Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Bennett Family #2

The Workplace Rival

Rate this book
When my high school rival, Sadie Lynn, moved away ten years ago, I never imagined that I'd end up working with her now. Sadie is just like she was in school, snarky, impatient, analytical and always managing to push my buttons. And then has the nerve to call me grumpy. It's not until a very public fight at the office the leaves BOTH of our jobs in jeopardy, all depending on us getting along while overseeing office renovations.

If we survive sharing an office that is.

Rage rooms, ER visits, a shared hotel room, and ugly Christmas sweaters all ensue in the wake of our forced friendship. And pretty soon I'm faced with the question of if "friends" is all I want to be and what I'm going to do when the girl who used to drive me crazy with anger is now driving me crazy in a completely different way...

The Workplace Rival is a no spice, closed door, forced proximity, enemies to lovers office rom-com with sizzling kisses that'll leave you swooning. It is the second stand-alone novel in the Bennett Family Romance series with a guaranteed HEA.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

21 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

Jaycee Howard

5 books30 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
44 (42%)
4 stars
35 (33%)
3 stars
22 (21%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for ੈ✩‧₊˚ faithreads *ೃ༄ (inactive).
368 reviews74 followers
April 16, 2024
Man I love Jaycee Howard’s writing so much!!! I just read The Other Bennet Brother a few weeks ago and I knew I had to read this book! I absolutely love Sadie and Theo together, they are so cute😍 I loved the dog playing scene and the Canada lights show was amazing! The only reason I gave it four stars was bc I felt like it was a bit slow at times…the first book felt fast paced and interesting the whole time, while this one def had some slow parts. Idk if it was bc I liked Asher better or what? Either way I still love this book and totally recommend! ✨🐶 I think my favorite quote of the book was “I can’t just change my opinion on someone because they feed me!” Sadie is like the most relatable character😂

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 258
Language/TW: 0/10
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Romance
Would I recommend to others: Yes!
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,529 reviews333 followers
January 4, 2024
Enemies-to-love is a favorite trope, but it’s my favorite when it’s more of a rivalry and not an extreme hatred with a lot of meanness. This story is spot on with what I love!

Theodore and Sadie are such vibrant characters and as their story unfolded, I found myself laughing, swooning and relishing in all the workplace antics. In an effort to quell their bickering, they are forced to share an office, which leads to a list of wickedly funny rules.

Their families have been friends forever and that little detail delivers suspicious text threads, Black Friday, ugly sweaters, puppies, dog training–and let’s not forget the Google form.

As they accept their fate to save their jobs, there are even more things to love: Canada, kisses and more kisses, banter and wit, and all the chemistry of Christmas magic. And I can’t forget the nickname–oh, so sweet.

This is my first Jaycee Howard book and it definitely won’t be my last!

Content: mild romance (one bed, kissing)

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Deborah.
676 reviews52 followers
December 28, 2023
Enjoyed this one! It was so witty and the pacing was great. Loved the characters and I can’t wait for book three!!
Profile Image for Readingintheweehours.
319 reviews45 followers
November 21, 2023
Oh, I did love this sweet romcom. Theo and Sadie are sooooo great together. Witty banter. Childhood crushes. Enemies to lovers.

Touch her and die. Dog training. Christmas lights. Google forms. Alllllll the good stuff. Highly recommended!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read an ARC for my personal opinion. :)
Profile Image for Neeha.
112 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2023
4.5 Stars

This was a delightful and cute read. "The Workplace Rival" is a fast-paced, cosy, enemies-to-lovers trope with entertaining main characters surrounded by warm family and friends. This book has everything that adds tension without the animosity or toxicity between workplace rivals - Forced Proximity, One-bed trope, cute banter and texting. The author has seamlessly weaved in many quickly resolved subplots, which makes the story an easy page-turner and introduces new plot points rather than drag one point forever.

The ending was the only thing that was too quick for me and the reason for not giving it a full 5 stars. I am nitpicking here, but I would have loved to see a more drawn-out love confession from the characters and an explanation of their future in the company.

Other than that, this was an adorable, feel-good Christmas-themed read. If you like cozy office romance and the enemies-to-lovers trope, this book is for you.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

Full Review at NJs Book Nook
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,788 reviews96 followers
November 18, 2023
The Workplace Rival is the second book in the Bennett Family series. While we're introduced to many of these characters in book one (and references to that book are made throughout), this could certainly be enjoyed as a standalone as well with no problems.

I absolutely LOVED The Other Bennett Brother, so I was very much looking forward to Theo getting his own story. I am happy to say, it absolutely lived up to my high expectations! Sadie and Theo are so much fun together... and a perfect reminder of why enemies to lovers is such a great trope. Yes, the annoyance and the banter between them is absolutely fantastic... but when they start to thaw towards each other? Oh, that's even better! There were so many moments that had me laughing out loud--- the rage room, the spooning threat, making rules... and of course, breaking them... I just adored every single minute with these two. Throw in a good dose of holiday spirit and what was not to love? While Aspen is still my favorite Bennett brother, Theo came much closer to matching him than I would have thought possible. If you're looking for a fantastic enemies to love holiday romance, this is one you absolutely don't want to miss.

The Workplace Rival is a closed-door romance with kisses only.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for The Squeaky Clean Reader.
390 reviews113 followers
December 12, 2023
Rivals to Lovers 😍

Man oh man this slow burn rivals to lovers was fantastic!

Theo and Sadie both crack me up with their rivalry. When forced to work together and after making their rules it was so fun to see their walls come down and hearts soften.

So many funny and swoony moments too. I loved how they peeled back each other's layers and got to better understand each other.

I loved the holiday themes and of course MISTLETOE made this story so good.

Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!

💋Romance: kisses only
⚠️Trigger warning: memories of high school bullies
Profile Image for Megan Crofton.
349 reviews43 followers
December 18, 2023
This one started off with a bang and kept hold of me all the way through!! I loved the childhood rivals, enemies to more dynamic, it was so well written and you could feel the tension from beginning to end. Jaycee always does a great job on finding unique twists on typical romance tropes and themes. There were so many fun moments throughout the book that had me gasping or laughing. I loved every minute of it! Their banter and text convos were perfection!! Theo and Sadie, I just love them! The best banter and funny moments, I don’t want to share them here in case of spoilers but I’ll share a couple. The Google form and the Great Wall of… 😂! And I just love flirty Theo! The subtle hints of attraction. So good. And the added Thanksgiving and Christmas vibes made the entire package! I cannot say enough great things about this book!
267 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2023
Calling all Enemies to Lovers readers -- you do not want to miss this one!!

The feuding.
The banter.
Office rules.
One hotel bed.
Hilarious mishaps.

Reading Sadie and Theo's story is fun, full of tension and texting. Their history fuels their feud...but are they remembering their past accurately?
Profile Image for Library_ofz.
33 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS SUCH A CUTE RIVALS TO LOVERS STORY!!

FULL REVIEW TO COME

2024 REREAD

5.0

Once again, with my reread, this book is such a cute romantic comedy and just what I needed
Profile Image for Brianne Ritchie.
Author 8 books49 followers
May 27, 2024
I need the next book. STAT.

This book is rivals to lovers done RIGHT. And the microtropes??? Three words: the. hand. flex. *cue dreamy sigh here*

WOW, was this an enjoyable read. Theo and Sadie were loveable and perfect for each other, and the supporting cast was, as always, fantastic, too (high key hoping for a spin off following Stella and Bryant 👀). The Bennett family is officially one of my favorite literary families, and I can’t wait to see Maxon absolutely PINE for Paige in the next book (as he should!).

This book is a good match for you if you love:
- enemies/rivals to lovers
- slow burn romance
- NO third act breakup
- dual POV
- office romances
- close proximity
- witty banter
- sweet/kissing-only romance with no innuendo

I’m a die hard Jaycee Howard fan for LIFE now!

Content warnings: passing mentions of bullying in the past

Spice: kissing-only, no innuendo

Language: no swearing
Profile Image for Tamara.
236 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2024
This book is so fun and amazing! It’s the perfect enemies to lovers (clean) book! Sadie and Theo are so fun to read about as they slowly open up. The banter is fun and engaging! I just loved every second of this story!
Profile Image for The Closed Door Book Nook.
67 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2024
Can we please up the amount of stars to give a book because this one needs about 20 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Bennett Brothers series is EASILY climbing the top of the charts for me—If you are a fan of Cindy Steel or Courtney Walsh, add @jayceehowardbooks to the trifecta because her books are LITERALLY Chefs Kids perfection 💋

The Workplace Rival follows the story of Theo and Sadie, childhood rivals now working in their fathers (who are work partners) business…their childhood rivalry has followed them into adulthood. When their workplace rivalry goes too far, their fathers give them one last attempt at being civil by putting them together on a renovation project…and even more..making them office mates until the renovations are complete. Like all good rom coms, a list is made of “Shared Office Rules”, with #9 being “No Falling In Love”…we all know how that goes 😏😏😏

This book has EVERYTHING. Drama, comedy (literally laughing out loud!), TENSION, slow burn—nothing “romantic” happens until 90% in—I was DYINGGG but boy was it worth it!! I absolutely adored this book (maybe more than Book 1?) and fell in love with Sadie and Theo. While the blurb states this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the books in order because all characters make appearances in successive books :)

Highly recommend adding to your TBR if you enjoy:
✨Enemies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn Romance
✨Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥Only One Bed
✨Witty Banter
❤️‍🔥Rage Rooms

I cannot wait to read the third book, The Party Planners Problem, which releases FRIDAY, May 31!! You can grab the Bennett Brothers series on Amazon and KU :)

#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #bookreview #closeddoorromance #cleanreads #jayceehowardbooks #thebennettbrothers #enemiestolovers #slowburnromance
Profile Image for Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread).
420 reviews10 followers
January 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Rivals to lovers is a great trope! The shared history and connection Theo and Sadie shared were great.

Things I loved about this book:
1. The moms and how they could read their children perfectly.
2. Sadie’s nickname for Theo—Dory and how he got the name. 😍
3. Their rules to sharing an office.— especially #9 don’t fall in love.
4. Training the puppy.

Favorite Quotes:
“Love is pain, anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you something.” “Oh, so now we’re quoting the Princess Bride?” She laughs again. “Is that what it’s from? Dang, I thought it sounded familiar when I said it.” “I’m going to have to start running your emails by legal so we don’t get hit by a copyright infringement.” I turn so that I’m facing the bar now, leaning against it with my arms on the bar top. “And it was ‘life is pain’ not love.”

Something tugs inside me though, the same something that nags at me every time Sadie shoots me one of her sarcastic comments, like a siren call that I want to answer. But sirens pulled their victims to the bottom of the ocean… I was only in danger of Sadie hitting me with a sledgehammer. Which should have been a lot scarier than it actually was.

I shoot him a look over my shoulder. “What, you don’t like being able to hear my every move?” I tease. He grunts. “Yeah, just what I need. To be even more aware of your presence.” He says, turning his back to me and getting cups from a cupboard, but his words left me entirely confused. What did that mean?
Profile Image for Alayna  (the.bookstrovert) .
227 reviews10 followers
November 12, 2023
🪴Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Favorite Quote:
“I can’t help but grin watching her, a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the velvety hot chocolate she keeps shoving in my hands. I was playing with fire here, a warm and comforting fire that ignited me from inside…
Sadie is fire. And I had a strong feeling I was going to get burned.”

Oh my gosh! I forgot how much I loved the Bennett family!
Theo and Sadie had me laughing from the start! We all now rules are made to be broken! 😜

That Rage Room scene and the ER visit that followed! 😂

The Christmas light park! 🫠
The Casino! 😂😏
“I bolt upright, narrowing my gaze and pointing a warning finger at him. His brows are arched high, watching me with a surprised expression. "If I wake up and you're spooning me, you're dead."

That epilogue!! 😆

If you love clean/closed door Enemies to lovers, one bed, dual pov romcoms, this book will be right up your alley!

Thank you so much to the author for the advance copy all thoughts are my own!
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
623 reviews
November 20, 2023
'"You are the most infuriating-" He begins but stops when I tap on rule eight with my pen, a smile spreading across my lips.
His glare returns and it is the best thing I've seen all day.'

Rivals, enemies-to-more, forced proximity, get along or else, all with a sprinkling of Christmas cheer?!

YES, PLEASE!!!

I have been looooooving Jaycee's books and will highly anticipate anything else that she writes! The storylines are fun, unique and full of life. Seriously, her characters are VIBRANT and overflowing with personality and I am here to soak it all in.

I loved the setting.
I loved the family dynamics.
I loved the argumentative banter.
I loved the flirting.
I loved the nickname.
I loved the undeniable attraction and their efforts to not be attracted lol

This is such a fun one, readers. Don't miss out on it!

The Workplace Rival by Jaycee Howard will be available 11/21/2023.

Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content: minor innuendo, rivalry, work dynamic, kisses only.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,279 reviews105 followers
December 8, 2023
I know, I know, I’m a broken record… ,this is my first book from Jaycee Howard and I loved it! There are so many things I enjoyed in this book, I made a list while I was reading. I left some out on purpose though and didn’t give details so I wouldn’t spoil anything, but here are some highlights of this enemies to lovers romcom.
The banter
The Rules
Theo rescuing Sadie from the drunk guy
The rage room
Learning to work together
Movie quotes
Their texts
How the nickname came about
Their school history
Canada
Paintings
Blue and Moby
Realizations
Mistletoe
Jail
KISSES
KISSES
KISSES
I’m so excited to read more books from Jaycee Howard!
I received an ebook from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
1,145 reviews
December 28, 2023
Enemies to lovers is so difficult to find the right balance between the fighting and then the loving. Too much and it feels abusive. Too little and you're a liar for it not being true to trope.

This book was no different. Unfortunately, it leaned too hard on both MCs being petty af and picking fights over nothing. Just constantly tearing each other down or poking the other person until they snapped. Like children. It was exhausting.

Worse? Maxon was hinted as the MMC coming up next and other than knowing dude gets a full STD panel and some penicillin??? Super don't want to live anywhere inside his head. Manwhores aren't romantic or interesting.
Profile Image for Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads.
264 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2024
I loved this book so much! I really love the enemies to lovers trope and this one was so well done!! I love Sadie and Theo! I love the slow burn romance and how Theo is always getting into trouble when he is around Sadie. This book was so funny and sweet! I would definitely read this again!

This is a kisses only romance.
Profile Image for Esmee.
2,203 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2024
Mwa. Einde was erg afgeraffeld en ik snapte niet dat hun banter enzo ontstaan was.. dus ze vond hem vroeger stiekem leuk maar hij zag haar pas staan toen ze beter in school was dan hij? En daarna werken ze bij hetzelfde bedrijf omdat het van hun vaders was. Toen bleven ze kibbelen. Lekker professioneel. En opeens gestopt. Toen werd het flirterig plagen.
Profile Image for Shanti.
528 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2024
Love this series. Excited to read more!
Profile Image for Raluca.
112 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2025
I got enough of these Bennett brothers, not sure I’m gonna give it a go with the third book.
Profile Image for Meredith.
773 reviews33 followers
July 22, 2024
Well, gosh golly.gee, this book gave me all the butterflies. It was way too cute and I am entirely in love with Theo and Sadie. I can’t wait for more books so I can see them again. They are what I like to call A Christmas Card couple, meaning I want updates.

If you like office romances, enemies to more, parents who are best friends, puppies, Thanksgiving and Christmas, puppies and delicious slow burn that feels the exact right speed, read this one!!
156 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2024
A little boring from time to time. But I love the text convos in this clean romance!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.