didn’t care for the overly modern tone of the writing. Now that I’m writing it out, I don’t think modern is the right word. It’s not that the writing is modern (like reflecting modern ideals, LOVE THAT), I mean it has a modern conversational style that I’m used to seeing in dialogue only. It’s very new adult, I guess. I feel like after every sentence there had to be a quip, or an attempt at being clever. I think about 60% of that additional fluff writing could’ve been cut, and this would’ve been a stronger novel by far.
When this novel truly shined, however, was the interactions between the main characters. Once they got into their banter, and it was just them in a scene playing off each other, or just opening up to each other in those softer more emotional moments, it was beautiful to read. The characters really were very similar, even if their personalities were opposite, and you could definitely see how a relationship between them could work out.
Give this a try if you love a workplace setting with new adult romance.
SPICE: 1.5🌶
Trope/Setting Highlights:
✔ ~320 pages
✔ Contemporary romance, workplace setting
✔ New adult
✔ Finance analyst FMC x digital media specialist MMC (both mid 20s)
✔ Biracial, Korean American MMC
✔ Workplace rivals-to-friends-to-lovers
✔ HFN
Review:
This is an arc review – thank you to NetGalley and the publisher as always, extremely grateful for these opportunities!
Love Interest by Clare Gilmore is a workplace rivals to lovers, new adult, contemporary romance that follows our finance-guru FMC Casey, great with numbers, little awkward with people, and our favorite nepotism (or is he?) MMC Alex, a ray of sunshine that covers his gray inner clouds.
After Alex snags the job both (unbeknownst to him) he and Casey were vying for, things start off on the wrong foot. But their obvious chemistry has them working together in other ways, in and out of the workplace…
I believe this is Clare Gilmore’s debut, or at least her first published work, and I definitely took that into my consideration when reading and writing this review. It’s an amazing accomplishment, and there are some definite things to appreciate here.
Clare Gilmore’s dedication and passion for making the world seem real, seem relatable, reflect the true and diverse nature of our society and the varied people you would find in a workplace was very evident and appreciated. Side characters had their own motivations that weren’t just there to serve the main characters’ needs or whims (for example, side characters specifically concerned for their own job security and less so about the main character’s issues). That is realistic! No character ever felt stale, or like a stereotype. This contemporary worldbuilding was seamless.
However, that dedication to keeping things real can sometimes be a double-edged sword, and while Gilmore got the good parts of it right, I believe the overall tone, pacing, and writing suffered from it a bit.
For example, the detailed nature of the way Gilmore told the story led to many instances of telling and not showing, when we know that the gold standard is show, don’t tell. With every small twitch explained, every appearance commented on, every action rationalized, there soon became too much too fast. And because (specially the main characters) the characters started to balloon outward with an abundance of attributes, it got a bit difficult to fully capture everyone’s true characterization.
This is a silly example, but it’s the one that came to mind. Casey is billed as this green thumb goddess who loves plants, but when Alex suggests that in order to save the Finance department money to fund his own project, they cut the budget for the gardening magazine offshoot. And I think, oop, Casey is gonna have a field day with this one, because of her love of plants. But she just kind of… somewhat agrees with it? It was definitely out of character.
While we’re still on the topic of writing, and this is probably a personal opinion versus something truly critical against the book so just take it from my POV, I really didn’t care for the overly modern tone of the writing. Now that I’m writing it out, I don’t think modern is the right word. It’s not that the writing is modern (like reflecting modern ideals, LOVE THAT), I mean it has a modern conversational style that I’m used to seeing in dialogue only. It’s very new adult, I guess. I feel like after every sentence there had to be a quip, or an attempt at being clever. I think about 60% of that additional fluff writing could’ve been cut, and this would’ve been a stronger novel by far.
When this novel truly shined, however, was the interactions between the main characters. Once they got into their banter, and it was just them in a scene playing off each other, or just opening up to each other in those softer more emotional moments, it was beautiful to read. The characters really were very similar, even if their personalities were opposite, and you could definitely see how a relationship between them could work out.
Give this a try if you love a workplace setting with new adult romance.
October 3, 2023
I had high hopes for this one, especially after the flirty elevator meet-cute between Casey and Alex. But so often this story struggled to hold my attention.
Centered around the inner workings of Little Cooper Publications, Casey is a financial analyst who initially has dagger-eyes for Alex, the board chairman’s son who is given the project manager position she interviewed for.
Even though the enemies aspect is short lived, the romance was cute overall. Alex was so sweet and supportive—and he went above and beyond for Casey’s allergies, which made me swoon with delight.
But there were SO MANY details about the workplace. The dialogue felt realistic to the environment, but I repeatedly became lost within the information about each department and its employees. It was a tedious read for me, unfortunately.
(heat level: open door, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Centered around the inner workings of Little Cooper Publications, Casey is a financial analyst who initially has dagger-eyes for Alex, the board chairman’s son who is given the project manager position she interviewed for.
Even though the enemies aspect is short lived, the romance was cute overall. Alex was so sweet and supportive—and he went above and beyond for Casey’s allergies, which made me swoon with delight.
But there were SO MANY details about the workplace. The dialogue felt realistic to the environment, but I repeatedly became lost within the information about each department and its employees. It was a tedious read for me, unfortunately.
(heat level: open door, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 23, 2023
Wowwwwwowow Gilmore’s voice. This was an incredible debut, and a masterpiece of an office romance (which is not always my favorite thing!). In addition to the romance being incredibly swoony (the whole third act, MY GOD), the corporate politics plotlines had me SO TENSE and SO NERVOUS FOR BOTH OF THEM that I was practically vibrating. This was one of those books where halfway through I realized, “This writer is much younger and much smarter than me” lol but like that’s okay! Good, even! This was such a visceral celebration of being young and happy in NYC, and a wonderful single POV romance—Casey was such a fascinating character in and of herself (I loved how much she truly loves finance! But yet wasn’t typecast into the type of left-brained character we often see—she loves numbers but also loves music and fashion and plants and letting go with her friends; she is razor-sharp funny at the same time that she’s finding herself. [I should note here, as someone who has written a fully left-brained and autistic character myself, I also love those other left-brained typecast characters lol.])—but through her we also got to know Alex so well. I also loved how, even though the MC is white & cishet, this book is chock full of queer and BIPOC characters—as a book set in NYC (or anywhere really!! but especially NYC) should be.
I was thinking about it after I finished, and I think the moment I fell fully in love with this book was the call from the Cape Cod Target. GOD-TIER ROMANCE MOMENT 4 ME.
Anyway, this is not even all I have to say about this book lol but I cannot wait to see where Gilmore goes next.
I was thinking about it after I finished, and I think the moment I fell fully in love with this book was the call from the Cape Cod Target. GOD-TIER ROMANCE MOMENT 4 ME.
Anyway, this is not even all I have to say about this book lol but I cannot wait to see where Gilmore goes next.
June 3, 2023
This was a really cute and character-focused rom-com. Love interest follows Casey, who, at the beginning of the book, meets Alex(m) in an elevator. Casey realizes that Alex gets the job that she had also applied for, and she immediately hates him. As they work together, Casey realizes that Alex is not like he seems and that she may have judged him too quickly.
I really enjoyed this book it was such a nice and sweet read. I loved Casey and Alex a lot they were compelling characters, and I liked their banter, especially when they were in their enemies phase. I liked that Casey is a 24-year-old financial analyst, and I also really liked how the enemies aspect was resolved maturely. I thought the characters backstories brought an emotional aspect and really helped their character development by the end of the book. Their romance was really sweet, and there was a tiny bit of spice. The side characters were great, and I liked the really tight-knit friend group. I did find the middle of the book took me a little longer to get through because I wasn't too interested in the workplace conflict plot, but it was still a good read.
Overall this was a good debut novel by the author. The workplace vibes, the characters, and the romance were well-written and kept me interested in the book. If you love romcoms and workplace romance, you should read this!
This book has:
- Korean American mmc
- Workplace romance
- Forced proximity
- Only one bed
- Enemies to lovers
Thank you, St. Martins Press and Netgalley, for this arc.
I really enjoyed this book it was such a nice and sweet read. I loved Casey and Alex a lot they were compelling characters, and I liked their banter, especially when they were in their enemies phase. I liked that Casey is a 24-year-old financial analyst, and I also really liked how the enemies aspect was resolved maturely. I thought the characters backstories brought an emotional aspect and really helped their character development by the end of the book. Their romance was really sweet, and there was a tiny bit of spice. The side characters were great, and I liked the really tight-knit friend group. I did find the middle of the book took me a little longer to get through because I wasn't too interested in the workplace conflict plot, but it was still a good read.
Overall this was a good debut novel by the author. The workplace vibes, the characters, and the romance were well-written and kept me interested in the book. If you love romcoms and workplace romance, you should read this!
This book has:
- Korean American mmc
- Workplace romance
- Forced proximity
- Only one bed
- Enemies to lovers
Thank you, St. Martins Press and Netgalley, for this arc.
October 10, 2023
An amazing workplace romance. Casey's love for her job and her work family. So when she finds out she was passed over for an amazing job opportunity for the bosses son, Alex, it becomes the perfect rom-com set up.
August 13, 2024
I really want to like this book, but Love Interest fails to hold my interest. When I picked up this book, I was expecting a rom com. Instead I found the comedy is not for my liking and the characters are confusing.
2 stars
2 stars
February 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ not bad just didn’t feel a connection with the relationship. I feel like there wasn’t enough build up for me. But I did enjoy the setting and the characters!
September 25, 2023
Oh, look, here we are again, reading a rom com that is vaguely romantic but not at all comedic, filled with trauma and toxicity, but hey, lets just label it a rom com and call it a day! The annoying thing is this book had potential, it had tropes I like, co-worker adversaries to lovers, only one bed, forced proximity, etc. But man did it whiff the execution. Also, please stop using trauma laden backstories to do the work of actual character development. It’s a cop out and I’m real tired of it. This book had not one but TWO dead moms from cancer backstories and honestly, at the very least, give some heads up about it. The most romantic moment in the book was when Alex called Casey and asks what kind of detergent she uses bc of her allergies and his need to make sure that she doesn’t have any adverse reaction when she’s close to him. I’ll give the author credit - that was sweet and subtle and good character work. I just wish there had been more of it. There was a lot of corporate and finance jargon that was frankly boring. I know it’s a workplace romance so the actual workplace and jobs do play an important role but this one had endless scenes that sort of made my eyes glaze over. In short, it was not great, and I’ll forget about it before the week is out.
Content notes: toxic father/son relationship, reference to past cheating by minor character, reference to being born a bastard (although it’s the 21st century, who even uses that term anymore?!?), FMC’s mom died of lung cancer, MMC’s mom died of ovarian cancer
ARC from publisher via NetGalley, review is all mine.
Content notes: toxic father/son relationship, reference to past cheating by minor character, reference to being born a bastard (although it’s the 21st century, who even uses that term anymore?!?), FMC’s mom died of lung cancer, MMC’s mom died of ovarian cancer
ARC from publisher via NetGalley, review is all mine.
April 12, 2024
3 ⭐️ / 5
i don’t have a ton to say about this book but i thought this was overall really cute!! i enjoyed this read even though some parts definitely felt a little slow. alex is a sweetheart though 🫶
i don’t have a ton to say about this book but i thought this was overall really cute!! i enjoyed this read even though some parts definitely felt a little slow. alex is a sweetheart though 🫶
July 22, 2025
This was so so cute! I’m glad that I finally picked this one up and hopefully it keeps me out of the vicious slump I’ve been in!! Totally recommending this one for a cutie quick read romance 🙂↕️🙂↕️ can’t wait to read never over!!
December 2, 2025
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ "Maybe our life together won't ever be steady or sure-footed. But I will always come back to you. You are my North Star, my safe harbor, and I love you so much I could die." ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
i enjoyed this book even though it took me a hot minute to get into it. i would say the first chapter was a bit... messy. reading the paragraphs felt like reading inner thoughts of someone who has had too much caffeine — random, chaotic, and kinda all over the place. but the writing does get better as the story goes on.
aaand since i'm a finance major, i loveeee the finance jokes sprinkled throughout this book. they make me hate my major a little bit less, and tbh i think i might have started fantasizing about making beautiful excel sheets and writing stock reports at some points ✨
about our girl Casey – she is SO RELATABLE and sarcastically hilarious, which I STAN. aaaand my pookie Alex – protect him at all costs! his character has layers, like an onion (or a parfait, if you’re feeling fancy), which i thought was incredibly interesting to follow. the side characters were great as well, especially Casey’s parents. they’re pure angels – so supportive and lovinggg. watching Casey with her parents was like getting a serotonin boost straight to the brain. however, Casey’s friends are a bit bland, like there aren’t clear differences between their personalities sometimes.
and yesss, THE ROMANCE. at first, it gave me major insta-love vibes, but it’s actually a slow burn. seeing how they went from "oh hey, you exist" to "I can’t imagine life without you" is like watching your bestie fall in love – you’re rooting for them every step of the way. and the steamy moments? let's just say, 🔥🔥🔥 those scenes are perfect – spicy and just the right amount of heat. but beside the main couple, this book has a very toxic relationship which i don’t really like.
overall, 'Love Interest' is sweet, steamy, and keeps you coming back for more. Casey and Alex’s love story is the kind of content I signed up for. 10/10 would ship again.
Fav quotes ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡
“Because I have never loved like this, and it is entirely Alex’s fault.
I think I might never forgive him.”
“I think of you,” […] “At work, on vacation, at home”
“I think of you, too. All the time.”
i enjoyed this book even though it took me a hot minute to get into it. i would say the first chapter was a bit... messy. reading the paragraphs felt like reading inner thoughts of someone who has had too much caffeine — random, chaotic, and kinda all over the place. but the writing does get better as the story goes on.
aaand since i'm a finance major, i loveeee the finance jokes sprinkled throughout this book. they make me hate my major a little bit less, and tbh i think i might have started fantasizing about making beautiful excel sheets and writing stock reports at some points ✨
about our girl Casey – she is SO RELATABLE and sarcastically hilarious, which I STAN. aaaand my pookie Alex – protect him at all costs! his character has layers, like an onion (or a parfait, if you’re feeling fancy), which i thought was incredibly interesting to follow. the side characters were great as well, especially Casey’s parents. they’re pure angels – so supportive and lovinggg. watching Casey with her parents was like getting a serotonin boost straight to the brain. however, Casey’s friends are a bit bland, like there aren’t clear differences between their personalities sometimes.
and yesss, THE ROMANCE. at first, it gave me major insta-love vibes, but it’s actually a slow burn. seeing how they went from "oh hey, you exist" to "I can’t imagine life without you" is like watching your bestie fall in love – you’re rooting for them every step of the way. and the steamy moments? let's just say, 🔥🔥🔥 those scenes are perfect – spicy and just the right amount of heat. but beside the main couple, this book has a very toxic relationship which i don’t really like.
overall, 'Love Interest' is sweet, steamy, and keeps you coming back for more. Casey and Alex’s love story is the kind of content I signed up for. 10/10 would ship again.
Fav quotes ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡
“Because I have never loved like this, and it is entirely Alex’s fault.
I think I might never forgive him.”
“I think of you,” […] “At work, on vacation, at home”
“I think of you, too. All the time.”
November 15, 2023
This did not feel like a debut--LOVE INTEREST is such a fun, witty read! Casey Maitland finds comfort in numbers, but also feels compelled to seek a more creative career, since she comes from a family of artists, writers, and other creatives. When a project management position opens up at her company, she goes for it, only to be passed over for... the board chairman's son. Who happens to be handsome, charismatic, wealthy, and everything Casey is not. Everyone adores Alex, except for Casey. But when she gets placed on his project in a more financial-based role, she has to admit he has his positives.
LOVE INTEREST is a very corporate book. The plot involves references to P&L, finances, corporate espionage, and Casey and Alex's focus on launching a subsidiary company. If you're not into that, it could be a bit much. For me, I loved having a book actually set in my world. Finally, not a publishing company or a media firm or a bakery, but instead the horrible and stressful world of business that I inhabit every day! It was nice to see someone else's experiences with the horrors of the board, financial statements, and appeasing investors.
But, we all come for the romance, and I'm happy to report that Alex and Casey have plenty of chemistry. This is a classic office enemies to lovers story, and it hits the tropes in a wonderful way. They both have the required baggage--Alex is trying to impress his absent dad and Casey, for some frustrating reason, thinks she should be in a more creative job like her parents. This was the one stretch for me.
The book wanders off on a few tangents, but overall it's really fun with an adorable couple. Looking forward to what Gilmore comes up with next! 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 here.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.
LOVE INTEREST is a very corporate book. The plot involves references to P&L, finances, corporate espionage, and Casey and Alex's focus on launching a subsidiary company. If you're not into that, it could be a bit much. For me, I loved having a book actually set in my world. Finally, not a publishing company or a media firm or a bakery, but instead the horrible and stressful world of business that I inhabit every day! It was nice to see someone else's experiences with the horrors of the board, financial statements, and appeasing investors.
But, we all come for the romance, and I'm happy to report that Alex and Casey have plenty of chemistry. This is a classic office enemies to lovers story, and it hits the tropes in a wonderful way. They both have the required baggage--Alex is trying to impress his absent dad and Casey, for some frustrating reason, thinks she should be in a more creative job like her parents. This was the one stretch for me.
The book wanders off on a few tangents, but overall it's really fun with an adorable couple. Looking forward to what Gilmore comes up with next! 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 here.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.
June 5, 2023
Although I know next to nothing about financial management (so I probably missed a few excellent jokes that will land better with those well-versed in the language), I had such a good time reading this. Gilmore blends snappy banter and corporate shenanigans with big, huge, on-the-page Feels, brilliantly balancing the analytical narrative voice of her heroine with the in-the-moment flutters and sparks of excitement that come with falling in love, as well as the anxieties of wondering if one's partner feels the same in those early days when anything is possible and nothing is certain. The workplace drama builds throughout the story, with several leak-able secrets that could dismantle everything the two leads have been working toward, adding tension outside the romance, and grounding the love story in other aspects of the characters' lives. I loved that while the attraction was instant, the relationship developed through shared time that included some really lovely acts of care and attention and support, bolstering a quick and intense physical connection with an enduring emotional one. I also loved following along with the heroine's central life question about when to take risks, and when to play it safe, and how that did or didn't tie into the idea of leaving a legacy, something I think a lot of readers will relate to. The NYC setting fully celebrates the city--its restaurant scene, its smells, its hustle and bustle--while the workplace setting is equally well fleshed out, with a full cast of characters who hold a variety of interesting jobs. A fantastic debut, with a sharp central voice, big feels, and two characters who so clearly love each other with their whole hearts, the inevitable happy ending will leave you cheering. And looking forward to Gilmore's next release.
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