Happily Never After

by Ava Olsen

Aaron Taylor: As the head of a billion dollar family empire, being a nice guy isn’t part of my job. The only person who doesn’t run for cover when I walk into a room is my new chief of sales, Harrison Ducker. He’s outspoken, snarky, and a total pain in my butt. I’d fire him in a heartbeat - if I had one - if he didn’t have an ironclad contract thanks to my father’s meddling ways. I can’t stand the sight of Harrison and the feeling is mutual. Until one business trip, and only one bed, takes this hate-hate relationship to a very different place. What’s disturbing? I love it. What’s worse? I might love him.

Happily Never After is an enemies to lovers, only one bed, MM romcom filled with steamy times, snarky banter, and two men that are so wrong for each other, they have to be right.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Queer

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Ava Olsen writes steamy & dreamy contemporary romance.

Reviews

[Snjez]

dnf @14%

I don't like either of the MCs and the writing isn't working for me. The way they talk to each other from the moment they "first" meet is very unprofessional, considering one of them is the boss and the other a new employee. The same goes for the way Aaron and his dad talk to each other. Also unprofessional and juvenile. And very rude. I don't care if this is a light romcom or whatever, I need some substance.

[Gaby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neither of the MCs was likable; they were both extremely mean and rude. Their interactions were so annoying and exhausting and so unprofessional that I just cringed every time they fought in front of the guy who was basically going to save their company.

They interacted max 5 times before getting married 🤦🏻‍♀️ like why?

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MM romance, Enemies to Lovers with a bit of forbidden love between Boss/Employee 😉, forced proximity on a trip with Only One Bed! It's snarky, flirty, banters, hurting, longing & oddly sweet.
It's a fast paced story that had me in its grip! I would've liked some things expanded on & a couple scenes to happen on-page, but other than that, I enjoyed this. Devoured my #ARC in around 5hrs! Loved Aaron & Harrison.

🐈Aaron is the CEO of his family's company. He used to be shy, geeky, awkward but worked on himself to be confident, commanding. He's a pro in negotiation but still prefers his cat over people.
🐕Harrison is the latest Chief Sales officer hire. H is a self-made man; outspoken, cocky, self-assured & flirty. He's got a pet dog, his family's close too (unlike Aaron's, they're assholes!).

That prologue had me hurting for Aar 🥺. I'd be f'ing traumatized by it too omg. Holding a grudge for years until they meet again...but could there be more into it?
I just LOVED the snark of A+H 😂, there are so many tropes into play, how can I not enjoy it lol!

Alone in a business trip changes the trajectory. The chemistry's smoking, flirting with a grump lol, the build up awesome, A+H are cute. They're vers & I'm mad that we didn't get the other (IYKYK) scene on page 🥺 (please, Bonus?!). Feelings rise but could they be more? Forbidden? Can they stay away or will they melt?

The climax parts are really interesting & good, I wish they were longer! The reveals will make a good movie scene tho 😂😭 (I just wanted *it* on page 💍). Really puts the title in the story heh. Loved the ending!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed —> Very gripping, 5/5 for it.
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🥺😳🤨😅🤭😗😍😬😔😂😯😤😉🥰😜😆😭😏☺️
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Fun: 4.5/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Boss/Employee, Enemies) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.3/5

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this one was great! It was a bit more one-sided which was totally fine in this case. Love when the other MC just antagonizes the MC to no end! I really liked Harrison’s character (not so much in the prologue, he made my heart hurt)! Aaron was great and I loved watching him start to let Harrison in!

There were a few parts that had me laughing out loud during this story! They were funny, hot, sweet and ended up working so well together. I really enjoyed their HEA and absolutely recommend this story! I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!

[Natalia Forciniti · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️: 7/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: -/5 🤣: 2/5

Relationship dynamic: Male - Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual

Tropes:
💜 Dislike to love
💜 Workplace
💜 One bed
💜 Off limits

“We should just stick to fucking.” “Yes, boss.”

(ESP) La primera parte del libro me pareció excelente. Todas las discusiones entre ellos y cómo van sintiendo cada uno el desarrollo de la relación están muy bien narradas y resultan divertidísimas de leer.
Harrison y Aaron realmente no se toleran pero la química que tienen atraviesa las páginas para luego ser el amor que se tienen el que nos llegará al corazón.
Ahora bien, todo el conflicto final y su resolución me pareció apresurado y no logré encontrarle bien el sentido. Nunca entendí por qué el padre de Aaron lo odiaba tanto. Me faltó algo y eso hizo que no lograra terminar de disfrutar la historia. Me llama la atención porque Ava suele darle muy buena base a todos sus personajes.
El epílogo es muy bonito.
Un libro que se lee súper fácil y si quieren divertirse un rato se los recomiendo.

(ENG) I absolutely loved the first part of the book! I just loved reading about all their discussions and how they felt about the relationship growing – it was so well narrated and just so funny to read.
Harrison and Aaron might can’t stand each other, but there's no denying the special connection between them. Their love for each other is palpable and will definitely touch your heart.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but that's just my personal take. I never quite understood why Aaron's father disliked him so much. I felt like something was missing, and it kind of made it hard for me to enjoy the story as much as I wanted to. I really appreciate that Ava usually gives such a solid foundation to all her characters and it's just a shame that this didn't quite come through for me.
The epilogue is lovely, too.
It's a really easy read and if you're looking for a fun way to pass the time, I'd definitely recommend it!

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite tropes written by one of my favorite authors. What more to wish for.

Aaron has been through a tough youth, he had a cold emotionless upbringing by a heartless father, transforming from a nerdy introverted college boy, into the CEO of a family empire, with said father being difficult. But Aaron made it.

The new chief of sales interview brings back awful memories of the past. Ten years ago he ran into this unpleasant guy who was an asshole to Aaron and was also witness to Aaron’s humiliating incident.
Ha! He will never ever hire Harrison Ducker!!

Sadly, the family board members voted against his decision and for hiring.

Aaron has a business trip and Harrison has to join him. A snowstorm is coming, all rooms are needed to cover the people. You guessed right! They have to share one room and one bed.

“You’re in room 2666.”
“Take away the two and I’m in hell alright,”

Oh boy, Harrison is bad for Aaron’s health, the man is snarky as fuck and doesn’t care he’s speaking to his boss. Luckily Aaron’s mouth knows how to snark back. Dang, do they verbally fight each other!

The slowly shifting dynamic from anger to sexual tension to something way more, way stronger, was quite breathtaking. I was completely mesmerized.

Gosh, I loved this enemies-to-lovers story! As always, it is flawlessly written and with all the feels.

Review also on Love Bytes

[Lauri MissDysfunktion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happily Never After is a mm romance read

This is your vibe if you like
Office romance
Hate to love
Forced proximity

This was a good laugh. It was witty, funny and for the most part very light hearted reading. It was easy to binge read. Really enjoyable read.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrison and Aaron ❤️

4.5 Stars ⭐️

✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ One Bed
✅ Snarky & Spicy
✅ HEA

I love a good enemies to lovers read and this one hit the mark. When these two first met briefly back in college there was an incident involving both which left behind some major loathing by Aaron toward Harrison. Fast forward some years later, who walks into Aaron's board meeting as a potential new hire ? You guessed it, the same Harrison that he's had a grudged against since college. Let the fun begin!!! Snark and sparks fly when the two men are forced to work together to land an important client. The relationship build was perfect, we had hate turn to something physical that neither could deny which made for some very spicy times.
Eventually misunderstands were uncovered as they truly got to know one another, that's when the sweetness and love took hold of these two leading them to the cutest HEA. I absolutely recommend this book, it was a lot of fun!! Can't wait for who's next.

* I received an ARC, this is my open and honest review *

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written story from Ava Olsen. I loved how Aaron and Harrison's story navigated the classic "enemies to lovers" trope and still delivered a heartwarming and engaging read.
The initial animosity between the two is palpable, it created an instant tension, their clashing personalities providing a good base for both their banter and conflict, ripe for growth. As they discovered hidden depths and talents in each other, the walls between them began to crumble, and feelings began to sneak in. Ava skilfully teased these out of both guys, until they surprised themselves by falling in love. The sex between them is so hot!

Aaron's family was just horrible, the pressure they put on him was unbearable. It was sweet how Harrison recognised this and attempted to support Aaron, despite the animosity between them. The witty dialogue, endearing secondary characters, made it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended for those who enjoy enemies to lovers tropes, witty banter, and heartwarming romances.

[Crystal Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh boy when Ava writes an enemies-to-lovers you better believe she means enemies...like really, I was a bit taken back by how much these two, more so Aaron than Harrison, hated one another. It was almost too convincing making me wonder if we were ever going to see the sweet side and believe it, of these two equally confident, work driven, and smart men. I should not have worried though, this is Ava Olsen after all, and her love stories are among my favorites no matter what. High heat, high feels, and lots of push and pull, Aaron and Harrison we a joy to read.

This one starts out with Aaron and Harrison in college, barley even acquaintances yet one moment where Aaron was embarrassed and vulnerable, one sentence where Harrison seemly showed his true colors, had such a strong impact on Aarons college experience. I truly felt for him. I understood to my core why he detested Harrison and why when he was confronted with the possibly of having to not only employ but work with the man years later, would send him right back down the hate spiral. As CEO of his family's company Aaron couldn't fathom having to work through that anger again. At the same time, Harrison was none the wiser then and now how much he truly hurt Aaron and was just trying to advance in his career, be the winning salesperson he always was, and put Aarons company back on the map. He couldn't understand the hurt and pain he caused since that one moment in college was a barley memorable blip in his life. It just goes to show how impactful moments can be. This carried their story from start to finish and added soooo much tension it was unreal. There were times I was team Aaron and then team Harrison and but always team get it on!

The one thing I will always love about Ava's stories is her intimacy. Like wow I love it. She knows how to build it all up and make it the best explosion there could be. These two had so much chemistry and all the hate smex was to die for. I loved the banter, the way Aaron wanted to submit to Harrison, and the charm Harrison welder over his CEO. It was sweet how after they fell into lust together their feelings grudgingly grew for the other. They learned to respect and appreciate the other. They fell in love and did what they had to do TOGETHER to save Aarons company and to be a successful couple. Really what else could this story have had? I loved it. Ava is always an automatic read and her writing is among my favorites.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by the author as a member of her ARC team.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one definitely delivered on that trope. Ava's writing was excellent as always and the steamy scenes and love between the MCs was exactly what I've come to expect from her.

The only reason I'm not giving this one 5 stars was because of the characters. I loved Aaron and I felt really bad for him and everything he was dealing with for a lot of the story. I know how it is to be introverted have difficulty in social situations. I felt like no one, including is so-called best friend, gave him any credit for that. Harrison really enjoyed humiliating Aaron. That's a tricky aspect for me because I don't like it when one character enjoys making another feel foolish or small (unless the other character likes it as a k!nk and there's a clear discussion about it first).

I really struggled with Shane's character. He was supposed to be Aaron's best friend but he never acted like. He kept a pretty big secret from Aaron for a long time and never stood up for him. Aaron's worst night of his life could have been prevented if not for his best friend's carelessness and disregard. But Aaron was never upset with his friend and let him bulldoze over him. Aaron didn't have the best self-esteem, but it bothered me that he'd be so forgiving of his best friend and no one held him accountable. I almost stopped reading because of Aaron and Shane's characters. I'm glad I stuck it out because Shane wasn't a huge part of the story (he never redeemed himself at all and actually as the story progressed, I liked him less and less) and Harrison did get better. By the end, I really liked the two of them, though Aaron remained my clear favorite.

Aaron's dad is the absolute worst, so if verbally abusive and cruel fathers is a trigger for you, give this one a pass.

I really do love Ava's writing style and will continue to pick up anything she writes in the future (unless Shane becomes a future MC lol).

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

The meet in this book is so good, it sets the tone for both characters really well even if the story takes place ten years after their initial meeting.

Aaron met Harrison in college, a traumatic experience for him, one Harrison doesn’t even remember. It had set the tone for Aaron’s first year in college which wasn’t good. But now as CEO of his family’s company, he has moved passed it all. At least that’s what he thinks, until Harrison shows up interviewing as his new chief of sales. He might not want to hire him, but his dad and the board don’t give him a choice. What’s even worse than sharing your workplace with him, being stuck with your blast from the past on a business trip for days on end, and there is only one bed.

Aaron and Harrison are so much fun together. The banter and bickering is great, the tension is delicious and the heat when they do give into those primal urges is on fire. Now I have a fierce hatred for Aaron’s father, if some could fling him off a building that would be great, thank you. It did make me wonder why Aaron wanted that job, but the ending to the corporate side of the story was extremely satisfying.

A very fun, although slightly one sided, enemies-to-lovers!

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Aaron Taylor-Ladner and Harrison Ducker. The book starts out when they are both in college. A very embarrassing moment for Aaron happens which he places directly at Harrison's feet. He doesn't know his name but he will forever remember his eyes. They meet again years later when Aaron is the CEO of his family's company. Harrison is in for an interview to become the new chief of sales. When Aaron sees the eyes from his college embarrassment days, he does everything he can to not select Harrison. But unfortunately the board has over ruled him. Now the two of them are together to try and sign a big contract. While Aaron tries to remain civil and professional, Harrison takes every opportunity to get under his skin. Add in an incoming snow storm, an overbooked hotel room and just one bed; sparks start to fly. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I liked seeing how they were drawn to each other in spite of being "enemies". I especially liked how Harrison supported Aaron against the world and especially his family. I enjoyed reading this book.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Aaron and Harrison

This was a really good enemies to lover's romance. They take a genuinely long time to start to soften towards each other. Though, it is mostly one sided on Aaron's side and Harrison reacting to Aaron's hate.

Aaron goes through sometime embarrassing early on in college and it traumatizes him. It also motivates him to make changes. He blames Harrison for it. Harrison shows up a decade later for an interview at Aaron's company and Aaron is forced to hire him and work closely with him. One a work trip to sign a client they are pushed together in one room with one bed at the hotel and spend the entire trip at each other's side. Eventually they stop swiping at one another long enough to give in to their attraction to one another and actually start talking. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two navigate the relationship as it constantly changed, and their feelings grew.
I also loved that part of the plot revolves around Aaron truly earning his place within the company and the ending with his father was very satisfying.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

This book is AMAZING! The story of Aaron and Harrison starts with one very embarrassing moment for Aaron in college and moves on to find them face to face once again years later. Aaron has become the CEO of the family company and Harrison is there for a job. He will be hired against Aaron’s wishes and the adventure begins! The two are quite adversarial in the beginning but there are moments where the teasing shines through. It will take a snow storm while the two are on a business trip to change their relationship but I love that it happens. I love that they will finally give in to their feelings and that Harrison will give Aaron the courage to stand up to his overbearing father and take his power back. It’s a happily ever after for these two and I love how their story ends!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, talk about enemies. These two take the title! From the moment Harrison steps into the interview, completely unaware of who Aaron is, the tension is off the charts. Aaron, on the other hand, knows exactly who Harrison is and wants nothing to do with him. But when he's outvoted on the hiring decision, he's forced to deal with the man tied to his most traumatic college experience. What follows is a emotion-packed battle between two men who fight hard. There is so much hostility and the confrontations are intense. Watching Harrison struggle to understand Aaron’s hatred while Aaron wrestles with his own feelings made for such a fabulous read.

This is exactly my kind of stor. Full of tension, strong emotions, and a slow unraveling of the past. If you love enemies stories with deep emotional, this one delivers!

I received this book to review and am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! When Aaron and Harrison first meet, Aaron is a shy college Freshman, drawn to Harrison. After a very VERY awkward, and embarrassing mishap, Aaron holds a grudge.

Over the years Aaron grows into his body, becomes more confident, and takes over as the CEO of the family company.

When Harrison walks in as the new potential saving grace chief of sales for his company, Aaron wants nothing to do with him. Harrison doesn’t recognize him, and doesn’t understand Aaron’s problem. The two constantly butt heads, thinking only the worst of one another.

When they’re put together on a group project in Banff, set up in a single room, with only one bed, everything comes to a head.

Their story was amazing, I loved the tension, I loved the banter!!! Ava wrote an amazing story, the chemistry between these two was fantastic. I loved everything but especially ho the two came together, cared for one another, and truly supported one another through everything.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Do you love a good hate rivalry? Then Harrison and Aaron will get you riled like no one's business.

They bicker and push each other's buttons endlessly, while they both try and figure out how to work together to save the company. It provides a lot of amusement and tension!

It’s amazing what a moment can do to your life and how it can steer the rest of it. But when these two finally uncover their motivations they find the love and support they both need and deserve.

[abookwithacupoftea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun and entertaining, true enemy to lovers, only one bed, MM romance. Aaron and Harrison crossed paths during college, a very bad experience for Aaron that Harrison does not even remember. 10 years later, Harrison is hired in the company where Aaron is the CEO and they have to travel for work together. Aaron hates Harrison, but Harrison does not understand why as everybody loves him, and they end up hating each other and fighting all the time. I was really a fun and easy read, the transition between enemy to lovers was maybe a bit abrupt, but I enjoyed the book and look forward to more as I feel we could end having the story of some side characters.

I got an ARC from the authors and this is my honest review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good enemies to lovers story and I wasn't disappointed with this. The boss / employee dynamic didn't hurt either. Add in the grumpy/sunshine (with claws) and you've got an excellent story. Aaron is the nerdy introvert and Harrison is the opposite. Outgoing, friendly, but above all relentless, which was exactly what Aaron needed. There are no cinnamon rolls here. Both these guys have claws and teeth and they are afraid to use them. As well as steamy hot angry sex, there are tender moments and really, some of it was just laugh out loud funny. I did on occasion find Aaron's anger a little exhausting, but not enough for it to spoil the story. 4.5 Stars

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Boardroom Shenanigans

Loved the cover of this one and enjoyed the story of CEO Aaron Taylor-Lardner and the new Sales Executive Harrison Drucker, and what an Icebreaker that surname proved to be. This is a real page turner once Harrison finds out that Aaron didn’t want to hire him for this important post. Every face to face has sparks flying between them, because Aaron remembers what Harrison did to him in college. Such banter and snarkiness adds so much hotness to every page and even though I flew through the story in a few hours, I didn’t want it to end. Must check out more of Ava Olsen’s backlog. Loved this one so much.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

great enemies to lovers

I really enjoyed this ‘enemies’ to lovers story of two men who first ‘met’ in college. 10 years later Harrison is brought in as head of sales but Aaron has not the best memories of Harrison from their college years and wants nothing to do with him at his company.

A series of events whilst they are on a business trip to seal a deal, means they end up having to share a bed and a room! There’s a lot of fun banter, smexy scenes and a good storyline that made it hard to put down. It was the perfect book to read on a cold Sunday afternoon.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I So enjoyed this hate/lust/love story! I knew it was for me when I saw it was going to be one of those 'only one bed in the inn' tales, so flipping sexy and fun. Aaron and Harrison are a perfect love/hate couple, their journey started in college, with sad results, and they meet again years later and that's where the story gets intense and downright fabulous. Be prepared for lots of passionate and hot sexiness, a downright monstrous Father, and business shenanigans. A wonderfully intense read.

[Kim B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good! I love it when the nerdy geek gets the hot guy! Of course, he is no longer a nerdy geek when that happens, but he is still a bit of a mess - a hot CEO by then, but still a total introvert. The characters were fabulous in this book! Felt so bad for Aaron and his humiliating college experience. And who was part of that experience? Super hot Harrison of course! Be prepared for the hate f-ing in the beginning....gosh these two were hot together!
Side note - I don't know if Shane has his own book, but he sucked as a friend ☹️

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is true that there is a thin line between love and hate. Aaron and Harrison are constantly at odds and Harrison isn’t absolutely sure why. Aaron has his reasons but they start to seem very insignificant in the face of their sparring and their developing attraction. When these two decide to work together, even more sparks fly and they may just find that they really can have a happily ever after instead of never.

[blue night]

That was uncommonly bad. I’m pretty sure I’ve read this author before and been disappointed, but this was unexpected. The characters have zero (on page?) chemistry. This is a byo situation: lots of sex and some barebones plot is provided, but if you want emotional involvement you’re gonna need to bring it. By the end, it was cringy.
OTOH if arctic blue eyes and jet black hair turn your crank, you’re in business.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read! A really good, well written enemies to lovers romance. I just love characters with attitude and Harrison certainly had plenty! So much brilliant banter between the MC's that was at times, hilarious! A brilliant relationship development as Aaron is worn down and succumbs to their connection. Loved the "year later" epilogue was a great follow up. Highly recommend
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Readingwithjesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it just me or there’s nothing like an enemies to lovers like a MM . I’ve been in a slump and this just what I needed for a good palette cleanser.




Side note (a minor spoiler)

Shane should have DEFINITELY helped out Aaron that night. I don’t care what he was doing he should have been there. I was honestly skeptical of him the whole book like what are his motives because of that night but I guess he is a friend but STILL I don’t like that shit and I loved that Harrison pointed it out!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. The bickering was hilarious and led to some super hot moments. I loved seeing Aaron come out of his shell and become the man he was meant to be. Harrison is just adorable either way. He was a little rough in the beginning but he won me over so fast. I also love the Star Wars references!

[Copper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the set up for this book and the way the story unfolded but felt like the overall story was rushed. The characters were great and I fell for their hot weekend away passion but it felt like the rest of the relationship was on a speed run. I think this would have been great as a longer book love the story I just wanted more.