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Accidentally in Love
Nic Gallagher has it a great job, supportive family and friends, and a sweet dog. Everything changes after an unexpected reorganization at work makes Lee Stone her supervisor.
Lee is beautiful, outstanding at her job, and has quickly catapulted to head of sales. According to the rumor mill, she’s also a bit of an ice queen who’s left a line of broken men in her rise to the top.
Nic and Lee got on well in new hire training and haven’t been able to stand each other since. Nic seethes silently as Lee gets promoted while she’s stuck at manager. That is, until she’s downsized in a strategic layoff, and her simmering anger finally burns openly.
They have good reasons for keeping their distance. So why does their growing attraction seem more like a love-hate relationship?
Lee is beautiful, outstanding at her job, and has quickly catapulted to head of sales. According to the rumor mill, she’s also a bit of an ice queen who’s left a line of broken men in her rise to the top.
Nic and Lee got on well in new hire training and haven’t been able to stand each other since. Nic seethes silently as Lee gets promoted while she’s stuck at manager. That is, until she’s downsized in a strategic layoff, and her simmering anger finally burns openly.
They have good reasons for keeping their distance. So why does their growing attraction seem more like a love-hate relationship?
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2024
6 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cooper Griffin
15 books72 followersKimberly Cooper Griffin is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels in the sapphic genre and the award-winning non-fiction Inkslinger series for writers. Born in San Diego, California, Kimberly joined the Air Force, traveled the world, and eventually settled down in Denver, Colorado, where she lives with her wife, the youngest of her three daughters, and a menagerie of dogs and cats.
Her fiction explores the complexities of building relationships and finding balance when life has a tendency to get in the way, and her non-fiction guides writers through the often complex writing process.
You can find her books at:
http://author.to/KimberlyCooperGriffin
Her fiction explores the complexities of building relationships and finding balance when life has a tendency to get in the way, and her non-fiction guides writers through the often complex writing process.
You can find her books at:
http://author.to/KimberlyCooperGriffin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 17, 2025
Can hate turn into like turn into love? And do you even want it to? A lovely workplace, enemies to lovers romance.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nic Gallagher has been working for the same company for seven years. During that time she has watched the office culture go from open minded and friendly to ice cold and discriminatory. Nic has worked herself into the ground protecting her own team from the deteriorating atmosphere, but it gets worse and worse. The newest low point is her team being moved to fall under the Sales Executive, a frustrating ice queen named Lee. Oh there was a time when Lee and Nic were friendly. They both began working at the company at the same time. Since then Lee has climbed the corporate ladder and morphed into a cold exec always criticizing Nic and her work. Then Nic gets unceremoniously fired and while enjoying her free time she keeps running into Lee. Well, it seems like a very different Lee to be honest, because this Lee is charming and kind and very attractive. How can this be the same infuriating woman Nic used to work with?
Accidentally In Love is told from Nic’s point of view and I actually like that it’s not solely centered around her romantic life at first. We really get to know her as a person in the first half of the book and I instantly liked her. I would have liked to get Lee’s point of view too though, because it took me a bit to warm up to her although I saw through her bitchiness immediately. Once she explained herself I couldn’t help but forgive her.
This story explores the necessity of wearing different masks in order to survive and the consequences of such a compartmented life. I do detest the notion of hiding who you are in the face of discrimination. That Grace woman and the other bigots at the company really boiled my nerves. I literally whooped out loud when Lee and Nic ran into Grace and Lee didn’t hide their relationship anymore.
Nic takes her time to explore and find out what she wants to do with her life after she is fired. It read like a dream being able to just hang out in your beach house, catching some waves, playing with the dog and getting coffees on your daily walks. Nic takes up different volunteering jobs too, which makes her even more awesome.
There is a good amount of spice in this story. Even though we only get Nic’s POV, the absolute longing Lee struggles with is palpable and when they finally do give in, the heat and desire are delicious!
The one question mark I do have is the storyline involving a painting. That was an interesting development but ultimately led nowhere. I think that part deserved more. That being said, I did enjoy this story!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nic Gallagher has been working for the same company for seven years. During that time she has watched the office culture go from open minded and friendly to ice cold and discriminatory. Nic has worked herself into the ground protecting her own team from the deteriorating atmosphere, but it gets worse and worse. The newest low point is her team being moved to fall under the Sales Executive, a frustrating ice queen named Lee. Oh there was a time when Lee and Nic were friendly. They both began working at the company at the same time. Since then Lee has climbed the corporate ladder and morphed into a cold exec always criticizing Nic and her work. Then Nic gets unceremoniously fired and while enjoying her free time she keeps running into Lee. Well, it seems like a very different Lee to be honest, because this Lee is charming and kind and very attractive. How can this be the same infuriating woman Nic used to work with?
Accidentally In Love is told from Nic’s point of view and I actually like that it’s not solely centered around her romantic life at first. We really get to know her as a person in the first half of the book and I instantly liked her. I would have liked to get Lee’s point of view too though, because it took me a bit to warm up to her although I saw through her bitchiness immediately. Once she explained herself I couldn’t help but forgive her.
This story explores the necessity of wearing different masks in order to survive and the consequences of such a compartmented life. I do detest the notion of hiding who you are in the face of discrimination. That Grace woman and the other bigots at the company really boiled my nerves. I literally whooped out loud when Lee and Nic ran into Grace and Lee didn’t hide their relationship anymore.
Nic takes her time to explore and find out what she wants to do with her life after she is fired. It read like a dream being able to just hang out in your beach house, catching some waves, playing with the dog and getting coffees on your daily walks. Nic takes up different volunteering jobs too, which makes her even more awesome.
There is a good amount of spice in this story. Even though we only get Nic’s POV, the absolute longing Lee struggles with is palpable and when they finally do give in, the heat and desire are delicious!
The one question mark I do have is the storyline involving a painting. That was an interesting development but ultimately led nowhere. I think that part deserved more. That being said, I did enjoy this story!
May 18, 2025
I don't know if it's because the previous "romance" novel I read couldn't seem to find romance if it was knocking on the front door, but I loved this. What a great book to rebound with because Kimberly Cooper Griffin understands romance! At least she does here.
So this is an enemies(ish)-to-lovers, ice-queen, slow burn that just works. I loved how much Nic resists falling for Lee, despite everything putting Lee--the last person Nic wants to see--directly in her path over and over again. Literally. And Lee... I'd fall in love with her too, to be honest. Also, yay for communication--characters who actually talk things through and don't let unspoken things fester! And did I mention they both surf? *fans self*
The novel isn't perfect. Lee's professional and personal personas are so drastically different that it seems a little unrealistic. And the not-at-work Lee sometimes feels a little too good to be true. I also didn't love that, although the build up to the romance takes a while (over 60% into the book), sex happens soon after. I wish they would have held off just a bit more, but that's my preference. I don't think other readers will mind. I wanted to hold on to that build up just a little bit longer.
This is my second Kimberly Cooper Griffin novel and she's 2 for 2 with me. There's room to turn this into a second book, which I wouldn't mind.
4.5 stars but rounding up for delivering an actual romance.
Oh, and I just want to add that I was really impressed at how well KCG writes corporate culture here and that Lee and especially Nic have realistic jobs. Super relatable for anyone who is an "office worker."
So this is an enemies(ish)-to-lovers, ice-queen, slow burn that just works. I loved how much Nic resists falling for Lee, despite everything putting Lee--the last person Nic wants to see--directly in her path over and over again. Literally. And Lee... I'd fall in love with her too, to be honest. Also, yay for communication--characters who actually talk things through and don't let unspoken things fester! And did I mention they both surf? *fans self*
The novel isn't perfect. Lee's professional and personal personas are so drastically different that it seems a little unrealistic. And the not-at-work Lee sometimes feels a little too good to be true. I also didn't love that, although the build up to the romance takes a while (over 60% into the book), sex happens soon after. I wish they would have held off just a bit more, but that's my preference. I don't think other readers will mind. I wanted to hold on to that build up just a little bit longer.
This is my second Kimberly Cooper Griffin novel and she's 2 for 2 with me. There's room to turn this into a second book, which I wouldn't mind.
4.5 stars but rounding up for delivering an actual romance.
Oh, and I just want to add that I was really impressed at how well KCG writes corporate culture here and that Lee and especially Nic have realistic jobs. Super relatable for anyone who is an "office worker."
November 15, 2024
(rounded down from 4.25)
This was engaging and sweet. I appreciate that it addresses the realities of burnout at work from having no acknowledgment and facing microaggressions day after day. It takes a bit of a dive into fantasy when the main character gets fired and doesn't need to work for two years with some good budgeting skills but I appreciate the message of taking out time to figure out what you want to do next and what feels fulfilling as a career if you can.
The romance is sweet, as I mentioned, but very surface-level. We don't really go into the trauma inherent in the relationship, even the most recent PTSD of having one MC be a toxic boss to the other, aside from just a surface-level exploration and then moving past it. It could have been interesting to explore the impact of that kind of trauma on a relationship.
This was engaging and sweet. I appreciate that it addresses the realities of burnout at work from having no acknowledgment and facing microaggressions day after day. It takes a bit of a dive into fantasy when the main character gets fired and doesn't need to work for two years with some good budgeting skills but I appreciate the message of taking out time to figure out what you want to do next and what feels fulfilling as a career if you can.
The romance is sweet, as I mentioned, but very surface-level. We don't really go into the trauma inherent in the relationship, even the most recent PTSD of having one MC be a toxic boss to the other, aside from just a surface-level exploration and then moving past it. It could have been interesting to explore the impact of that kind of trauma on a relationship.
November 9, 2024
Chemistry! These women have it. I was flipping those pages waiting and hoping for them to get together. I didn’t fully understand their work animosity - that felt contrived to make Lee meaner than she was, and I thought a lot could have been trimmed generally but the romance itself I really enjoyed. They had great communication and were able to be vulnerable with each other in a beautiful way.
Short summary: Nic can’t figure out why beautiful Lee is so rude to her at work, but she refuses to confront her and none of it matters when she’s laid off unceremoniously. Except she keeps running into Lee, who doesn’t seem to hate her at all…
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Short summary: Nic can’t figure out why beautiful Lee is so rude to her at work, but she refuses to confront her and none of it matters when she’s laid off unceremoniously. Except she keeps running into Lee, who doesn’t seem to hate her at all…
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2024
Kimberly does an amazing job calling out those supposedly supportive employers. It is not easy to be an openly queer person at work - a struggle I have experienced for years. I cannot imagine being a person of color. This book addresses the hypocrisy found in many "supportive" work environments.
Lee - classic ice queen I loved. Warm and sweet wrapped tightly in professional suit wear,
Nic pulls hard for her team - to be laid off and finding herself adrift. Quickly finding her own passions - volunteering brings her so much joy, very inspiring and great reminder to give to our communities.
Also no third act breakup - Thank You! Nic and Lee attempt to resolve workplace toxic environments.
Lee - classic ice queen I loved. Warm and sweet wrapped tightly in professional suit wear,
Nic pulls hard for her team - to be laid off and finding herself adrift. Quickly finding her own passions - volunteering brings her so much joy, very inspiring and great reminder to give to our communities.
Also no third act breakup - Thank You! Nic and Lee attempt to resolve workplace toxic environments.
October 17, 2024
I want to thank Bold Strokes Books, Inc and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was really adorable! I loved the communication between the 2 female leads in this one! It was so tender at times and they were so vulnerable with one another and opened/honest everytime they spoke to eachother which I loved! I think I would have wanted a bit more of this one or for it to have been a bit longer! Otherwise a very cute read!
This book was really adorable! I loved the communication between the 2 female leads in this one! It was so tender at times and they were so vulnerable with one another and opened/honest everytime they spoke to eachother which I loved! I think I would have wanted a bit more of this one or for it to have been a bit longer! Otherwise a very cute read!
November 8, 2024
wow, this book couldn't have come at a better time.
accidentally in love follows two women, nic and lee, who start their careers at a massive telecom company. as they climb the ranks, their friendship gradually fades: lee becomes a sales head who constantly criticizes nic's work, while nic takes on a project manager role, both proving exceptional in their fields. tensions escalate when nic is suddenly "laid off" by the company.
it's a classic rivals-to-lovers story set in the workplace, and though i was initially hesitant to read it, given my own workplace issues, i ended up loving this trope! apparently, i can't stand workplace drama when it's happening to me, but i love it in my sapphic books. lmao.
one of the major conflicts in the story centers around the hypocrisy of supposedly "supportive" work environments. nic is drawn to oceantel by its reputation as a progressive, inclusive company. however, as in real life, this is mostly lip service. instead of a safe and supportive workplace, nic finds an environment riddled with racism, homophobia, and toxic behavior. i related to this on a personal level, as i, too, work for a company that claims to be inclusive but won't even let me use my preferred name in my google account. how do i get them to read this book?
as for the main characters, i think the pacing of their relationship was perfect. they go from friends to rivals to barely tolerating each other, back to friends, and finally to lovers. each phase is given enough space for both characters to work through their own emotions. unlike most romance novels, there’s a strong sense of communication between them, which means no third-act breakup, and i found that so refreshing.
one aspect that kept me from fully enjoying the book was the lack of variety in the narrative voice. nic is the sole pov, but her narration often blends too much with the dialogues and lacks enough emotional nuance to highlight the story’s most pivotal moments. this made it harder to connect deeply with the characters.
overall, i’d still recommend accidentally in love to anyone looking for a well-paced workplace romance. despite its minor flaws, it’s a chill, engaging read with relatable characters and a satisfying arc.
thank you, @netgalley and @boldstrokesbooks, for the e-arc. 🩷
3.5/5⭐
accidentally in love follows two women, nic and lee, who start their careers at a massive telecom company. as they climb the ranks, their friendship gradually fades: lee becomes a sales head who constantly criticizes nic's work, while nic takes on a project manager role, both proving exceptional in their fields. tensions escalate when nic is suddenly "laid off" by the company.
it's a classic rivals-to-lovers story set in the workplace, and though i was initially hesitant to read it, given my own workplace issues, i ended up loving this trope! apparently, i can't stand workplace drama when it's happening to me, but i love it in my sapphic books. lmao.
one of the major conflicts in the story centers around the hypocrisy of supposedly "supportive" work environments. nic is drawn to oceantel by its reputation as a progressive, inclusive company. however, as in real life, this is mostly lip service. instead of a safe and supportive workplace, nic finds an environment riddled with racism, homophobia, and toxic behavior. i related to this on a personal level, as i, too, work for a company that claims to be inclusive but won't even let me use my preferred name in my google account. how do i get them to read this book?
as for the main characters, i think the pacing of their relationship was perfect. they go from friends to rivals to barely tolerating each other, back to friends, and finally to lovers. each phase is given enough space for both characters to work through their own emotions. unlike most romance novels, there’s a strong sense of communication between them, which means no third-act breakup, and i found that so refreshing.
one aspect that kept me from fully enjoying the book was the lack of variety in the narrative voice. nic is the sole pov, but her narration often blends too much with the dialogues and lacks enough emotional nuance to highlight the story’s most pivotal moments. this made it harder to connect deeply with the characters.
overall, i’d still recommend accidentally in love to anyone looking for a well-paced workplace romance. despite its minor flaws, it’s a chill, engaging read with relatable characters and a satisfying arc.
thank you, @netgalley and @boldstrokesbooks, for the e-arc. 🩷
3.5/5⭐
November 12, 2024
Kimberly Cooper Griffin wrote a great enemies to lovers book. I loved the angst that the MCs had and watching how the walls slowly break down. Their chemistry is vibrant. I loved how the third act angst was handled and resolved immediately.
The common thing I find in Griffin's books is how she protrays feelings of the MC, and you feel what the MC is going through. The emotions are real, and you are right there, along with the MC.
I look forward to more books by this author and will continue to follow her.
The common thing I find in Griffin's books is how she protrays feelings of the MC, and you feel what the MC is going through. The emotions are real, and you are right there, along with the MC.
I look forward to more books by this author and will continue to follow her.
November 4, 2024
I didn’t connect with the love interest, so my interest waned.
I knew from the blurb that the main would be laid off, it was almost 20% in to the book before that happened. I kept waiting for it to happen, so the plot could move on.
I was a bit impatient waiting for things to move on. When they did I wasn’t really invested. When reasons for behaviour were gone in to and the other main, whose p.o.v we don’t see, made it all about her I didn’t like it. She did apologise for making it all about her but, to me it wasn’t enough.
I enjoyed when the mains started warming up to each other but once they actually did, I discovered I wasn’t that bothered.
One barrier is that one main isn’t out at work, naturally they are spotted by a colleague so slink away. I found the whole kiss you up against a wall, “I’ll make it up to you” passion manipulative. (since I was also feeling that about the whole “tears, upset cos I’d to treat you so badly at work so no one would suspect” manipulation earlier, I suspect this pairing is not likely to grow on me.
My feeling of manipulation continues when the other main blames the mains look of delight when she said she would be open at work. I didn’t like the other main and I think there is possibly very little she could have done that would change that.
I knew from the blurb that the main would be laid off, it was almost 20% in to the book before that happened. I kept waiting for it to happen, so the plot could move on.
I was a bit impatient waiting for things to move on. When they did I wasn’t really invested. When reasons for behaviour were gone in to and the other main, whose p.o.v we don’t see, made it all about her I didn’t like it. She did apologise for making it all about her but, to me it wasn’t enough.
I enjoyed when the mains started warming up to each other but once they actually did, I discovered I wasn’t that bothered.
One barrier is that one main isn’t out at work, naturally they are spotted by a colleague so slink away. I found the whole kiss you up against a wall, “I’ll make it up to you” passion manipulative. (since I was also feeling that about the whole “tears, upset cos I’d to treat you so badly at work so no one would suspect” manipulation earlier, I suspect this pairing is not likely to grow on me.
My feeling of manipulation continues when the other main blames the mains look of delight when she said she would be open at work. I didn’t like the other main and I think there is possibly very little she could have done that would change that.
November 8, 2024
Thank you net galley for providing me a copy of this arc.
The blurb does state there is a lay off but I really thought we would get more of a working relationship then 20 percent. A good beginning of the book we don't get much interaction between the characters. They start as friends but Lee is in the closet so develops an ice queen personality to keep Nic at a safe distance. Then after Nic is let go they keep running into each other and feelings start to develop, but can Nic get past the Ice Queen persona? The more they get to know each other the more the politics from the job are found out. I am very glad the bonus' came back up as that was something I wanted to know about.
The blurb does state there is a lay off but I really thought we would get more of a working relationship then 20 percent. A good beginning of the book we don't get much interaction between the characters. They start as friends but Lee is in the closet so develops an ice queen personality to keep Nic at a safe distance. Then after Nic is let go they keep running into each other and feelings start to develop, but can Nic get past the Ice Queen persona? The more they get to know each other the more the politics from the job are found out. I am very glad the bonus' came back up as that was something I wanted to know about.
October 26, 2024
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
I liked this book a lot more than I initially thought I would. It starts off a little slow as far as the romance goes. There was almost no interaction between the two MCs for over a quarter of the book. Honestly could have shaved off the first few chapters about work and just given a summary of how bad the work culture and stuff was and gotten the same results story-wise. I was also a little put off by how many people Nic gets involved with before she even interacts with Lee in a meaningful, romantic way. The rest of the story was good though. I liked that both characters had hangups and they actually tripped up the relationship a little. It made it feel more real.
The relationship between Lee and Nic was a slower burn without taking the entire book. They went from animosity to barely tolerating each other to eventually more. You could see fairly early into it that Nic's feelings of anger and resentment are more one-sided than she thinks. I was a little worried about Nic's believability about falling for someone she almost hated...but the author showed Nic dealing with her emotions and coming to an understanding with Lee. It was nice to see them work through how Lee treated Nic and why. It wasn't instant forgiveness and sweep it under the rug, there were serious hangups that make sense.
There is no third act breakup. I fully expected one and was braced for it. Right when it looked like it was going to happen...Boom! communication and adulting happened. It was great. One of my only real complaints is that the title doesn't really reflect what happens in the book. There is nothing accidental about the romance. But all of my criticisms feel pretty nitpicky, it was a good book overall.
I liked this book a lot more than I initially thought I would. It starts off a little slow as far as the romance goes. There was almost no interaction between the two MCs for over a quarter of the book. Honestly could have shaved off the first few chapters about work and just given a summary of how bad the work culture and stuff was and gotten the same results story-wise. I was also a little put off by how many people Nic gets involved with before she even interacts with Lee in a meaningful, romantic way. The rest of the story was good though. I liked that both characters had hangups and they actually tripped up the relationship a little. It made it feel more real.
The relationship between Lee and Nic was a slower burn without taking the entire book. They went from animosity to barely tolerating each other to eventually more. You could see fairly early into it that Nic's feelings of anger and resentment are more one-sided than she thinks. I was a little worried about Nic's believability about falling for someone she almost hated...but the author showed Nic dealing with her emotions and coming to an understanding with Lee. It was nice to see them work through how Lee treated Nic and why. It wasn't instant forgiveness and sweep it under the rug, there were serious hangups that make sense.
There is no third act breakup. I fully expected one and was braced for it. Right when it looked like it was going to happen...Boom! communication and adulting happened. It was great. One of my only real complaints is that the title doesn't really reflect what happens in the book. There is nothing accidental about the romance. But all of my criticisms feel pretty nitpicky, it was a good book overall.
January 22, 2025
Explosive romance!
Nic and Lee haven’t always hated one another, but when Lee gets promoted over Nic and then Nic ends up laid off, tensions run really high. Unfortunately, even with Lee’s track record for leaving a line of broken men in her wake on her rise to the top, and annoying infatuation and attraction remains for both her and Nic, which is a problem.
Such a sweet romance born from a toxic environment. From this story, we quickly learned that Nic and Lee were not the ones with a problem but they did find themselves in a situation that caused more of them than was probably necessary. I loved the connection Nic and Lee shared but it was a slow burn getting them to a point where that connection really blossomed and we started to get the best of them both. Kept me hooked and turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen and whether love would prevail over all the negativity surrounding them.
The most rewarding bit of the story was how relatable Nic’s situation was and I loved the fantasy idea of being able to do what Nic did to have time to figure out her next move and what she wanted to do. It really was fate at play bringing them back into one another’s lives so often when situations like this usually keep people apart. I always love a romance that hinges on fate and destiny because I am a big believer in if it’s meant to be, it will happen.
Such a great romance, with lots of drama and tension to keep it exciting!
Nic and Lee haven’t always hated one another, but when Lee gets promoted over Nic and then Nic ends up laid off, tensions run really high. Unfortunately, even with Lee’s track record for leaving a line of broken men in her wake on her rise to the top, and annoying infatuation and attraction remains for both her and Nic, which is a problem.
Such a sweet romance born from a toxic environment. From this story, we quickly learned that Nic and Lee were not the ones with a problem but they did find themselves in a situation that caused more of them than was probably necessary. I loved the connection Nic and Lee shared but it was a slow burn getting them to a point where that connection really blossomed and we started to get the best of them both. Kept me hooked and turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen and whether love would prevail over all the negativity surrounding them.
The most rewarding bit of the story was how relatable Nic’s situation was and I loved the fantasy idea of being able to do what Nic did to have time to figure out her next move and what she wanted to do. It really was fate at play bringing them back into one another’s lives so often when situations like this usually keep people apart. I always love a romance that hinges on fate and destiny because I am a big believer in if it’s meant to be, it will happen.
Such a great romance, with lots of drama and tension to keep it exciting!
October 23, 2024
4.25 stars. I haven't read novels by the author before so I had no expectations beforehand. The book turned out to be great! It was a classic rivals/enemies to lovers romance but there were a few extra steps. Accidentally in Love is enemies to tolerance to friends to lovers. The story is sweet, spicy and at times also heart-aching.
Both characters felt real and, although there's only Nic's POV, I feel like I got to know Lee quite well, too. Like in any romance, there were some predictability and convenient turns of events. But the author wrote those well and used them to build their story. Both characters learnt a lot especially about themselves and especially Lee showed vulnerability. Nic and Lee were good communicators which is a bit unrealistic for a romance but it was also refreshing. Bonus points for skipping the 3rd act breakup. I also liked that side characters didn't stir up any drama between the main couple.
My only real complaint is that the "final boss encounter" towards the end of the book was too long. It was sort of predictable and it wasn't really relevant to the romance so it could have been shorter scene or left out completely.
ARC received via NetGalley.
Both characters felt real and, although there's only Nic's POV, I feel like I got to know Lee quite well, too. Like in any romance, there were some predictability and convenient turns of events. But the author wrote those well and used them to build their story. Both characters learnt a lot especially about themselves and especially Lee showed vulnerability. Nic and Lee were good communicators which is a bit unrealistic for a romance but it was also refreshing. Bonus points for skipping the 3rd act breakup. I also liked that side characters didn't stir up any drama between the main couple.
My only real complaint is that the "final boss encounter" towards the end of the book was too long. It was sort of predictable and it wasn't really relevant to the romance so it could have been shorter scene or left out completely.
ARC received via NetGalley.
December 1, 2024
Kimberly Cooper Griffin’s Accidentally in Love delivers a heartfelt romance with endearing moments that shine through its imperfections. The latter half of the book, where Nic and Lee finally engage in honest and meaningful conversations, is especially compelling,
However, the book has a slightly disjointed start that struggles to establish Nic’s job situation and subsequent firing in an engaging way. Then Nic’s initial attraction to Lee feels awkward as neither has done any romantic gesture to woo the other. They just keep bumping into each other and eventually are nice enough to each other to start talking, although the characters avoid addressing major issues for too long for my taste.
Overall, the story has really strong female characters who set healthy boundaries and are willing to work on self improvement. The supporting cast helps showcase unique and different sides of the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 3.5/5
However, the book has a slightly disjointed start that struggles to establish Nic’s job situation and subsequent firing in an engaging way. Then Nic’s initial attraction to Lee feels awkward as neither has done any romantic gesture to woo the other. They just keep bumping into each other and eventually are nice enough to each other to start talking, although the characters avoid addressing major issues for too long for my taste.
Overall, the story has really strong female characters who set healthy boundaries and are willing to work on self improvement. The supporting cast helps showcase unique and different sides of the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 3.5/5
November 13, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
lee stone is the ice queen of the office with a string of broken men left behind her
nic gallagher is openly gay and very good at her job
but lee and nic though they started together at the same company their roles are about to come clashing together
for years nic has been on the receiving end of that icy star from lee and not knowing why..... so when nic is called to hr and lee is there she doesnt understand until she does and demands that lee leaves the room
nic has been let go from her job so suddenly but though she should be upset she is partly relieved.... and takes her time to think her way through her options
what she doesnt expect is to keep seeing lee and this lee is so different from the office lee that nic starts to feel things that she shouldnt ...
its an interesting storyline and one i was invested in reading to see how it would all pan out.... those steamy scenes are worthy of an oscar....
loved that ending
lee stone is the ice queen of the office with a string of broken men left behind her
nic gallagher is openly gay and very good at her job
but lee and nic though they started together at the same company their roles are about to come clashing together
for years nic has been on the receiving end of that icy star from lee and not knowing why..... so when nic is called to hr and lee is there she doesnt understand until she does and demands that lee leaves the room
nic has been let go from her job so suddenly but though she should be upset she is partly relieved.... and takes her time to think her way through her options
what she doesnt expect is to keep seeing lee and this lee is so different from the office lee that nic starts to feel things that she shouldnt ...
its an interesting storyline and one i was invested in reading to see how it would all pan out.... those steamy scenes are worthy of an oscar....
loved that ending
July 30, 2025
This started out really slow and I almost gave up around 27% because it just wasn’t keeping my attention.
I’m glad I didn’t, though. It’s a really cute story and the MC progression is nice. They’re sweet together and I like how much they communicate.
I’m glad I didn’t, though. It’s a really cute story and the MC progression is nice. They’re sweet together and I like how much they communicate.
August 4, 2025
I loved the slow burn and the enemies to lovers between Nic and Lee. Nic goes through a great personal journey of discovery about what she wants from life and I enjoyed watching it unfold. The characters were vibrant and the setting had me smelling the salt water from my own home.
November 12, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Lee and Nic both work at the same company. Nic a project manager and Lee is VP as they work together after the company downside Nic doesn’t get why Lee is critical of her but as we learn that Lee cares for a sibling that her family tries to use against her had made her a ice queen and the fact she isn’t out as Nic is, Nic being laid off have her feeling adrift as she finds new passions while continually bumps into Lee as they grow closer they start to fall for each other I like how they both communicate and to understand each other and how they tried to fix workplace issues.
Lee and Nic both work at the same company. Nic a project manager and Lee is VP as they work together after the company downside Nic doesn’t get why Lee is critical of her but as we learn that Lee cares for a sibling that her family tries to use against her had made her a ice queen and the fact she isn’t out as Nic is, Nic being laid off have her feeling adrift as she finds new passions while continually bumps into Lee as they grow closer they start to fall for each other I like how they both communicate and to understand each other and how they tried to fix workplace issues.
December 27, 2024
I liked this novel. This was an enjoyable and easy read. I had some mixed feelings, but none of the negative ones were very strong. There were some sections that felt like filler where we followed the protagonist doing mundane things that didn’t seem to add much to the novel, but overall, I thought the writing and characters were very good. I liked how the plot initially seemed very simplistic but gradually unveiled to be more nuanced and layered that it initially appeared. This novel was an (unfortunately) good depiction of some “unfortunate workplace issues”, which I can’t elaborate on without getting dinged for spoilers. I think this was a solid 4-stars; I enjoyed it, and it was good, but it won’t be a top recommendation from me.
My Rating: "B+"
GoodReads: 4-stars
I felt like some events of the novel happened “too easily”. The protagonist’s animosity towards to other character disappeared a little too easily for me, through not much more than just time passing and a few surface encounters. That said, the latter half of the novel did a good job of addressing this, so it somewhat balanced out overall. This was somewhat of a trend as I found the front half was lacking in several ways and then the back section retroactively picked up a lot of the slack. I was also a bit thrown by how they happened to run into each other constantly, despite it never happening previously.
There was some delightful payoff at the end of the novel (although almost too perfectly good?) which I enjoyed very much. Some elements felt a bit rushed in the ending sections, but overall the novel was satisfying and a nice read.
Bonus points for strongly demonstrating an argument for proper budgeting and maintaining an emergency fund!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
My Rating: "B+"
GoodReads: 4-stars
I felt like some events of the novel happened “too easily”. The protagonist’s animosity towards to other character disappeared a little too easily for me, through not much more than just time passing and a few surface encounters. That said, the latter half of the novel did a good job of addressing this, so it somewhat balanced out overall. This was somewhat of a trend as I found the front half was lacking in several ways and then the back section retroactively picked up a lot of the slack. I was also a bit thrown by how they happened to run into each other constantly, despite it never happening previously.
There was some delightful payoff at the end of the novel (although almost too perfectly good?) which I enjoyed very much. Some elements felt a bit rushed in the ending sections, but overall the novel was satisfying and a nice read.
Bonus points for strongly demonstrating an argument for proper budgeting and maintaining an emergency fund!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
April 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this. It's kind of an enemies to lovers. They were workplace enemies. There were plenty of lighter funny moments but also some serious moments, dealing with some of the characters being open or not about their sexuality. So definitely check for triggers if any of that is a sensitive topic for you. But if you don't have any triggers definitely give this one a try.
I loved the contract between the two main characters. Nic being confident and a bit more flexible than Lee. Lee seems very up tight at first and a bit of an ice queen. Nic was also under the impression that Lee went through men like water. They did nothing but butt heads. Lee was very critical of Nic at work, and Nic just wanted someone to notice at least one good thing she'd done out of the many since all they focused on was the negative.
When Nic is let go from her job (you'll have to read it for all the juicy details about that 😏) she decides its finally time to take a breath and figure out what she really wants to do. To her surprise she keeps running into Lee. Out for coffee, at an art show, and the list goes on. To Nic's utter surprise, Lee isn't a straight man eating ice queen. That's a front she puts on to keep her real life private...
I loved the slow tension that built between them as Nic started to realize maybe she judged Lee wrong and maybe just maybe she kinda really likes her. The waiting to see what will happen next and who will make the first move was fantastic. It also allowed them to actually get to know each other which I appreciated because some books just jump to and they're in love (not just attracted to each other) even though they barely know anything about the other.
I thought this was very well laid out and I even really liked the side characters. Nic's sister was a trip and I absolutely loved Rachel. Wink wink to the author... I'd love a book about Rachel and her "secret" girlfriend. Just saying 😂
I loved the contract between the two main characters. Nic being confident and a bit more flexible than Lee. Lee seems very up tight at first and a bit of an ice queen. Nic was also under the impression that Lee went through men like water. They did nothing but butt heads. Lee was very critical of Nic at work, and Nic just wanted someone to notice at least one good thing she'd done out of the many since all they focused on was the negative.
When Nic is let go from her job (you'll have to read it for all the juicy details about that 😏) she decides its finally time to take a breath and figure out what she really wants to do. To her surprise she keeps running into Lee. Out for coffee, at an art show, and the list goes on. To Nic's utter surprise, Lee isn't a straight man eating ice queen. That's a front she puts on to keep her real life private...
I loved the slow tension that built between them as Nic started to realize maybe she judged Lee wrong and maybe just maybe she kinda really likes her. The waiting to see what will happen next and who will make the first move was fantastic. It also allowed them to actually get to know each other which I appreciated because some books just jump to and they're in love (not just attracted to each other) even though they barely know anything about the other.
I thought this was very well laid out and I even really liked the side characters. Nic's sister was a trip and I absolutely loved Rachel. Wink wink to the author... I'd love a book about Rachel and her "secret" girlfriend. Just saying 😂
November 28, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am sharing my review voluntarily.
This book centers around Nic Gallagher, a talented and driven manager in production who, on the surface, seems to have it all—supportive family, a stable personal life, and a reputation as a genius in her team. But there's one crucial thing missing: happiness in her job. Nic's journey is a relatable one, and as someone who’s also felt the weight of working in a toxic, underappreciated environment, I couldn’t help but connect with her story. Despite her hard work—improving production processes and bringing her company from the red zone to the green—Nic receives little recognition or gratitude for her efforts. When the plot takes a shocking turn and Nic is unceremoniously let go from her position, I was right there with her, feeling the weight of the injustice. The sense of betrayal and the complete lack of appreciation for her contributions left me speechless, just as it did Nic.
What I loved most about Nic’s character is her resilience and her decision to take control of her future. After the shock of being fired, Nic doesn’t crumble; instead, she takes a bold step in creating her own space. She discovers what truly makes her happy and finds the courage to pursue it, which was honestly one of the most empowering parts of the book. Watching Nic evolve from a woman stuck in a soul-crushing job to someone who carves out a life on her own terms was deeply inspiring. It’s a beautiful reminder of how important it is to find your own path. I also loved her relationship with her twin sister, which added an extra layer of warmth and support to the story.
The other main character is Lee. While I understand that stories need conflict and complexity, I found it difficult to connect with her. Her treatment of Nic was downright frustrating, as narrated by Nic (in her thoughts at the beginning). It felt like she was deliberately sabotaging Nic’s efforts, and for me, that crossed a line. Sure, characters are allowed to make mistakes, but Lee's behavior seemed less like a character flaw and more like a deliberate plot device to create tension or reason for Lee to act like the way she did in the beginning. And while I understand that people sometimes act out of self-interest or fear, her actions toward Nic just didn’t sit well with me. It wasn’t the kind of conflict I could easily get behind, and it made me less invested in their relationship. There are situations where one can understand why a character behaves a certain way, but in this case, Lee’s actions felt too harsh, and too unexplained.
In the end, I’d recommend this book for Nic. If you’re looking for a story about a woman who learns to reclaim her life, fight for her happiness, and make bold decisions in the face of adversity, this is definitely a book for you.
This book centers around Nic Gallagher, a talented and driven manager in production who, on the surface, seems to have it all—supportive family, a stable personal life, and a reputation as a genius in her team. But there's one crucial thing missing: happiness in her job. Nic's journey is a relatable one, and as someone who’s also felt the weight of working in a toxic, underappreciated environment, I couldn’t help but connect with her story. Despite her hard work—improving production processes and bringing her company from the red zone to the green—Nic receives little recognition or gratitude for her efforts. When the plot takes a shocking turn and Nic is unceremoniously let go from her position, I was right there with her, feeling the weight of the injustice. The sense of betrayal and the complete lack of appreciation for her contributions left me speechless, just as it did Nic.
What I loved most about Nic’s character is her resilience and her decision to take control of her future. After the shock of being fired, Nic doesn’t crumble; instead, she takes a bold step in creating her own space. She discovers what truly makes her happy and finds the courage to pursue it, which was honestly one of the most empowering parts of the book. Watching Nic evolve from a woman stuck in a soul-crushing job to someone who carves out a life on her own terms was deeply inspiring. It’s a beautiful reminder of how important it is to find your own path. I also loved her relationship with her twin sister, which added an extra layer of warmth and support to the story.
The other main character is Lee. While I understand that stories need conflict and complexity, I found it difficult to connect with her. Her treatment of Nic was downright frustrating, as narrated by Nic (in her thoughts at the beginning). It felt like she was deliberately sabotaging Nic’s efforts, and for me, that crossed a line. Sure, characters are allowed to make mistakes, but Lee's behavior seemed less like a character flaw and more like a deliberate plot device to create tension or reason for Lee to act like the way she did in the beginning. And while I understand that people sometimes act out of self-interest or fear, her actions toward Nic just didn’t sit well with me. It wasn’t the kind of conflict I could easily get behind, and it made me less invested in their relationship. There are situations where one can understand why a character behaves a certain way, but in this case, Lee’s actions felt too harsh, and too unexplained.
In the end, I’d recommend this book for Nic. If you’re looking for a story about a woman who learns to reclaim her life, fight for her happiness, and make bold decisions in the face of adversity, this is definitely a book for you.
January 20, 2025
Accidentally in Love follows Nic, a dedicated worker struggling without recognition, and Lee, Nic's cold superior. Nic is laid off, which was a blessing in disguise, allowing the two to bond outside of work and explore feelings that have been suppressed since they first met.
This was unfortunately, very average, but it had potential. I accidentally read a few similar books in a row, in which the main character was questioning their career (something I know all too well and was aptly timed). I initially enjoyed the deliberation, relating to Nic as she realised "It was time for her to find a new job. If only she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up". She took some time after her lay-off but it wasn't explored much further,
Personally, the romance was not compelling. It suffered severely from "is this lust or love?", and in my opinion is lust for the majority, as most of their relationship is smut. I didn't feel invested, I wasn't rooting for them, and the build up was subpar. They also seemed to utilise sex as a tool to 'fix' heavy/uncomfortable/emotional/negative events. The inevitable third act conflict was overdramatised to force it into being said conflict, when instead they could have communicated like adults. Honestly, most of the book would be better if they just communicated. I understand it's a stressful situation, but I was honestly confused over how it escalated.
Two small things of note:
The book also suffers from reiterating relationship labels constantly. For example, the word sister is used 44 times, 4 of which within 2 pages. WE GET IT! There are so many other ways to establish relationships and remind us of that. I absolutely hate it when any form of media does this.
I did like the small nod towards chronic illness and how difficult it can be, particularly how "when she feels better, she can't concentrate on her work because of the worry over medical bills. How's someone supposed to get better when they have that kind of worry?" which is very true, and I can assure you you can't concentrate on shit when you're worried you'll lose everything because you happen to be ill. I would have liked this to be included and explored more, for selfish reasons.
Overall, I found my concentration lapsing and I wasn't invested but it was a pretty easy read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This was unfortunately, very average, but it had potential. I accidentally read a few similar books in a row, in which the main character was questioning their career (something I know all too well and was aptly timed). I initially enjoyed the deliberation, relating to Nic as she realised "It was time for her to find a new job. If only she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up". She took some time after her lay-off but it wasn't explored much further,
Personally, the romance was not compelling. It suffered severely from "is this lust or love?", and in my opinion is lust for the majority, as most of their relationship is smut. I didn't feel invested, I wasn't rooting for them, and the build up was subpar. They also seemed to utilise sex as a tool to 'fix' heavy/uncomfortable/emotional/negative events. The inevitable third act conflict was overdramatised to force it into being said conflict, when instead they could have communicated like adults. Honestly, most of the book would be better if they just communicated. I understand it's a stressful situation, but I was honestly confused over how it escalated.
Two small things of note:
The book also suffers from reiterating relationship labels constantly. For example, the word sister is used 44 times, 4 of which within 2 pages. WE GET IT! There are so many other ways to establish relationships and remind us of that. I absolutely hate it when any form of media does this.
I did like the small nod towards chronic illness and how difficult it can be, particularly how "when she feels better, she can't concentrate on her work because of the worry over medical bills. How's someone supposed to get better when they have that kind of worry?" which is very true, and I can assure you you can't concentrate on shit when you're worried you'll lose everything because you happen to be ill. I would have liked this to be included and explored more, for selfish reasons.
Overall, I found my concentration lapsing and I wasn't invested but it was a pretty easy read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
November 16, 2024
Kimberly Cooper Griffin delivers a captivating and heartfelt romance in Accidentally in Love, a novel that far exceeded expectations. What starts as an intriguing premise unfolds into a richly layered story, blending emotional depth with moments of irresistible passion. Griffin’s ability to balance heartfelt character development with just the right amount of spice is truly commendable.
The story begins by introducing Lee, a complex character whose guarded demeanor immediately sparks curiosity. The early chapters set the stage beautifully, allowing readers to form their own impressions while planting seeds of intrigue about Lee’s troubled past. As her story unfolds, we learn of the challenges and pain that have shaped her, making her eventual growth and vulnerability even more impactful. Enter Nic, whose warmth and authenticity contrast perfectly with Lee’s defenses. Their connection, initially complicated by the workplace dynamic (yes, Lee fires Nic early on), evolves into something profoundly transformative.
What truly elevates Accidentally in Love is its balance. The chemistry between Lee and Nic is electric, with steamy moments woven seamlessly into a narrative rich with emotional resonance. While the romantic tension keeps the pages turning, the heart of the story lies in the blossoming relationship—a journey of trust, healing, and self-discovery.
Griffin crafts a tale that is as beautiful as it is engaging, and her characters feel authentic and deeply human. Lee’s gradual unmasking and Nic’s unwavering compassion make for a romance that feels earned and deeply satisfying. This is a story not just of love, but of personal redemption and the courage to embrace vulnerability.
If you’re a fan of nuanced characters, genuine emotion, and a dash of spice that complements rather than overwhelms the plot, Accidentally in Love is a must-read. Kimberly Cooper Griffin is an author to watch, and I’ll certainly be on the lookout for her future works. Highly recommended!
The story begins by introducing Lee, a complex character whose guarded demeanor immediately sparks curiosity. The early chapters set the stage beautifully, allowing readers to form their own impressions while planting seeds of intrigue about Lee’s troubled past. As her story unfolds, we learn of the challenges and pain that have shaped her, making her eventual growth and vulnerability even more impactful. Enter Nic, whose warmth and authenticity contrast perfectly with Lee’s defenses. Their connection, initially complicated by the workplace dynamic (yes, Lee fires Nic early on), evolves into something profoundly transformative.
What truly elevates Accidentally in Love is its balance. The chemistry between Lee and Nic is electric, with steamy moments woven seamlessly into a narrative rich with emotional resonance. While the romantic tension keeps the pages turning, the heart of the story lies in the blossoming relationship—a journey of trust, healing, and self-discovery.
Griffin crafts a tale that is as beautiful as it is engaging, and her characters feel authentic and deeply human. Lee’s gradual unmasking and Nic’s unwavering compassion make for a romance that feels earned and deeply satisfying. This is a story not just of love, but of personal redemption and the courage to embrace vulnerability.
If you’re a fan of nuanced characters, genuine emotion, and a dash of spice that complements rather than overwhelms the plot, Accidentally in Love is a must-read. Kimberly Cooper Griffin is an author to watch, and I’ll certainly be on the lookout for her future works. Highly recommended!
November 20, 2024
Kimberly Cooper Griffin is a new author to me and I can honestly say that I will be seeking out more of her work in the future.
Nic has been working in her project management role for the past 7 years but for the past couple of years she has increasingly grown to hate the job and the complete lack of recognition that she and her team are given for the successes that they have had. Meanwhile, ice queen Lee has not helped with her frosty demeanour and reputation for being a man-eater who will do whatever it takes to rise to the top. And rise to the top is what she's done in the past 7 years while Nic's career has stagnated despite her great work. When a corporate restructure takes place and shortly thereafter Nic is fired from her job her anger towards Lee begins to simmer, despite the overwhelming sense of relief that she feels being out of the nightmare work situation.
However life has other plans for these two strong but damaged individuals and they find themselves continually running into each other and Nic starts to see another softer side to Lee. However, she initially refuses to see the softer side due to her simmering anger towards the woman she believes is responsible for her termination.
Accidentally in Love is a beautiful story of overcoming ones historical baggage to find a brighter future. Despite a relatively slow start, the story increasingly sucked me in once the two women started bumping into each other during everyday life and I loved watching them build a new relationship outside of the toxic environment of their previously shared work life. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of self-discovery, forgiveness and overcoming life's challenges.
Thank you to Kimberly Cooper Griffin, NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Nic has been working in her project management role for the past 7 years but for the past couple of years she has increasingly grown to hate the job and the complete lack of recognition that she and her team are given for the successes that they have had. Meanwhile, ice queen Lee has not helped with her frosty demeanour and reputation for being a man-eater who will do whatever it takes to rise to the top. And rise to the top is what she's done in the past 7 years while Nic's career has stagnated despite her great work. When a corporate restructure takes place and shortly thereafter Nic is fired from her job her anger towards Lee begins to simmer, despite the overwhelming sense of relief that she feels being out of the nightmare work situation.
However life has other plans for these two strong but damaged individuals and they find themselves continually running into each other and Nic starts to see another softer side to Lee. However, she initially refuses to see the softer side due to her simmering anger towards the woman she believes is responsible for her termination.
Accidentally in Love is a beautiful story of overcoming ones historical baggage to find a brighter future. Despite a relatively slow start, the story increasingly sucked me in once the two women started bumping into each other during everyday life and I loved watching them build a new relationship outside of the toxic environment of their previously shared work life. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of self-discovery, forgiveness and overcoming life's challenges.
Thank you to Kimberly Cooper Griffin, NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing an honest review and all opinions are my own.
November 9, 2024
(3.5 Stars) I’ve enjoyed several of the author’s previous books, my favorite being, ‘Can’t Leave Love' (Oct 2021). I love the cover for ‘Accidentally in Love’. It is eye-catching and looks like the descriptions of the characters. Since it is revealed in the blurb this starts as a workplace romance. Nic Gallagher and Lee Stone start working at the same time for the same large company. Lee has moved more effortlessly up the corporate ladder. Nic is very good at her job as a project manager but hasn’t been given the recognition she feels she has earned. Her team loves her of course. It isn’t until Nic loses her job in a corporate shuffle that her path crosses much with Lee. Now she can’t go to the coffee shop or the beach without running into her.
Lee is the ice queen in the corporate world, but outside of it she is caring and fun. She has talent as an artist and friends in that world. I love the pair getting to know one another. I struggled with the book’s resolution of their workplace dynamic. The book highlights how seemingly progressive companies can still be toxic old boys networks. But I’m not sure Lee’s explanation of her actions actually redeems her or acknowledges her part in how Nic felt in her job. And while she wasn’t the one that blocked Nic’s advancement, she was part of the problem being her new manager when Nic is let go.
I love happy endings and like where this ends up. I also like side characters like Rachel and Flannery. But some of the middle plot, the various volunteering, seems like filler. It is something to do while creating another way for the pair to run into each other. The story is enjoyable even if it wasn’t a slam dunk for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Lee is the ice queen in the corporate world, but outside of it she is caring and fun. She has talent as an artist and friends in that world. I love the pair getting to know one another. I struggled with the book’s resolution of their workplace dynamic. The book highlights how seemingly progressive companies can still be toxic old boys networks. But I’m not sure Lee’s explanation of her actions actually redeems her or acknowledges her part in how Nic felt in her job. And while she wasn’t the one that blocked Nic’s advancement, she was part of the problem being her new manager when Nic is let go.
I love happy endings and like where this ends up. I also like side characters like Rachel and Flannery. But some of the middle plot, the various volunteering, seems like filler. It is something to do while creating another way for the pair to run into each other. The story is enjoyable even if it wasn’t a slam dunk for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
November 2, 2024
This is a slow-burn romance that some might not like, but it allows for a very organic and naturally healthy relationship to develop.
Nic has grown tired of the toxicity, homophobia, and barely repressed racism at her job. A job that had been amazing at the start, including meeting Lee, who had been in the same induction group.
But then, not only had Lee turned out to be a complete ice queen, but the politics and reshuffling within the company meant that Nic now reported to Lee.
Before Nic can hate her employers anymore, she's let go... which turns out to be the best thing to happen to Nic as she reclaims her happiness and sheds everything toxic.
So why is it that now she's free, that Lee seems to be everywhere? A Lee that doesn't seem to be the ice queen she portrayed at work? Who really is Lee?
What follows is an adorable romantic journey as Lee's secrets are revealed, and the reason for her treatment of Nic is shared: hiding her sexuality from the toxic environment had made Lee overcompensate in her dealings with Nic.
As they admit they accidentally fell in love almost at first sight, can they work through everything they should really have discussed and sorted before their hearts became involved?
This was a hot romance that built gradually and pulled at all the heartstrings. Nic and Lee fitting together and working through everything in a supportive and loving maturity was truly lovely.
A definite recommendation to anyone who loves F/F romances.
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
Nic has grown tired of the toxicity, homophobia, and barely repressed racism at her job. A job that had been amazing at the start, including meeting Lee, who had been in the same induction group.
But then, not only had Lee turned out to be a complete ice queen, but the politics and reshuffling within the company meant that Nic now reported to Lee.
Before Nic can hate her employers anymore, she's let go... which turns out to be the best thing to happen to Nic as she reclaims her happiness and sheds everything toxic.
So why is it that now she's free, that Lee seems to be everywhere? A Lee that doesn't seem to be the ice queen she portrayed at work? Who really is Lee?
What follows is an adorable romantic journey as Lee's secrets are revealed, and the reason for her treatment of Nic is shared: hiding her sexuality from the toxic environment had made Lee overcompensate in her dealings with Nic.
As they admit they accidentally fell in love almost at first sight, can they work through everything they should really have discussed and sorted before their hearts became involved?
This was a hot romance that built gradually and pulled at all the heartstrings. Nic and Lee fitting together and working through everything in a supportive and loving maturity was truly lovely.
A definite recommendation to anyone who loves F/F romances.
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
November 11, 2024
A fun read that packs more into its pages than you’d first think. There’s commentary on homophobia in the workplace—with overcompensating behavior when not out—each person’s coming out challenges & choices, trust, work-life balance, and finding out what you really want in life while you’re already on the conveyor belt.
The two MCs are really good together and the chemistry is very much there.
For me, it started more slowly than it perhaps should do. We know Nic is going to lose her job—there are too many pages getting to that point, building up some of the initial angst between her and Lee, which is fine, but also dragging out surely the most boring of roles being a project manager and making job-board project graphics all green… yawn. I know there must be much more to the job than that, but Kimberly Cooper Griffin doesn’t show that here (perhaps in order to get past the story opening more quickly).
BUT put up with 20 pages and be sure to persevere because, until the last 20 pages, this is a 5-star read! The ending gets to where it needs to go, but again, the author allows the focus to wander to work choices, diluting the fun as the 2 girls work out their challenges and find their HEA.
Forewarned is forearmed, I hope: flawed for 40 pages (less than 20%), the rest of the pages—all the ones that really count—are super :).
Thanks to the author, to the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The two MCs are really good together and the chemistry is very much there.
For me, it started more slowly than it perhaps should do. We know Nic is going to lose her job—there are too many pages getting to that point, building up some of the initial angst between her and Lee, which is fine, but also dragging out surely the most boring of roles being a project manager and making job-board project graphics all green… yawn. I know there must be much more to the job than that, but Kimberly Cooper Griffin doesn’t show that here (perhaps in order to get past the story opening more quickly).
BUT put up with 20 pages and be sure to persevere because, until the last 20 pages, this is a 5-star read! The ending gets to where it needs to go, but again, the author allows the focus to wander to work choices, diluting the fun as the 2 girls work out their challenges and find their HEA.
Forewarned is forearmed, I hope: flawed for 40 pages (less than 20%), the rest of the pages—all the ones that really count—are super :).
Thanks to the author, to the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 6, 2024
I liked this book but its a very slow start and a super slow burn. For a third of the book, barely any interaction between the MCS which made it kinda boring. There was almost no interaction between the two MCs for over a quarter of the book, plus how many people Nic gets involved with prior to meeting Lee. The rest of the story was good though. I liked that both characters had flaws and it made it feel more real.
They went from animosity to barely tolerating each other to eventually more. You could see fairly early into it that Nic's feelings of anger and resentment are more one-sided than she thinks. I was a little worried about Nic's believability about falling for someone she almost hated...but the author showed Nic dealing with her emotions and coming to an understanding with Lee. It was nice to see them work through how Lee treated Nic and why. It wasn't instant forgiveness and sweep it under the rug, there were serious hangups that make sense.
There is no third act breakup. I fully expected one and was braced for it. Right when it looked like it was going to happen...Boom! Communication and adulting happened. It was good.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
They went from animosity to barely tolerating each other to eventually more. You could see fairly early into it that Nic's feelings of anger and resentment are more one-sided than she thinks. I was a little worried about Nic's believability about falling for someone she almost hated...but the author showed Nic dealing with her emotions and coming to an understanding with Lee. It was nice to see them work through how Lee treated Nic and why. It wasn't instant forgiveness and sweep it under the rug, there were serious hangups that make sense.
There is no third act breakup. I fully expected one and was braced for it. Right when it looked like it was going to happen...Boom! Communication and adulting happened. It was good.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2024
This book left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it has all the ingredients of a classic ice-queen/sensitive intelligent girl romance. There's an age gap and a bit of power play, which I usually find really interesting. But despite all that, I felt like the author forced some situations, making them seem unrealistic and unbelievable. Plus, there were a bunch of convenient plot points about the protagonists' pasts that were used to justify some of their bad behavior, especially Lee's.
Also, the character of Nic is built up to be too perfect, like she's always made the right choices and her surroundings, both family and friends, are ideal. She's just too perfect.
There's a point in the story where everything else takes a backseat. Their stressful jobs and activities, even Nic's dog, Jet, who's always around at the beginning, gets completely ignored. It just doesn't feel real.
I think it could have used a little less of perfection.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
Also, the character of Nic is built up to be too perfect, like she's always made the right choices and her surroundings, both family and friends, are ideal. She's just too perfect.
There's a point in the story where everything else takes a backseat. Their stressful jobs and activities, even Nic's dog, Jet, who's always around at the beginning, gets completely ignored. It just doesn't feel real.
I think it could have used a little less of perfection.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
October 28, 2024
I really liked this book.
2 women started work at a company at the same time. Nic becomes a project manager and is out a work. Lee is a VP and is not out at work (thus no one but her knows she is gay). Their employer is supposed to be progressive and forward thinking.
Nic can't work out why Lee is always critical of her. When Nic is laid off it appears they were not as progressive as she thought.
She keeps running into Lee - and that as thy say is that. Cue them accidentally falling in love.
And of course the staff that made the firm non progressive all get caught out and sacked.
Things work out for them.
There is of course an epilogue.
It is 2 years later and they are doing building work
I enjoyed this book for a number of reasons.
1 - Lee is a mini ice queen at work
2 - Lee spent her childhood 'caring' for a sibling with a complex learning disability - this impacted on her childhood and stretched into her adulthood when her parents tried to use her sibling against her. It all worked out well in the end but it was bumpy.
3 - They lived by the ocean
4 - The number of characters that have long red hair amuses me - Lee has long read hair usually work in a braid
2 women started work at a company at the same time. Nic becomes a project manager and is out a work. Lee is a VP and is not out at work (thus no one but her knows she is gay). Their employer is supposed to be progressive and forward thinking.
Nic can't work out why Lee is always critical of her. When Nic is laid off it appears they were not as progressive as she thought.
She keeps running into Lee - and that as thy say is that. Cue them accidentally falling in love.
And of course the staff that made the firm non progressive all get caught out and sacked.
Things work out for them.
There is of course an epilogue.
It is 2 years later and they are doing building work
I enjoyed this book for a number of reasons.
1 - Lee is a mini ice queen at work
2 - Lee spent her childhood 'caring' for a sibling with a complex learning disability - this impacted on her childhood and stretched into her adulthood when her parents tried to use her sibling against her. It all worked out well in the end but it was bumpy.
3 - They lived by the ocean
4 - The number of characters that have long red hair amuses me - Lee has long read hair usually work in a braid
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