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The Family Business #1
Forces of Nature
Ruth Murray thought she had seen the last of Knox Price when she walked away from him at their high school graduation.
After always coming in second place, she was ready to be done with their rivalry and make something of herself.
But then he went on to create PATH, a company that retrofitted cars to self-drive, cutting automobile accidents in half. His name was in everyone’s mouths, especially her parents, who still compare her to him even ten years later. His success is a sore reminder of her own stagnant career.
When he mysteriously steps down as CEO of his company, she hopes this will be the reason he finally disappears from everyone’s minds.
Until she walks into work and sees Knox is the newest executive of her company and, technically, her boss. All she can hope is that he doesn’t remember their little rivalry, because he now has the power to make her life a living hell.
Knox Price should be on top of the world.
He’s created an invention that saves lives, made his parents proud, shares his company with his best friend, and has more money than he knows what to do with.
And yet, he feels nothing.
He’s a robot, pretending to be human but never actually feeling a thing. It’s taken over his life, so much so, that his best friend suggests for him to step down and find passion in helping a different business build something great. When he returns to his hometown, he’s content to spend extra time with his parents and work on a new app for a company he doesn’t own.
That’s when he sees the woman he could never forget.
Ruth Murray is as feisty and hardheaded as ever, and instead of feeling the emptiness he’s grown used to, his heart starts beating again from the very moment he sees her.
The only problem? She hates him and he doesn’t know why.
With the media clawing to get more information about him, and a ruthless boss out to fire Ruth for any reason, he should stay away from her. But the longer he’s around her, the more he realizes he can’t keep his distance.
Forces of Nature is a dual-POV, standalone book that will be part of an interconnected three-book series. It features the rivals to lovers, forced proximity, and only one bed trope. Spice and a happily ever after for the two leads is guaranteed!
After always coming in second place, she was ready to be done with their rivalry and make something of herself.
But then he went on to create PATH, a company that retrofitted cars to self-drive, cutting automobile accidents in half. His name was in everyone’s mouths, especially her parents, who still compare her to him even ten years later. His success is a sore reminder of her own stagnant career.
When he mysteriously steps down as CEO of his company, she hopes this will be the reason he finally disappears from everyone’s minds.
Until she walks into work and sees Knox is the newest executive of her company and, technically, her boss. All she can hope is that he doesn’t remember their little rivalry, because he now has the power to make her life a living hell.
Knox Price should be on top of the world.
He’s created an invention that saves lives, made his parents proud, shares his company with his best friend, and has more money than he knows what to do with.
And yet, he feels nothing.
He’s a robot, pretending to be human but never actually feeling a thing. It’s taken over his life, so much so, that his best friend suggests for him to step down and find passion in helping a different business build something great. When he returns to his hometown, he’s content to spend extra time with his parents and work on a new app for a company he doesn’t own.
That’s when he sees the woman he could never forget.
Ruth Murray is as feisty and hardheaded as ever, and instead of feeling the emptiness he’s grown used to, his heart starts beating again from the very moment he sees her.
The only problem? She hates him and he doesn’t know why.
With the media clawing to get more information about him, and a ruthless boss out to fire Ruth for any reason, he should stay away from her. But the longer he’s around her, the more he realizes he can’t keep his distance.
Forces of Nature is a dual-POV, standalone book that will be part of an interconnected three-book series. It features the rivals to lovers, forced proximity, and only one bed trope. Spice and a happily ever after for the two leads is guaranteed!
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2023
703 people are currently reading
9951 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
October 17, 2023
There’s just something about the writing and characters that scream wattpad.. also the word rival was repeated way too much. I get it. It’s rivals to lovers.
October 17, 2023
Premise was interesting, but there was so much wrong with it. The dialogue was stilted and awkward, there were grammatical errors everywhere, and all the characters acted so irrationally that I just couldn’t get into it. Idk, even the descriptions of office culture seemed like they weren’t well researched, from the locked cabinet with “fancy” snacks for execs to not having a written fraternization policy for this supposedly huge bank.
I think I’m just gonna have to pass on this author no matter how many times her books are recommended or how interesting they seem to be. The ability to follow through is not there imo. Maybe we just don’t click 🤷♀️
I think I’m just gonna have to pass on this author no matter how many times her books are recommended or how interesting they seem to be. The ability to follow through is not there imo. Maybe we just don’t click 🤷♀️
August 19, 2025
This was so cute! I absolutely loved it!
August 14, 2025
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. The author could have taken this in a very bad direction, but for the most part, I enjoyed her choices.
This is high drama of misogyny. And sadly, the author does seem to include a few choices that annoyed the crap out of me. Like the first thing the hero can say the heroine is better than him about is wearing heels? Why!? That was so not okay. Or that she was only valedictorian in high school because he "let her".
But, Ruth does kick ass and take names and I enjoyed that. I also loved that she and her brothers became closer and she was learning to see herself as valuable and not just because of "winning". She fought for herself and I'm always a fan of that.
Oh, another annoying thing is her debilitating fear of thunderstorms (insert eyeroll here).
But, it was pretty enjoyable and I really need to read about Tom and Barry.
This is high drama of misogyny. And sadly, the author does seem to include a few choices that annoyed the crap out of me. Like the first thing the hero can say the heroine is better than him about is wearing heels? Why!? That was so not okay. Or that she was only valedictorian in high school because he "let her".
But, Ruth does kick ass and take names and I enjoyed that. I also loved that she and her brothers became closer and she was learning to see herself as valuable and not just because of "winning". She fought for herself and I'm always a fan of that.
Oh, another annoying thing is her debilitating fear of thunderstorms (insert eyeroll here).
But, it was pretty enjoyable and I really need to read about Tom and Barry.
October 7, 2023
I LOVED this book, i got it this morning and just finished after 6 hours. This is my first ARC read and I was so excited for it to be for this author and this book. I loved the representation of Ruth's home life and how it can be very relatable for many others. Ruth and knox's relationship was so beautifully written. The banter, the spice, everything about their story was amazing. This book made rivals to lovers one of my FAVORITE tropes because of how well it was done. The angst and the build up was everything. Anything by Elle rivers you can't go wrong reading!!
November 1, 2023
This did not have to be soo long. The last half dragged on and on
April 12, 2024
the only forces i felt was the force of my eyes dying after reading this.
October 31, 2023
was this entertaining at times? yes. was the dialogue somewhat immature? absolutely. there were too many subplots regarding the parents and the companies and it honestly took away from everything. it was fine but i just wanted to get it over with
October 19, 2023
Best 5hrs and 9mins i spent reading ever
December 14, 2023
guys im literally crying this was so bad BUT i kicked my feet thru half of it bc um men. It rlly was my silly little nighttime read in between my other books but oh my gosh the wiritng was horrid (sorry). felt like i was reading a watty romance and not the good kind.
January 7, 2024
Wanted more silly goofy angst at the beginning but slay on nonetheless
October 29, 2023
1.5⭐️. This book was just way too long. Pretty much the whole second half felt so unnecessary and boring. Also there were quite a lot of typos.
May 29, 2025
4.25 ★
I’m so eternally grateful my coworker recommended this to me! It’s always iffy when someone recommends you a book because there is the fear that you will not like it. When I started this, I did have that fear and I was scared that I was just going to disappoint her lovely, tiny heart. BUT I DIDN’T.
This was actually so good!! Yes…, let me a honest, there are some errors that many people have pointed out in reviews on here BUT THE STORY IS SO GOOD ITS WORTH IT TO IGNORE THEM.
I literally loved everything about this book. I genuinely could not stop reading; I was thoroughly hooked. The plot, the buildup to everything, the characters,the world, the background, the trauma, the depth, the scenes, everything really was just so good. Ruth and Knox were especially adorable, and I loved seeing them grow into the couple they were and develop their relationship.
Elle Rivers is definitely an author I will continue to read! I cannot wait to read her other books.
I’m so eternally grateful my coworker recommended this to me! It’s always iffy when someone recommends you a book because there is the fear that you will not like it. When I started this, I did have that fear and I was scared that I was just going to disappoint her lovely, tiny heart. BUT I DIDN’T.
This was actually so good!! Yes…, let me a honest, there are some errors that many people have pointed out in reviews on here BUT THE STORY IS SO GOOD ITS WORTH IT TO IGNORE THEM.
I literally loved everything about this book. I genuinely could not stop reading; I was thoroughly hooked. The plot, the buildup to everything, the characters,the world, the background, the trauma, the depth, the scenes, everything really was just so good. Ruth and Knox were especially adorable, and I loved seeing them grow into the couple they were and develop their relationship.
Elle Rivers is definitely an author I will continue to read! I cannot wait to read her other books.
November 25, 2023
I saw this book advertised on tik tok as a one bed trope and thought “what the hell, sounds good enough” and boy did this exceed my expectations. this book was fantastic!! a super quick read but mostly because i could not put it down. the dual POV was so fun, and it was so so well written. it had the perfect build up, excellent communication between the characters (at least it developed well and didn’t get wishy washy like some books do) and used elements of literary craft that were so perfectly executed! love love LOVE. please read this book. i will absolutely be reading the next one when it is published.
January 27, 2024
4.5⭐️
I saw the author’s videos promoting her books and they always intrigued me, so I gave in and read this book. It was really good. I liked Ruth’s charater and how she stood up for herself. And again, I really hope that men like Knox exist in the real world. I was a bit shocked by the ending since I don’t remember the last time I’ve read a romance book that ends in a cliff hanger… I think this series will be great :)
I saw the author’s videos promoting her books and they always intrigued me, so I gave in and read this book. It was really good. I liked Ruth’s charater and how she stood up for herself. And again, I really hope that men like Knox exist in the real world. I was a bit shocked by the ending since I don’t remember the last time I’ve read a romance book that ends in a cliff hanger… I think this series will be great :)
December 16, 2024
Okay so I did read this up until like the 40% and then started skimming through. The mmc was sweet but seemed a little weak to me. I like my men strong and confident which is why I didn't vibe w this. The fmc felt too petty and immature and held a stupid grudge for so long when it wasn't the mmc's fault in the first place.
November 15, 2023
DNF at 30 pages.
The writing- I just couldn’t. Was constantly pulling me out of the book and read too much like a wattpad story (of COURSE his name was Knox).
The writing- I just couldn’t. Was constantly pulling me out of the book and read too much like a wattpad story (of COURSE his name was Knox).
October 30, 2023
Wow, I really wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did but within the first 20 pages, it hooked me in the character development was amazing and there’s just something about solving relationships with family that gets to me. There were so many times where I cried in this book for no reason truly, but I really loved it and I can’t wait for the second book.
February 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
What I did not enjoy was the missing words. And the sentences with words out of order. Very jarring and completely unnecessary. Get an editor. Ask a friend to proofread your book.
What I did not enjoy was the missing words. And the sentences with words out of order. Very jarring and completely unnecessary. Get an editor. Ask a friend to proofread your book.
October 24, 2023
Couldn't even finish this book, didn't like the writing style, and the characters were just so bland and predictable.
February 17, 2024
Never trust a book u found off tiktok
April 21, 2025
but maybe 5 stars, just everything you could want in a book. love
October 28, 2025
One time rom with family issues, a bit of work and marketing, and fear of thunder
October 14, 2023
This is my first ARC review and I’m so happy it is for this author! Elle Rivers has my heart, I have read maybe all of her books now and I love them all for their own reasons. Book overall 4.5/5 and spice 2/5!
Force Of Nature is as much a romance novel as it is a story about coming to terms with childhood familial trauma. Elle Rivers stories always have another underlining “bigger purpose” so to say and this one hit home. I think that some people may not love just how much it focuses on Ruth’s messed up past and current situation, but I found it to be very impactful and important to the story AND their relationship.
I loved the enemies to lovers, he fell first and harder, the ONE BED, “if you hurt her I’ll kill you,” and the fact they had to keep their relationship hidden while in the workplace. While there wasn’t a ton of spice, I enjoyed it while it was there especially since it included the addition of using “tools” during those scenes, and that was a new one for me to read about! He was head over heels in love with her and I enjoyed reading it all, every minute of him just being willing to do anything for her was *chefs kiss*
I absolutely adored hers and Knox’s relationship throughout the entire thing, I found it quite charming and beautiful how enamored they were with one another for so many years but didn’t realize how much they really liked one another until later (except Knox knew right away😏). It made my heart so happy that she essentially brought him back to life and he helped her realize her worth. ALSO, Knox’s first interactions with her brothers??? The best fucking thing ever LOL
Another thing that was a breath of fresh air was how Elle pointed out just how poorly women are treated for their accomplishments. One quote was, “when he got As on tests, people asked him how he did it, and if he could tutor them. I was asked if I cheated.” This really stood out to me because from the get go, it’s clear just how insignificant women are in this world and I feel like when most romance books try to incorporate larger topics, they brush over them while Elle made it a main focus point the entire time.
Things that I missed, I would have liked Jenny to pop back in towards the end, some sort of acknowledgment that she was proud of Ruth and her new position. I also think it would have been nice for a reunion of all the siblings again after she got the PATH job, it would have been nice to see their bonds grow more. I would have liked more spice scenes personally, but what we were given was still great! I also wish they hadn’t brushed over the valedictorian reveal at the end so quickly because that truly hit me to the core, the fact she truly only won one thing over him and thought that for literally ever, just for her to have been wrong the whole time? RUDE, granted their make up sex was pretty good so maybe I shouldn’t complain 😉
I knew it was a good book because I ended it wanting MORE. I want more of Knox and her story, I want more of the brothers stories, I want more of all of them together, I just. want. more. Which is a GREAT thing because Elle seems to be turning this into a series YAY!
Force Of Nature is as much a romance novel as it is a story about coming to terms with childhood familial trauma. Elle Rivers stories always have another underlining “bigger purpose” so to say and this one hit home. I think that some people may not love just how much it focuses on Ruth’s messed up past and current situation, but I found it to be very impactful and important to the story AND their relationship.
I loved the enemies to lovers, he fell first and harder, the ONE BED, “if you hurt her I’ll kill you,” and the fact they had to keep their relationship hidden while in the workplace. While there wasn’t a ton of spice, I enjoyed it while it was there especially since it included the addition of using “tools” during those scenes, and that was a new one for me to read about! He was head over heels in love with her and I enjoyed reading it all, every minute of him just being willing to do anything for her was *chefs kiss*
I absolutely adored hers and Knox’s relationship throughout the entire thing, I found it quite charming and beautiful how enamored they were with one another for so many years but didn’t realize how much they really liked one another until later (except Knox knew right away😏). It made my heart so happy that she essentially brought him back to life and he helped her realize her worth. ALSO, Knox’s first interactions with her brothers??? The best fucking thing ever LOL
Another thing that was a breath of fresh air was how Elle pointed out just how poorly women are treated for their accomplishments. One quote was, “when he got As on tests, people asked him how he did it, and if he could tutor them. I was asked if I cheated.” This really stood out to me because from the get go, it’s clear just how insignificant women are in this world and I feel like when most romance books try to incorporate larger topics, they brush over them while Elle made it a main focus point the entire time.
Things that I missed, I would have liked Jenny to pop back in towards the end, some sort of acknowledgment that she was proud of Ruth and her new position. I also think it would have been nice for a reunion of all the siblings again after she got the PATH job, it would have been nice to see their bonds grow more. I would have liked more spice scenes personally, but what we were given was still great! I also wish they hadn’t brushed over the valedictorian reveal at the end so quickly because that truly hit me to the core, the fact she truly only won one thing over him and thought that for literally ever, just for her to have been wrong the whole time? RUDE, granted their make up sex was pretty good so maybe I shouldn’t complain 😉
I knew it was a good book because I ended it wanting MORE. I want more of Knox and her story, I want more of the brothers stories, I want more of all of them together, I just. want. more. Which is a GREAT thing because Elle seems to be turning this into a series YAY!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
If this girl stutters one more time the same way y/n stutters in a one direction fanfiction I'm going to lose my mind.
If this girl stutters one more time the same way y/n stutters in a one direction fanfiction I'm going to lose my mind.
October 31, 2023
Okej ska skriva en sån här sak… kommer inte bli Ella nivå men endå
Bra med boken:gillade FMC till 65% och MMC till 40%
Dåligt med boken: Fastburn…. Och den kan inte kalla sig Rivals to Lovers för de var rivals typ allvarligt 2 sidor av prologen så den är mera misscomucation/ family trauma to lovers…..
Bra med boken:gillade FMC till 65% och MMC till 40%
Dåligt med boken: Fastburn…. Och den kan inte kalla sig Rivals to Lovers för de var rivals typ allvarligt 2 sidor av prologen så den är mera misscomucation/ family trauma to lovers…..
November 5, 2023
“ I felt like a teenager with a crush drawing in a notebook. Only I was an adult, and my paper was her. I wrote my name. I wrote hers. And eventually, I wrote new one. Her name and then my last one. It didn't technically exist yet, but I wanted it to eventually. Ruth Price had a nice ring to it.”
def thought this could’ve been the cutest moment but then i remembered this??? this would have ME proposing LIKE HELLLOOO???
"I also bought a stand mixer for you to use when you cook."
She raised her eyebrows. "Really?"
"I've heard they're useful."
"Okay, now I'm definitely coming over. Your kitchen is way bigger than mine."
def thought this could’ve been the cutest moment but then i remembered this??? this would have ME proposing LIKE HELLLOOO???
"I also bought a stand mixer for you to use when you cook."
She raised her eyebrows. "Really?"
"I've heard they're useful."
"Okay, now I'm definitely coming over. Your kitchen is way bigger than mine."
August 28, 2024
I finished the book…barely. Almost DNF’d many times, but pushed through- was not necessary. The dialogue was clunky and awkward, the scenarios made no sense and everything felt like it was only being skimmed.
Her family life was too ridiculous to be believable. The ‘crush’ she had on the IT guy was weird and also over too soon. I would have liked some more jealousy from Knox (also that name just did not fit the image of this tech guy turned biz exec). The office was just… weird. This huge bank can’t afford new computer chargers, but they have a full social media marketing campaign?
Also, don’t know why it bothered me so much, but this woman who’s so smart and in the know/savvy didn’t know what a latte was?
The only character I liked was the bar-owning brother, let's see if his book will be any better.
Her family life was too ridiculous to be believable. The ‘crush’ she had on the IT guy was weird and also over too soon. I would have liked some more jealousy from Knox (also that name just did not fit the image of this tech guy turned biz exec). The office was just… weird. This huge bank can’t afford new computer chargers, but they have a full social media marketing campaign?
Also, don’t know why it bothered me so much, but this woman who’s so smart and in the know/savvy didn’t know what a latte was?
The only character I liked was the bar-owning brother, let's see if his book will be any better.
November 6, 2023
idk if this is just me but it was so annoying to find out knox was actually valedictorian and then they never addressed it again. like i would be pissed asf too and he wasn’t understanding at all why she was upset. i feel like half the bad shit that happened to the mfc didn’t need to happen and yeah he was a good guy and all but all of the plot lines of relying on him and or him being the deciding factor really rubbed me the wrong way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
why couldn’t the author let her have one thing. why couldn’t she just be valedictorian of her own volition??? that was mean. he was just better than her in every way except for wearing heels??? it’s not academic rivals if he’s just always superior to her
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