Reluctantly Yours

Unexpectedly in Love #1

by Erin Hawkins, Amanda Stribling (Narrator), Joe Arden (Narrator)

Barrett
I’ve rebuilt my father’s media company with hard work and determination, but my single status leaves me on the outs with the one businessman I need to get close to. A little white lie and I’m suddenly in love, head over heels. Now I need to find a fake girlfriend, someone to keep up appearances without any emotions.
When I find my mother’s fiery assistant in a compromising position, it’s the perfect opportunity to get what I want: a girlfriend for business appearances, without any feelings involved. I won’t let the fact that I’m wildly attracted to the petite redhead get in my way.
But the closer she gets, the more my heart thaws and all too soon I find myself having to choose between the business deal I’m determined to land and the woman I’ve fallen hard for.

Chloe
After two years as editorial assistant to JoAnna St. Clair of the famed St. Clair Press, I’ve been given a chance to take on my dream job as an assistant editor.
When my childhood best friend asks me to host her bachelorette weekend in the city, I’m thrilled to show everyone how amazing my life is in New York. (Things not included on the tour are my shoebox of an apartment or my romance book collection that is the only thing keeping me warm at night.)
But when I fail to confirm the restaurant reservation and I’m left with no event location an hour before the party starts, I’m desperate. Desperate enough to use my boss’s penthouse for a party while she’s out of town.
No one will ever know. That is until her cold, dismissive, and annoyingly hot son walks in.
In order to keep his silence, Barrett demands a favor in return: he needs a date for a business dinner. That’s easy enough until his mother finds out and he seals my fate by telling her we are dating. It’s that or kiss my job goodbye.
While I’m reluctant at first, the more time we spend together, the harder it is to fight my attraction to him. Beneath that brooding, icy demeanor lies a heart of gold.
But when a scandalous discovery puts his deal at stake, and our relationship to the test, will Barrett prove he’s all about business?

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Workplace Romance

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published June 2, 2022

Reviews

[Razan · Rating 2 out of 5]

started off strong but then got boring bc they literally wouldn’t stop fucking?

[astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm dead. Dead and fired.
There is likely nothing Barrett would like more than to see me fired.
I don't know why, but it seems like something that would give him satisfaction.
That and making babies cry.

Not gonna lie, I wanted to read this mainly because this book's premise sounds awfully similat to Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren (son of the boss aka baby boss/assistant - hate/love - grumpy/sunshine relationship. And their names? Bennett and Chloe vs Barrett and Chloe??? Let's talk about it), and I wanted to see for myself if the coincidences were accidental.

I mean, in a certain way, you can say they're pretty similar, generally speaking, but Reluctanly Yours has a little to zero hate-induced lust thing going on and there's a fake relationship founded on a blooming cute friendship/attraction going on that pretty much takes up the majority of the story.
I've got to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this adorable workplace romance novel.
Erin Hawkins's writing is witty and very funny, and she managed to give both Chloe and Barrett a distinctive voice. I loved Chloe's in particular, because her sense of humor is pretty similar to mine and it was easy to fall into a laughter while reading her thoughts about her fake-boyfriend.
Speaking of faking...I'm not usually a fan of the fake relationship/marriage trope, because most of the time it tends to fall into a very cringey territory, with all the "practicing" for kisses and pet names and oh, my god, he touched my hand what do I do now, but I'm glad to admit this wasn't the case and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author made Chloe and Barrett's agreement so believable and how smoothly it switched from fake to real when both characters started giving up to their mutual attraction.
I LOVED the way Erin Hawkins writes smut. I never once found myself feeling second-hand embarassment or never got annoyed by the characters' mutual pining.
I really loved how open both Chloe and Barrett were about their sexual preferences and how greatly they communicated about what they both liked and wanted from the other.
(Also, Ali Hazelwood, this is how you mention a man having big everything without repeating it every two paragraphs.)
I love my dirty talks in steamy rom-coms, we could even say I require it, buth there's a thin line between hot dirty talking and The King's Speech. For me, I draw it when (usually) the guy starts talking too much, especially when he's getting busy down there.
It's a vagina, not a podcast station.
Sometimes you've got to know when it's time to shut up, and thankfully for him (and for my hormones), Barrett knows.

I absolutely enjoyed the relationship between the two and I didn't lose interest in them once they finally got together, like it happens sometimes when I read this kind of books. They were exceptionally cute and I loved how natural they were around each other.
Now, the reason why I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5, is that, even if I knew it was coming and I understand the need for some drama, I absolutely despised the third act conflict that brought to the typical rom-com's inevitable break-up. The characters I grew to love during the book, turned into whiny and selfish babies that couldn't for the love of them talk things out.
Thankfully, everything works out in the end and both Barrett and Chloe come to their senses pretty soon, but I hate having to endure this every single time, no exceptions.
I also found the romance to be a tad too romantic, if you get what I mean (note to all sexy billionaires out there: it's rude to all the poor men everywhere to bring a woman to Paris for the first date, just saying.), and at times absolutely unrealistic.
Not that I expect rom-coms to reflect real life, all the time, but they're setting standards to high it's a fortune men who don't buy an app or thousand-dollars clothes to women they're fake dating are even still in the game.

Overall, I'm glad I read this, even if the reason that brought me to it was not entirely honorable.
Reluctantly Yours is extremely cute, sexy and funny and I recommend it to fan of the genre.
If you like your smut with some fluff and a side of plot, go for it and be my guest!

[Sanyah(Taylor’s Version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get you a man who’s a billionaire and purchased your favorite word app game(Wordit) so he can win just to eat you out. (Even though you had a “one-hundred-ninety-seven-day win streak”)

Tropes:
Fake dating (boss’s son)
Billionaire
One bed
Fostering a dog 🐶

Barrett has a library at his home with a ladder and Chloe loves to read.

“The only reason I’m up past midnight is if I can’t put down the book I’m reading.”

[samantha ఌ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good! Don't let the cute cover fool you because this was surprisingly steamy.

After reading a bunch of dark romance books, this was just what I needed. A cute and cheesy romcom. It was funny at some parts, and pretty swoony too. This might just be me but I wasn't a big fan of how these two characters can't stop fucking each other. Don't get me wrong, I love smut in books. I live for it. But in this case, I wanted to see the characters to emotionally connect more and not bang each other every five minutes. It feels like their physical attraction overshadowed their emotional connection. But if you're looking for a light and funny read with steam, this is the perfect book to pick up.

Overall, this was good. It wasn't mind blowing or anything, but I still enjoyed it.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yoooo this is a dirty book

[han · Rating 1 out of 5]

not to side with a MAN but i literally don’t get what the problem was at the end

[readbydj 🧺 · Rating 3 out of 5]

they fucked like bunnies. so naturally i’m entertained.

[Denise (inactive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
-Fake Dating
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Workplace Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Billionaire

I actually very much enjoyed this book. I was surprised since I got it for free during "Stuff Your Kindle Day" and they are always a coin toss if they'll be good. It was a cute and funny story with tension and slow burn. Barrett is your typical workaholic billionaire CEO minus him being a playboy. He was a grump and gave me major whiplash throughout the book with his feelings toward Chloe (I'll be sending him the bill from my physical therapist for that😭). One day he was nice to her and then he would realize that his feelings towards her were growing so he would completely change his attitude towards her. Though I didn't fully understand why they hated each other from the beginning, I wish there was more background to that.
I thought it was interesting how she threw a party at her boss's house because realistically, who would actually risk their job to through a bachelorette party? But it's basically the whole premise of the book so it's understandable. I think things got really interesting once he intentionally moved her into his house. The tension rose and there was no way to escape it. This man really did not care if she saw him taking care of himself, the amount of times they caught each other was crazy!! I enjoy that although Chloe was always sweet, she stood up for herself and wouldn't let him walk all over her. The breakup near the end was a bit unnecessary because it was nothing that inwardly affected their relationship. Although I understand it because it made him realize that work isn't the most important thing and people have feelings (which is common sense) but he was blinded by his need to be successful and to rebuild his company to the place it was before.
Let's talk about my fav moment; probably when they were stuck in the Hamptons together and they spent the whole weekend together. I enjoyed seeing them together without them trying to deny their feelings for one another or without the pressure of keeping up appearances. Omg!! Almost forgot to mention my baby Baxter, the adopted dog she intentionally fostered because he didn't like dogs. He was the sweetest addition to this book and I love how he made Barrett love him and want him. Overall, it was a good pallet cleanser and it pushed me away from a reading slump after the last series I read. I will definitely continue this series and I can't wait to read Emma's story!!

[пустунка · Rating 5 out of 5]

я знайшла найкращу книжку за вересень, юхууу.

зацікавило відразу, бо мої улюблені тропи вриваються з ноги:

✨ фальшиві стосунки ✨
✨ вимушена близькість ✨
✨ він закохується перший
✨ службовий роман ✨
✨ буркотун і сонечко ✨
✨ а ще вона любить книжки і має милого собаку ✨

все було так, як я люблю. я навіть знайшла де сльозу пустити, але переважно сміялася, бо парочка дуже кумедна, і багато посміхалася, бо хімія у головних героїв неймовірна. інтерес зберігався до самого кінця, а фінальна драма дуже швидко вирішилася. не було ніяких жорстких факапів.

5/5 ⭐️

[maze · Rating 1 out of 5]

*jean ralphio voice* the woooorst

to think that when i started this book i was excited about finally finding a romance novel that checked all the boxes for me… that backfired quickly

at first everything was good, we’re introduced to the male character first which i liked and he’s grumpy but not an asshole (yet umm) and the female character was promising if not a little boring. her best friend was mega obnoxious and sex obsessed though.

i liked the thought process behind their actions, like when chloe moves her party to her boss’ house: she doesn’t want to do it but she also knows she’s running out of options and she makes a point to keep the place clean.

but then… out the blue… all we talk about is how chloe is sooo small and sooo fit and how barrett has an erection every time he looks at her. this got annoying real fast.

chloe also becomes incredibly quirky which i hate and everything she does make little sense. she moves in with him, they go on holiday with other people and end up there alone but decide to play along in case the staff reports it to their boss… umm no

i stopped at 57% bc nothing made sense anymore and i got tired of the innuendos. he walked in on her masturbating, she walked in on him and he kept going, he has a monster cock and needs to play with it four times a day… ok moving on pls.

it’s basically all lust, they don’t fall in love with each other they just want to fuck, and that’s not what i’m here for, not when the first few chapters hinted at a love story.

i think i can pinpoint the moment when things started to go downhill: when barrett sees chloe in her sparkly dress and he tells the readers that when he got home he had to masturbate in the shower bc of the way she looked in it. it’s so out of the blue and a departure from the previous style

there are undertones of sexism with this frankie character that i didn’t like. barrett’s mother could easily be a cheap copy of miranda priestly but the author really takes her time to show us that she isn’t but frankie isn’t given the same treatment. she’s a stereotypical vain man eater with bold looks and little intelligence who pries on rich overweight men.

i won’t even spend too long on the blackmailing bc that was so dumb that id rather pretend it happened differently.

meanwhile chloe is a cheap copy of lucy hutton, where the author constantly reminds us that she’s petite, especially compared to the male lead, and base her entire personality on her hair and eye color. see? she’s lucy hutton

after he blackmailed her, he gave her six requests to make and she managed to find the most boring ones, good job. “i want you to smile more” girl, he’s rich and blackmailing you for personal gain, ask for a penthouse.. speaking of job, she was supposed to be working two very demanding jobs and yet she was never working.

this book ended up looking like a teenager with raging hormones wrote it on tumblr. and that’s mean to tumblr where i read my favourite stories, smut and non-smut. if this book makes a profit, i would like to ask the author to buy herself a dildo or something and use it before planing her next book. tks

[Princessofbookaholics · Rating 3 out of 5]

because I read a not so meet cute by meghan quinn earlier this month I remembered everything about it (because I loved it so much) and this felt like the exact same story so I couldn't help comparing the two...

[natt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve wasted my time😃
My precious time

Everything about this book except for the beginning was boring😭
The couples spark was not sparking like it should be
They were a boring couple
I knew nothing of either of them
Except for the fear of height and five siblings 😭
They did not connect at all, only physically
I hurt honestly
I thought there would be a more dramatic climax but no
It was so simple.
He did something wrong, she broke it off, he apologized, she easily accepted 😭
Basically a wattpad story

It felt like in the middle the author knew what she was going to write and stretched it out but towards 75% felt so rushed
I was actually annoyed and decided to skim at some parts
I feel like their only together because they work good in bed together
Ughhhhh
Taste definitely wasted
The spice was alright, just the basics
The only thing I found enjoyable was the dog, Baxter
He’s the only reason why I rated this book 3stars instead of one 😭

I don’t recommend. It was boring. Cliche plot, leaves you confused with the amount of unanswered questions.

Update: I woke up, read this review, and I have no idea what I meant. I see so many typos and I put 3 stars!?! What!?!
Mind me but I wrote this last night around 2-3 am🥲
I don’t know what I mean by anything I wrote.

[‎lis☾⋆˙✩ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5⭐️

good not great. just like every other basic rom com with fake dating where they “hate” each other but their inner monologue is as thirsty as my dog after a fetch session, complete with a third act break up and a profession of love.

[Nainika Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect much, but boy was I blown out of the water! These two were everything to each other - and to me - and their story was written so well. I can't believe how much I was invested in them, but they felt so real.

[Misha Ahuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am in love everything was just so amazing. the ending was the most perfect thing i’ve ever read. i may or may not have shed a tear or two while reading this because i got so attached

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was fake dating and enemies to lovers perfection!!! where’s my billionaire who buys my favourite word game app and moves me into his brownstone??? i’m waiting!!

[Sadan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett & Chloe

[sef · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars.


this book was so cute omg. i loved it so much. i will probably come back and rewrite this review when i have more time but until then this will do.

okay i’m reading another erin hawkins book and i forgot to point out one thing i absolutely love about the books. the male interest’s past relationships are not talked about AT ALL. i can’t even begin to explain why i love that so much. it just does it for me idk. but yeah. love it.

[Tetyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Тропи:
-фіктивні стосунки;
-буркотун і сонечко;
-вимушена близькість;
-від ворогів до закоханих

Це було ну дуже мило😍, легко, весело і без зайвої драми.

Мені дуже сподобалася головна героїня, вона така щира, жива, емоційна. Я раділа, ображалася і злилася разом з нею.
Баррет - такий собі холодний і відчужений бізнесмен, для якого робота завжди стоїть на першому місці. Мені сподобалося як він змінював свої погляди на життя після появи в ньому Хлої, як він старався зробити її щасливою і завжди намагався порадувати, помічав маленькі дрібнички і втілював їх у життя.

Дуже гарячі сцени 18🔥, напруга між героями прям зашкалювала. Сподобалася терплячість Баррета, що він все робив для того, щоб Хлої було комфортно і дуже повеселили сцени, як вона мало не вистрибувала зі штанів, в бажанні йому догодити, а він такий: "не зараз, зараз все для тебе"😂

З мінусів, мені трохи не вистачило емоційної близькості між героями, якоїсь чуттєвості, от наче все класно: хімія є, пристрасть є, довіра є, але, ніби, не вистачило якоїсь частинки пазлу, хоча можливо то мої причуди😂 Але дуже сподобалося, як вони в кінці обговорили свої майбутні стосунки, про те що завжди будуть відкритими один з одним, все обговорюватимуть і не тікатимуть від проблем. Прям лайк.

Загалом, це чудова історія для відпочинку, яка неймовірно підіймає настрій.

[Maddi Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to find a man that will buy my favorite word game too. Or just books, that would be acceptable as well.

I loved loved loved Chole and Barrett so much and you're darn tootin that I will be reading Emma's book just to see them (and Emma too bc duh)

[Lauren Wiginton · Rating 1 out of 5]

We have a manipulative, self-serving turd of a man that blackmails and threatens to ruin a womans career if she doesn't pretend to be his girlfriend for 6 weeks? Oh and then they fall in love?
Cool cool cool cool cool.

[Buera · Rating 2 out of 5]

cero química cero trama

[Катерина Гусак · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книга бомбічна, як сказала б моя мама. Я люблю троп фіктивних стосунків + тут ще й буркотун і сонечко. Це було дуже класно, дуже мило, місцями досить смішно і взагалі ненапряжно. Я прочитала книгу майже на одному диханні так вона мені зайшла. Те як Баррет спочатку був дуже відсторонений, беземоційний, і як швидко Хлоя змогла "зламати" його. Ці дзвіночки, які передбачали, що він розтанув (пес, якого він дозволив залишити, його думки про Хлою, хіба ж це не класно?). Я думала, що все таки ще буде такий собі слоубьорн, але авторка швидко в кінці виправила ситуацію😅😂 Я люблю книги, де немає якоїсь надривної драми, і тут її не було, вони поступово дійшли до того щоб бути разом, один раз Хлоя психанула (хоча тут в мене двояке відношення, бо по факту я розумію Хлою яка зотіла щоб Баррет розповів про зраду Френкі, але в чомусь розумію і його, бо хто він такий аби лізти до майже незнайомої людини, просто в нього мотив не казати був такий собі😇

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did the author seriously think no one has done that plot before? Everyone’s done this plot before, but far better. The writing in this book begged the lifelong question; is it flattering to be constantly sexualized by men or is it offensive to be viewed as only an object. The answer is the latter, I honestly found this highly offensive. Booooo

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Тропи:
- фіктивні стосунки
- вимушена близькість
- буркотун і сонечко
- багатий хлопець і бідна дівчина

Ну, це було нормально. Я очікувала кращого сюжету, цікавіших героїв.
Не зрозуміла в який момент Баррет закохався і вирішив, що він хоче справжні стосунків. Мені не вистачило близькості героїв, я бачила роздратування і гнів з обох сторін, а чуттєвості було мало.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I love this book! It’s a fun and feisty enemies-to-lovers/fake-relationship romance between a grumpy billionaire and a sassy young wannabe-editor (his mother’s assistant). It’s full of chemistry and heat, and it’s wonderfully romantic, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Barrett and Chloe do not get on. At all. He is the workaholic CEO of his family’s media company with goals of taking it to the top of the industry, she is a wannabe book editor currently working as the assistant to Barrett’s mother at a publishing company. They only briefly interact, but when they do it’s full of sparks and genuine hatred.

Barrett’s latest business deal requires him to appear like a family man… or at least a relationship man. Of which he is neither. As one of the city’s most eligible bachelors, he has no lack of women hanging off him at every opportunity with dollar signs and diamonds in their eyes, but he avoids complications at all costs. He needs a fake girlfriend and fast, one that won’t expect anything else from him. So when Barrett catches Chloe in a position that could see her lose her job, he sees his opportunity. He agrees to cover for her – if she agrees to be his fake girlfriend until he can clinch his deal. Stuck in a corner with little other option, Chloe agrees.

It's a fun set-up, made so enjoyable because these characters are fantastic! They’re both so gloriously stubborn, confident, witty and intelligent, and though their lives are vastly different, Chloe bravely stands up to grumpy Barrett, and they have a fantastic dynamic. It’s feisty but playful, and their bickering is so freaking entertaining. It’s not too long before we see a gradual softening towards each other, and as they get to know one another, they begin to see each other in a new light, and that’s when things get really good.

There’s a wonderful sense of intensity between these two. They’re attracted to each other, there are some slips with random statements, glances, touches, and even a few kisses, but everything between them has the feeling of a slow burn, with their attraction simmering along for a while before anything truly happens. I was madly flipping pages, desperate for something, but I enjoyed each and every moment of the build-up.

“Tell me you’re mine because you want to be.”

Their shift is gradual, but intense, and when they do finally get to the sexy time, it’s hot and passionate, and my kindle was steaming! Holy damn, these two are on fire together! Their feelings for each other continue to deepen, and before too long, everything has changed.

“I know I should regret forcing you into a fake relationship, but I can’t. Just being near you makes me a better man. You made me realise I was missing out on life. I’ve fallen for you, Chloe. Hard.”

They still have issues to work through – secrets that they are keeping, and processing a shift in their priorities and what that means for both of them, but it’s resolved well, and there’s lots of swoon as these two figure it all out and get their happy ending.

“I need you to say you’re mine. Because I am yours.”

This is my first read by Erin Hawkins, and I really like her writing. There will be a book following on from this one for side-character, Emma, and I can’t wait to get my hands on her story.

Full of humour, romance, sexy times and sweetness, I loved this one!

4.5 stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF: 20%

i'm not sure why i do this to myself... i should've known the second i saw the synopsis (WHY do so many contemporary romance authors write the synopsis in this weird first person POV???) that this wasn't going to pan out well.

there were lots of punctuation errors, which i could excuse if that was the only issue. but there were also flat characters and poor pacing, not to mention a FL who is supposedly a Very Capable person but who also thinks it's okay to hold a PARTY in her BOSS' apartment WITHOUT PERMISSION... the list goes on.

also, just know that THIS is the cake that the FL ordered for her friend's bridal shower (which the friend's MOTHER was also attending...)

“The cake is in the shape of a man’s chest, his pecs and abs are chiseled to buttercream perfection while a fondant penis juts upward to his belly button, a clear creamy substance spills from the crown and spells out ‘Here cums the bride’ across his abdominals.”

it's gonna be a no from me dog.

[Andie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i forgot to put this in here earlier but yeah the cute cover had me intrigued and at first i was really enjoying, had me feeling all the good giddy feelings but then by 3/4 of the way in i was just bored honestly. i wanted to finish it not bc i couldn’t put it down but bc i just wanted it to end

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I don’t want to be eating my dinner and have to see you looking like…like…that.” My hands grip the back of the chair. “Like what?” I say, ready for a fight. Barrett stands and any power I felt standing over him is gone. His tall, broad frame towers over me. “Like I could eat you for dinner,” he says."

This was a light-hearted, fake dating rom-com. Chloe is an assistant to Barrett's mother and one helpless situation lands her in trouble but Barrett comes up with a mutually beneficial solution for both of them. To be honest, I did not like Barrett's attitude at first but then his grumpy personality grew on me. Chole on the other hand, I liked her at first. She was funny and quirky but when she started confusing her feelings knowing that their relationship was fake, had me feel annoyed. The conflict towards the end was unnecessary in my opinion, it was just portrayed in a dramatic way. But I liked the gestures that Barrett made for Chloe and his dirty talk was just mind-blowing lol! Overall, it was an enjoyable read, easy to get into and fast paced.

[Jessica Paige (Exercise_Read_Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn or looking for a fun fake dating, grumpy/sunshine story full of chemistry and heat, I would definitely give Reluctantly Yours a try.

Barrett is a workaholic that will do anything to make it to the top of the media industry, so when he agrees to a double date to help seal his next business deal, he needs to find a girlfriend fast. Chloe is a young and ambitious editorial assistant who works for Barrett’s mom. However, after finding herself in a situation that could possibly get her fired from her dream job, Barrett proposes a fake dating “favor for a favor” situation that Chloe has no choice but to agree to.

I love how fast I blew through this book! The writing was fun and the banter was top notch :)

What to expect:
-Enemies to lovers
-Billionaire hero
-Stern brunch daddy
-Forced proximity
-Fake dating
-A rescue Golden doodle
-A Hamptons weekend with an only one bed scene
-NYC setting