Not Safe For Work

California Love #2

by Lindsey Lanza

A major dilemma. An unlikely hero.

A lot of inappropriate texting.

Olivia Diamond’s life is anything but sparkling. She’s still working through the most embarrassing break-up of the century, and now the promotion she thought was a done deal is turning into an impossible dream.

If being the only person on her sales team with a uterus wasn’t hard enough, now her boys’ club boss wants Olivia to date a client in order to close a massive deal. She wouldn’t. She couldn’t.

Enter Gavin Scott, Olivia’s least favorite and most attractive colleague. He’s here to save the day. Well, he’s here to try. And he’s hoping to do it all without revealing that he’s been crushing on Olivia since the day they started working together.

Not Safe for Work follows a chaotic and serendipitous chain of events that will have you laughing, raging, and swooning in every chapter. It’s a story of discovering your place in a world that’s working against you–and of finding love where you least expect it.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Fake Dating, Workplace, Contemporary, He Falls First

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2024

About the author

Lindsey Lanza is a bookstagrammer turned author originally from Columbus, Ohio. She is a tech start-up enthusiast by day, a voracious reader by early mornings, nights and weekends, and now writes love stories when she gets a spare moment. You can most often find her laughing about nothing with her husband Erik, perusing a dessert menu, consulting clients on zoom calls or obsessing over her Sheepadoodle Wally. Speechless is Lindsey’s debut novel.

Reviews

[Stephanie | stephonashelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: E-book

4.75🌟 - I really really liked it!

If @readwithli writes it, I’m going to read it!! I feel so lucky to be an early reader for Lindsey, I am so obsessed with all her books!

I loved the dynamic between Olivia and Gavin! This workplace romance has all the pining, banter, and gives real fight the patriarchy energy 💪🏻 (which we love!). Add in fake dating and no third-act breakup 👩🏻‍🍳💋🤌🏻 and a vineyard moment 🍷.

The character development in this one is EVERYTHING! Lindsey always weaves representation in all her books so effortlessly as well. There’s a fun nod to characters from Speechless as well, which I love!

This book makes me so happy that I am not a corporate girly, I don’t think I’m cut out for it 😂.

TYSM to @readwithli for trusting me to beta read your books, ILY!

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in less than 12 hours (while also adulting), I could NOT put it down!

I loved Olivia + Gavin, their story, all the side characters (except the ones I hated 😅) and CHURRO THE HEDGEHOG 🦔

📖 Not Safe for Work
📝 Lindsey Lanza
🗓️ 06/18/2024
💜 contemporary romance
📱 read on kindle (arc)
📚 book 2 • California Love series

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

💭 overall thoughts:
A workplace fake-dating story is a bit of a twist to me, usually I find workplace romance to be “forbidden” and this was a fun change!

Gavin - oh sweet Scottie (Olivia’s nickname for him).
He’s seriously a top-tier book boyfriend. He falls first, and he’s pining, and he’s OBSESSED, and he’s adorable 🥰 AND HE TEXTS HER HEDGEHOG PUNS 🦔🦔🦔

He sees Olivia for who she really is (which is NOT too much), and only wants to bring that out of her more (while calling her Sparkles ✨).

I loved to see how Olivia came into her own, following a breakup from a toxic relationship - learning to believe that she’s NOT too much, and doesn’t deserve to be treated like she is.

We got a lot of misogyny in the workplace, especially for a woman in the tech field. While I hated the “dudes” she worked with, it felt very real - how those men behaved, how Olivia struggled with how to handle things, knowing what the outcome could be, and how the “good guys” like Gavin were also in a challenging position.

🤍side characters:
Gavin’s relationship with his sister Gabby showed so much of who he is, and she added a lot to the story (and her girlfriend Kadesha too).

Loved the Speechless cameos + the friendship Olivia formed with Lucy!

tropes + topics:
🥸 fake dating
💼 workplace
🩵 he falls first & he’s obsessed
🧠 mental health rep (anxiety, panic attacks)
🛏️ only one bed
⌛️ flashback chapters
💞 dual 1st person pov

*check trigger warnings if needed

Thank you to author Lindsey Lanza for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I think if you like The Hating Game, you’ll enjoy this book. It gave me a lot of similar feelings/vibes but you get the hero’s POV too. I read and loved A Little Magic from this author last year and was excited to try another book by her. This is a fake dating, he fell first, coworker romance!

Olivia and Gavin have been coworkers for a couple years. He has been into her since the moment he met her, but she thinks he hates her. After her recent breakup with one of the company’s investors and feeling like she’s continually passed up for promotions and treated as less-than in the tech world, Liv is ready to take charge of her life and career. She gets a lead on a new client and is determined to prove herself. Gavin ends up saving her from a tricky situation at work with saying they’re dating, but the quick-fix could actually help her out with more and they decide to stick to the ruse longer.

I did like the characters in this one, I wanted a bit more to like truly love them and it never quite got there for me. Liv has always been told she’s “too much” with her sparkly outfits and energy. But Gavin loves her just as she is. The San Francisco setting was fun, he has a cute hedgehog pet named Churro, his relationship with his sister Gabby was sweet to see, her family owns a winery, we get to see the ups-and-downs of being a woman working in tech. The pacing of the book would kind of slow down here and there for me with their romance. You’ll be super frustrated for her in regard to her workplace BS and the patriarchy of it all. I wasn’t as content with how some things toward the end of the book were handled/not handled (in regards to her boss and harassment from a potential client). But a hero pining for so long and finally getting her is always fun. I didn’t love it quite as much as I did the other book I read from this author, but it was still good.

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

CW: panic attack, work sexual harassment

[Shay's Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread:

I knew I loved Gavin Scott, but listening to the audiobook just reminding me HOW MUCH I love Gavin Scott. It was such a joy to listen to the audiobook! Because I read so many books in a year, sometimes when re-reading its like reading for the first time again, because I forget some of what happened, but that was not the case with this one. There were so many stand out scenes that stuck with me and I loved experiencing them again.

I definitely recommend checking out the audiobook!

*******************************

So happy Lindsey gave me the opportunity to beta read this one!

This is going to make you want to junk punch several men, it's going to make you swoon over and over and if you work in a male dominated industry or if you've experienced any sort of misogyny it's going to be very validating!

I can't wait for everyone to read this one!

[Supriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me some unexpectedly ‘right from under your nose’ love!

The book had all the right stuff; smart, fiesty and talented yet filled with self doubt Olivia who has a great story arc of finding herself; adorably perfect book boyfriend Gavin who is positively swoon worthy; and great secondary characters with equally great storylines.

I loved that Gavin the main character was written as gentle, caring, respectful and considerate; because as we all know, that truly is what’s sexy about a man (person).
Overall, a fun, sweet and spicy book with compelling pacing that is impossible to stop.

4.5 stars 🌟

[ana clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Safe for Work follows the story of Gavin and Olivia. They've been coworkers for years, and while Olivia is sure Gavin hates her, he has secretly been into her since the moment they met.
After a bad breakup with one of the company’s investors and being passed up for promotions she deserved, Olivia is determined to take back control of her life and sets out to win over a new and important client. In the meantime, Gavin helps her through a difficult situation at work, and they end up getting closer. To protect her reputation—and only for that reason—from the company’s gossip, they start a fake relationship.
I really liked the characters. Gavin is protective, hardworking, and sweeter than he lets on. Olivia is "too much" in the best way—smart, fun, and dedicated. Their romance is cute and lovely, even if a little slow-paced. Their shared moments show just how easy it was for them to fall in love, despite her last relationship, and especially because Gavin was always so enchanted and happy to be around her.
The book also highlights the challenges Olivia faces as a woman working in a male-dominated field—and some of these scenes were especially painful to read. It underscores the importance of good friendships and staying close to family. The only thing I didn’t enjoy as much was the pacing. After reading Lindsey Lanza’s previous books, I was excited for this one, but something about it just didn’t resonate with me in the same way. Still, it’s a great book with a lovely story.

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and wholesome workplace romcom with a fake dating twist!

This lighthearted romance centers on Olivia, who's gunning for a big promotion—but it starts to seem just out of reach. In a questionable turn, she's encouraged to date a client to help close a deal. Enter Gavin, a coworker she doesn’t exactly get along with, who steps in to "save the day" by pretending to be her boyfriend.

Full of charm, tension, and sweet moments, this is a feel-good read for fans of the fake dating trope with a workplace spin.

[Megan ◡̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you Lindsey for gifting me an ARC on your third novel. I am absolutely in LOVE with Scottie and how the relationship developed. More importantly, I love the representation of women in the workplace and struggles it brings.

For anyone that thinks they’re unworthy of love, everything quill be alright🤍🦔

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have not picked up one of Lindsey Lanza’s books yet, you are missing out and need to rectify that immediately! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of A Little Magic last year and couldn’t believe it when the ARC gods found favor with me a second time so I could read this gem early.

Lanza’s writing is so sharp and witty and her stories are full of characters that are so endearing, dynamic, and relatable. I inhaled this book… seriously could not put it down because the chemistry between Olivia and Gavin had me kicking my feet and squealing in delight.

When I tell you Gavin is down bad for Olivia… this man has been pining for YEARS and when he falls, he falls HARD. And Olivia, gosh, this woman is a GEM, so vivacious and thoughtful and the friend you want in your corner. If you’ve seen Barbie, Lanza continues that conversation on how exhausting and hard it is to be a woman, especially in male dominated spaces. I was filled with rage every time Olivia had to deal with more corporate dude bro, misogynistic, garbage at work. There were times I was yelling at characters, on her behalf, and I was quite pleased when sweet karma made her appearance in the end.

If you’re looking for a book with a FMC who is effervescent and a badass, a MMC who has a super gooey heart and wears a baby sling to carry his pet hedgehog in, a workplace romance that is tender and sweet, or an abundance of swoony moments that will have you giggling and kicking your feet, Not Safe For Work needs to go on your summer TBR ASAP. This book would pair perfectly as you’re lounging poolside or at the beach this summer

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Lindsey Lanza for allowing me the privilege of beta reading Not Safe for Work, and for sending me an ARC of the finished copy! All opinions are my own.

Let’s start at the top. That prologue? INCREDIBLE. Drew me in right from the start and wouldn’t let me stop. I think about it whenever I read or hear the word enthusiasm.

Liv and Gavin are precious and I LOVED their journey and personal growth throughout the story. I love how well Lindsey balances the serious moments of Mitch being an absolute wanker (I stand by my beta comment that he is 87 HR violations in a trench coat!) with Liv and Gavin having fun times that will have you giggling and kicking your feet. And Churro!! I haven’t stopped thinking about little Churro, his outfits, and Gavin holding him in a sling since I read the book. Half of my algorithm is now showing me hedgehog content, and I’m not mad about it.

Lindsey also so accurately portrayed the many relatable moments of what it’s like being a woman in the corporate world that had me snapping along in agreement. It’s SO hard, in both the big and the small ways, to make yourself seen and heard without being criticized or scolded. Being a woman in a male-dominated space is tough, and Lindsey brought all those realities into a book and resolved it the way we all have wished for, at some point or another.

This is such a fun book and I can’t wait for it to be out in the universe tomorrow, June 18!

[Jamie Rosenblit · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not enough words for how much I loved this book. How Lindsey Lanza isn’t a household name yet in the romance space is truly baffling - she creates such real, vulnerable characters that jump off the page. Olivia and Gavin were such an enjoyable couple to read about in NSFW -‘with real issues that didn’t feel forced to create conflict - oh and the spice was *chefs kiss* - trust me, you’re going to want to read this one.

Bonus points for Jewish representation (and representation of what it’s like being a woman in corporate America …)

I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review ⬇️

📖 Not Safe For Work
✍🏼 Lindsey Lanza
☑️ Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚, 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮? 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.”

Such a fun, sweet romance!

Overview:
•Workplace Romance
•Fake Dating
•He is Obsessed with Her
•Themes of Misogyny and Discrimination
•Picturesque California Setting

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗴𝘆𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀, 𝗰𝗼𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀.

This was such a delightful read. It felt reminiscent of The Hating Game, especially with the workplace setting.

From the prologue, I knew would enjoy this book. “…𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧…” - I will forever love when women find their own way and voice.

Both main characters felt realistic and lovable. Olivia has dealt with relatable sexist situations, and she has worked relentlessly to achieve her goals.

If you like when the MMC is down bad for the FMC, I have great news for you. Gavin has been obsessed with Olivia for years - and rather than putting her on a pedestal, he truly sees her and cherishes her.

“𝙂𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙠, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚. 𝙎𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙝. 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙂𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙩𝙩.”

The evolution of their fake dating scheme and the way they handle truly deplorable side characters is fun and adorable and respectable.

The author noted at the end that she included real life work experiences into this story, and it’s important to read about the internalized misogyny that’s prevalent throughout the working world. I love how it was discussed and handled in this fictional story!

I also loved the family dynamics and the friendships in this story! And the MVP of the Book: Churro the hedgehog.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet and swoony summer romance!

✨ Read via Kindle Unlimited ✨

[Kailey (kmc_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an early ARC from the author and very much enjoyed this one! Olivia and Gavin were great, and I thought the subject matter of this one was so timely and important. Great dialogue/banter/chemistry and some hot spicy scenes! Highly recommend. 4.5 stars rounded up

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GEM.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

See what I did there?

BUT REALLY. I am 3 for 3 on Lindsey Lanza books being an EASY five stars. EASY. I love them so much, and NSFW was amazing.

I officially am obsessed with the micro trope of he falls first, she falls hard, and he falls HARDER. I adored Gavin Scott. He was swoony and sweet and his passion and love for providing for his sister was incredibly endearing. I also loved how he took care of Olivia while never dulling her shine too.

And I loved Olivia. She was quirky and kind and full of this resilience and strength. Especially when she was thrown in increasingly difficult situations. I loved the way this office romance played out. I loved all of the soft moments and heated too. I devoured this book. I could not put it down and I can’t wait for Lanza’s next book!!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: fade to black and 3+ open door
- Content Warnings: on page panic attack, sexism and misogyny in the workplace

[Jamie (jamie.bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this book.

Once again Lindsey’s writing completely consumed me and I couldn’t get enough of these characters.

Seeing Olivia navigate her way as a woman in a corporate world and all the bullshit she had to deal with was both infuriating and inspiring (based on the authors own experiences I might add).

Gavin is drool worthy. Top shelf book boyfriend material for me. The PINING and the way he loves Olivia ….gaaaaahh. Swoon central

Other things I loved: fake dating, workplace romance, sibling dynamics, steamy, banter, a hedgehog carried around in a sling, hedgehog puns, caregiving

Another 5⭐️ read from Lindsey - that’s 3/3!!!!

Thanks to the author for the gifted early copy! This one is out June 18th - don’t miss it (don’t worry - I won’t let you forget 😅😂)

[Emily Quid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to get started on this cutie! Lindsey is the BEST🙌🏼

UPDATE:

This might be my favorite book of the year. Lindsey knocks it out of the park yet again. I need to dive back into the world of Olivia and Gavin ASAP. This book is giving me a hangover fs. If you haven’t picked up a Lindsey Lanza book yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE????? More to come once the hangover calms down.

REVIEW TIME:

Not Safe for Work
Lindsey Lanza
Pub Date: June 18th
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Lindsey for the advanced copy◡̈

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
🤫Fake dating
💼Workplace romance
👊🏼 F**k the patriarchy
🦔A cutie hedgehog named Churro
📱Lots of on-page texts
✌🏼Dual POV
🫂Siblings and friends
🫶He’s obsessed
✨The cutest nicknames

"𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝘁 '𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿,' 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀."

Not Safe for Work is the book of the summer; book of the year🙌🏼 When I finished this book, I immediately considered starting it over so I could spend just a bit more time with Olivia and Gavin. Their romance is tender, exciting, and understanding — the perfect recipe! Olivia is brave, unapologetically herself, and the best friend you never knew you needed. Gavin is 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧, 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 MMC you will ever encounter in a romance novel. That is a PROMISE.

"𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗜 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂."
"𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗜 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂."

I’ve read all of Lindsey’s books and, although Speechless will always have a special place in my heart, NSFW hits the ball 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸! Between the humor, the banter, the drama, and the kick-butt power couple at its center, this book is just *chef’s kiss.* I am so unbelievably proud of Lindsey. She put her heart and soul into this book for readers like me to enjoy and to be inspired by; and by no means did she miss the mark🩵

"𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁. 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿"

I had so much fun with Olivia, Gavin, Churro, and all the other wonderful characters in this book. Every moment is imbued with fiery passion, strength, fierce humor, steam: you name it, I felt it to the MAX. And that’s what makes reading so fun for me; is when I find a book that has me screaming at the page, sobbing, texting in ALL CAPS, etc.

𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆. It is an absolute must-read. I promise, from the bottom of my heart, you will not be disappointed. You WILL fall in love with Olivia and Gavin just like I did. And hopefully, afterwards, you will read Lindsey’s other two books because they are equally as lovable.

[Amanda Spivack · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT SAFE FOR WORK is a workplace romance that follows Gavin and Olivia, coworkers who start fake dating to get her sleazy boss off her back. But strap in because this book is so much more than just a workplace romance!!

This book literally has it all. Not only is it an incredibly swoonworthy romance with a new favorite book boyfriend, but it also has amazing commentary on being a woman in a male-dominated field as well as beautiful personal growth journeys for both of our MCs AND some great Jewish representation! Not to mention a hedgehog character named Churro??? **chefs kiss**

I especially loved how both Gavin and Olivia were growing as people while growing their relationship throughout the book - I love how they made each other better and encouraged each other! Watching them take care of each other and fall in love on the page was so amazing - I wish I could erase my brain and read it again for the first time.

If you’re a lover of the fake dating trope (which, let’s face it, we all are!) you’ll love the use of it within this story! This book feels like it was written for all of the girlies who fell head over heels for the Barbie movie - it’s full of amazing female empowerment!!

PSA: This is the second book in the California Love series, but they can both be read as standalones. (For any Speechless lovers out there, we do get cameos from some of our favorite characters!)

[Hailey✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So honored to have received an ARC for Lindsey Lanza's third book! Not Safe For Work is the cutest (and a super steamy!!) workplace romance—which I wasn't sure I'd be into, but leave it to Lindsey to make me fall head over heels with all the tropes! I read NSFW in under 24 hours—it's *that* good—and I wish I had more to savor. Both the FMC and MMC are so likeable, and I loved the sibling bond and CHURRO!! The most adorable little sidekick. All in all, LOVED NSFW and I already can't wait for Lindsey's next book. 🤪

[Sammie Pechkurow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this book.

This book is certainly for all my Barbie loving, f*ck the patriarchy girlies.

Gavin Scott…ugh the man that you are. I loved him SO MUCH. The way he cared for Olivia and was there for her always was just top tier book boyfriend material.

And OLIVIA?! THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?! Omfg, again, LOVED.

The banter, the spice, the chemistry, the character development, THE HEDGEHOG?! 5/5 all around.

[Francesca Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a very fun and likeable read! It kept my interest and was fast-paced. I enjoyed many of the side characters and loved to hate some of the other side characters. As with any MMC written by a woman, Gavin was adorable, sweet, thoughtful, and hot! A dash of spice was really nice as well. The fake dating trope was pretty typical which made the romance plot predictable, but I didn’t mind. Olivia’s second guessing herself and lack of confidence at times put me off, but I liked her character development. Overall a fun, light-hearted, easy to read workplace romance! Perfect summer read!

[Tamara Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a woman navigating her position in tech/start ups was inspiring and infuriating to read. I loved the “big tit” energy in this book and was dissapointed in humanity that it was loosely based on real people and real events. Olivia (sunshine) + Gavin (cinnamon roll) were adorable. And the supporting characters are part of what makes Lindsey Lanza one of my favorite authors.

[Kelly Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will forever adore Lindsey’s work. She’s an automatic read for me and I absolutely loved the blossoming love between Olivia and Gavin. 🥰

[María · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estuvo bien pero no estoy en el mood de leer romance, se me hizo un POQUITO INTERMINABLE.

[Sarah Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe more like 4.5 stars. There were some sections of this that were slow and/or not believable (even for the romance genre), but overall this book was very good! I loved all of the hedgehog puns and seeing the main relationship develop through the course of the story.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus one star because something about him calling her "sparkles" mid steamy scene just ruined it

[Neha Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
A cute fluffy read, this is a mix of The Love Hypothesis and Spanish Love Deception (with a little sprinkle of The Hating Game).
The characters are likeable and I love the fact that there is no third act breakup. Also, the communication between the lead pair is top notch.
I will read more books by this author. Whilst there was nothing unique about this book, I was entertained and finished it in less than 24 hours.

[jordan εїз · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars 🌟 another book set in sf yay!!!! oliviagavin were cute and i liked how they both pined for each other 🍷👨‍💻🌉 i think i just got bored after they got together & the constant lingering details of tristan and all that stuff lol. i lowkey feel like olivia should’ve just gone somewhere else but i get why she didn’t 😇 this was kinda meh for me overall

[Leslie Foti · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ARC! 💜🦔📖
I read A Little Magic by Lindsey Lanza in the winter, and it was the most perfect book, IMO. She quickly became a favorite and when I saw she was writing a new book, I had to have it. I’m so honored to have been chosen to receive an advanced copy on my kindle!!!

There’s so many amazing qualities to this book:
- Women empowerment
- Dual POV
- Open communication
- No third act breakup!!!
- He falls first
- Fake Dating 😏
- Pining (HIM)
- CHURRO 🦔 can all books have a cute hedgehog for a pet?
- AMAZING side characters: Gabby, Kadesha, Andie, Daanesh
- Wine Country….THE WINE CELLAR SCENE 🍷🫣
- perfect amount of spice 🌶️

GAVIN SCOTT 👏🏼 the man is a top tier book boyfriend. I love my husband but I love Gavin Scott too, okay? He’s supportive, sweet, showers her in compliments, doesn’t try to change ANYTHING about her, is protective, and empowers her. What more could we possibly want?!

OLIVIA DIAMOND 💎 I love her. She’s determined, witty, knows her worth, and isn’t going to let sleazy men steal her shine. She knows she’s good at her job, and it isn’t because she has big tit energy. (Her words, not mine) She’s smart and handles her shit, and I love that about her.

The whole story about the men in leadership thinking they can take or get whatever they want from an attractive women, is real. This happens. And it’s disgusting. Women have to be so much more careful about how they dress, what they say, how they say it - always wondering if they’re getting a promotion because they earned it or because they’re beautiful. I love that Olivia took ZERO PRISONERS 💪🏼

This book comes out on June 18, 2024 and I HIGHLY suggest you grab a copy. You won’t regret it 🦔🍷💜💎

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Lindsey Lanza’s third self-published book and I’m in awe of how frequently she’s putting out amazing books. She’s quickly become an auto-read author so I was excited when I received an advanced copy.
Not Safe For Work is the story of a woman, Olivia, working in a very male-dominated field – the tech sector in San Francisco. Olivia deals with horrible treatment from several male colleagues and clients – she’s hit on, told how to dress, and passed over for promotion time and time again. Olivia says “Companies in the Bay Area love to tout about how forward thinking and feminist they are, but it’s always still men who are running the show. Women are celebrated, just as long as we play by their rules.”
Olivia’s colleague, Gavin, tries to help her out of a jam with a client, and her boss, by suggesting they pretend they are dating. I like that Gavin tried to stand up for Olivia and he’s clearly a good guy. But it was frustrating that the only way he thought of to do that was to say he was dating her. Olivia was only protected because of their relationship. I love a fake dating and a workplace romance, but I liked it best when Olivia stood up for herself. I also loved the connection with her family winery and the cameos by the characters from her debut novel, Speechless.
This was obviously a very personal book for Lindsey Lanza to write, based on her own experience in the tech sector, which she makes clear right from the dedication which starts with: “This one’s for my 20 something self.” I’m glad she was able to share her experiences through this novel.
I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Chels ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire time reading this, I could not stop singing “The Man” by Taylor Swift in my head. This was the perfect combination of powerful, wholesome, and spicy. An absolute binge read where the circumstances pissed me off because, reality, but the empowerment alongside the romance pumped me up and made me smile repeatedly.

Things I Loved:
🦔 Dual POV! And even some flashbacks.
🦔 Olivia: GIRL. I want to hug and high-five you at the same time. The anxiety, the people-pleasing, the fine-line walking. She was so relatable, and I loved seeing her start to own her voice.
🦔 Gavin: The definition of down bad. Observant, attentive, and so, so sweet. All he needs is his security boob.
🦔 The family and friend love/support: I adored Gavin’s relationship with his sister, Gabby. The friendships and relationships all felt so real to me that I couldn’t help but become invested in them.
🦔 How relationship things were handled: There were several moments where I thought I knew what was going to happen, assuming cliché book stuff that would usually make me frustrated. But, that didn’t happen. No third act break-up. No big blowouts or manipulative games. No unnecessary drama for the sake of drama. This was genuine, communicative, and solid.

Lindsey’s writing made me feel like I knew these people. It just felt so authentic that part of me wants to pick up the phone and call Olivia to check-in. Special shoutout to the diva that is Churro. If I come home with a hedgehog in the near future, I blame you, Lindsey.