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The Trouble with Love and Ink
Emily Lane is supposed to be on vacation. Instead, she’s in a meeting where a new hire steals the promotion she’s been slotted for. To make matters worse, the promotion thief is a bit of a jerk both inside and outside cubicle walls.
Needing an escape, Emily takes on her sister’s dare to work for her calligraphy company. After all, Emily has been perfecting her pointed pen skills for over a decade. The only problem: she will have to pretend she’s her sister while finishing the projects for a high-profile client’s wedding.
It’s all going according to plan until Emily discovers the client’s brother is none other than Beckett—Beck—Atteridge, office jerk and promotion thief. He will keep her true identity a secret on one condition: She has to be his fake date for the wedding in Costa Rica. As lines are blurred between what’s fake and reality, this vacation will either be the escape Emily’s been looking for or a heartbreak she doesn’t need.
Needing an escape, Emily takes on her sister’s dare to work for her calligraphy company. After all, Emily has been perfecting her pointed pen skills for over a decade. The only problem: she will have to pretend she’s her sister while finishing the projects for a high-profile client’s wedding.
It’s all going according to plan until Emily discovers the client’s brother is none other than Beckett—Beck—Atteridge, office jerk and promotion thief. He will keep her true identity a secret on one condition: She has to be his fake date for the wedding in Costa Rica. As lines are blurred between what’s fake and reality, this vacation will either be the escape Emily’s been looking for or a heartbreak she doesn’t need.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2024
102 people are currently reading
1024 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Ashford
3 books98 followersHarriet Ashford has been addicted to writing since the fourth grade and has become increasingly serious about it. Her other passion is reading romance and catching that second-hand falling-in-love feeling.
She lives in Houston with her husband, two boys, and a rambunctious blue
heeler. When she’s not reading, writing, or herding the boys, you can find
her embroidering semi-inappropriate messages onto her latest cross-stitch project.
She lives in Houston with her husband, two boys, and a rambunctious blue
heeler. When she’s not reading, writing, or herding the boys, you can find
her embroidering semi-inappropriate messages onto her latest cross-stitch project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
April 8, 2024
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
* Thank you to the author for a copy of this ARC
"Senior-Level Asshole glittered under the chandelier lights. His half grin cracked into that full-on smile he wore so well, little crinkle lines appearing near his eyes. "I think you misspelled senior analyst." "Sorry. No returns. Next!"
I loved, loved, loved this book soooo much!
It helped me get out of a book slump, that's how good it was.
The banter was amazing, the character's were hilarious, the tension was 🔥, and the spice was on point.
It kept me captivated from start to finish.
I loved the realistic family dynamics and relationships and all the crazy shenanigans these two main characters got into.
You get:
• Slow Burn
• Enemies To Lovers
• Contemporary Romance
• Spicy
• Office Romance
• Fake Dating
• You Are Enough
You better go preorder this one now! Will be available for purchase through Amazon on May 6th, 2024.
"I'm not sad to leave," I answered honestly, threading his fingers in mine. It wasn't hard to leave a vacation when your life back home was it's own shade of paradise."
* Thank you to the author for a copy of this ARC
"Senior-Level Asshole glittered under the chandelier lights. His half grin cracked into that full-on smile he wore so well, little crinkle lines appearing near his eyes. "I think you misspelled senior analyst." "Sorry. No returns. Next!"
I loved, loved, loved this book soooo much!
It helped me get out of a book slump, that's how good it was.
The banter was amazing, the character's were hilarious, the tension was 🔥, and the spice was on point.
It kept me captivated from start to finish.
I loved the realistic family dynamics and relationships and all the crazy shenanigans these two main characters got into.
You get:
• Slow Burn
• Enemies To Lovers
• Contemporary Romance
• Spicy
• Office Romance
• Fake Dating
• You Are Enough
You better go preorder this one now! Will be available for purchase through Amazon on May 6th, 2024.
"I'm not sad to leave," I answered honestly, threading his fingers in mine. It wasn't hard to leave a vacation when your life back home was it's own shade of paradise."
August 15, 2025
Reread:
Seriously it’s like reading an Emily Henry or Abby Jiminez!! She’s a freaking STAR!!!! It’s just so good I gobbled it up just like the first time. There comes a point about 1/4 in where you literally couldn’t pry this book out of my hands if you tired. 😆
Original Review:
I loved this book so much!! It just snuck up on me out of nowhere the depth of it all. I thought, oh what a sweet lighthearted rea… next thing I know it’s 2am and I’m sobbing next to my sleeping husband. 🤣
I loved everything about Emily and Beckett. This is a couple that will live rent free in my brain until the day I die. Their banter and chemistry were on point. I relished in the slow burn, and when they FINALLY kissed…. Ohhh buddy
What I especially loved about this book was Emily’s journey of self growth. I love so much how they didn’t just “click”, they made each other better people. They both grew and learned from each other.
Not to mention it has my favorite trope of all time. FAKE DATING!!!
If you like me love fake dating, there’s only one bed, the sudden deep moment, staying up past your bedtime to see if they finally kiss, and witty banter then 100% you should read this book!!!
November 13, 2024
This is not your typical office romance, but an adventure through jungles, down a waterfall, and along beaches. Ten years ago, my husband and I took a trip to Costa Rica and this book brought back all the memories of the beautiful vacation spot and falling in love with my person.
When you meet Beck, the cocky, promotion-stealing man who Emily despises, you are certain you won’t fall for any excuses about why he’s swooped in to ruin her life. But then you hear his reasons and they make sense. And then you get to know more and more about him. It’s impossible to explain all the reasons I fell in love with Beck without giving any spoilers so you’ll just have to see for yourself.
This book is descriptive but not wordy. It has hilarious metaphors, contemporary witticism, and steamy chemistry. Humor and lighthearted banter mix with character flaws and childhood trauma. This book has romantic swirls and sharp edges, tattoos and calligraphy.
I was left wanting more. More stories about Emily & Beck falling in love. More details about their future. More books by Harriet Ashford!
When you meet Beck, the cocky, promotion-stealing man who Emily despises, you are certain you won’t fall for any excuses about why he’s swooped in to ruin her life. But then you hear his reasons and they make sense. And then you get to know more and more about him. It’s impossible to explain all the reasons I fell in love with Beck without giving any spoilers so you’ll just have to see for yourself.
This book is descriptive but not wordy. It has hilarious metaphors, contemporary witticism, and steamy chemistry. Humor and lighthearted banter mix with character flaws and childhood trauma. This book has romantic swirls and sharp edges, tattoos and calligraphy.
I was left wanting more. More stories about Emily & Beck falling in love. More details about their future. More books by Harriet Ashford!
April 11, 2024
How on earth is this Harriet Ashford’s debut novel? It reads like her 10th!! She’s a natural, and I was happy to read this ARC. At times hilarious and at times emotional, this book’s chock full of internal and external conflicts that kept me turning the pages. LOVE!
May 6, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this story! This had great banter that made me laugh out loud, and the sexual tension between Beck and Emily was fireworks! My favorite verbal sparring moment was about their descriptions of each other's choices in music.
Harriet did such a wonderful job with this fresh, beautiful, and romantic story! As I knew it would from following Harriet on social media, the book was full of wit and fun moments that made it such an enjoyable reading experience! Thanks so much for allowing me to read this as an ARC! It was a pleasure!
Harriet did such a wonderful job with this fresh, beautiful, and romantic story! As I knew it would from following Harriet on social media, the book was full of wit and fun moments that made it such an enjoyable reading experience! Thanks so much for allowing me to read this as an ARC! It was a pleasure!
April 2, 2024
This was such a cute romcom and so relatable! As someone who used to work 60+ hours a week at a job that never appreciated my effort and left to pursue creative passions, I could totally relate to Emily. And her relationship with Beck was *chek's kiss*
This is a must-read for fans of office place romance, fake dating, and enemies to lovers!
This is a must-read for fans of office place romance, fake dating, and enemies to lovers!
January 26, 2025
The Trouble With Love And Ink is an absolutely delightfully sweet, funny, cute fake dating romance. I had such a great time reading this one. There is a little spice, not overbearing and the slow burn hit just right! Ashford is amazing at describing the environment without making it lengthy or heavy. It was lighthearted, flowy and just so easy to read. It was original, fun and fresh, it just made my heart happy.
Emily is such a great FMC, lacking confidence and spunk in the beginning, but once she learns to let go and have some fun, it was awesome. I loved her self growth, it was such a strong aspect of this story. Beck was hard to love in the beginning, but impossible not to love by the end. Their chemistry, banter, and jokes were top tier. I loved the pacing of how their relationship evolved, it was perfect.
Overall, this was a great, fun and delightful read. It just made me happy. The writing was great, I can't believe this is a debut. I can't wait to see what Harriet comes up with next
Emily is such a great FMC, lacking confidence and spunk in the beginning, but once she learns to let go and have some fun, it was awesome. I loved her self growth, it was such a strong aspect of this story. Beck was hard to love in the beginning, but impossible not to love by the end. Their chemistry, banter, and jokes were top tier. I loved the pacing of how their relationship evolved, it was perfect.
Overall, this was a great, fun and delightful read. It just made me happy. The writing was great, I can't believe this is a debut. I can't wait to see what Harriet comes up with next
April 10, 2024
The Trouble With Love and Ink
Arc Review
By: Harriet Ashford
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is the first rom com I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. Ashford definitely knows how to make you feel like you’re sitting right there with the main characters. She also isn’t afraid to talk about fears many people have and how a majority of people decide to live their life due to security instead of being happy. There isn’t much spice and it’s for sure a slow burn but it’s worth every second. You’re taken for a ride with some events that happen but it definitely has a happy ending. I would for sure recommend this book to anyone that enjoys rom coms and would love to read more of Ashfords work.
Arc Review
By: Harriet Ashford
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is the first rom com I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. Ashford definitely knows how to make you feel like you’re sitting right there with the main characters. She also isn’t afraid to talk about fears many people have and how a majority of people decide to live their life due to security instead of being happy. There isn’t much spice and it’s for sure a slow burn but it’s worth every second. You’re taken for a ride with some events that happen but it definitely has a happy ending. I would for sure recommend this book to anyone that enjoys rom coms and would love to read more of Ashfords work.
April 8, 2024
Okay, first of all, I will now forever read anything else by Harriet Ashdod. This book was so cute and I want to stay wrapped up in that feeling!
I absolutely loved Emily, she was an amazing character with so much growth over the course of this book. Watching everything unfold with Beck was that much better because he really helped her find the best in herself and I absolutely loved that.
This was such a fun romance book and I loved that so many of my favorite tropes were marked- Enemies to Lovers, forced proximity, fake dating. I loved seeing it all woven together by the end and just adored it.
It takes a lot for me to rate a romance above 4 stars, but this is teetering between 4.5 and 5 stars for me!
I absolutely loved Emily, she was an amazing character with so much growth over the course of this book. Watching everything unfold with Beck was that much better because he really helped her find the best in herself and I absolutely loved that.
This was such a fun romance book and I loved that so many of my favorite tropes were marked- Enemies to Lovers, forced proximity, fake dating. I loved seeing it all woven together by the end and just adored it.
It takes a lot for me to rate a romance above 4 stars, but this is teetering between 4.5 and 5 stars for me!
April 7, 2024
All the stars
This is a debut novel? A DEBUT?! Lord, have mercy I cannot wait to see what comes after this.
First off, I am a sucker for enemies to lovers and fake dating. Like a huge, dumb, sucker. This enemies to lovers is no different. This fake dating is absolutely no different.
Just like Hailey says, Beckett (yes, still Beckett at this point) stole Emily’s job and was making her life miserable. He for sure started out as public enemy #1 with his fancy shirts and shenanigans. As the book goes on you realize how wrong Emily (and maybe yourself) have been about Beck. Ugh the man is tortured and broken yet still so freaking amazing and perfect.
Emily has had it hard all her life and now she plays it safe while her sister throws caution to the wind. Emily gets the chance to try living like Hailey while pretending to BE Hailey and fake dating Beck.
The way Beck (fully Beck at this point) supports Emily and cheers her on and builds her up is just so heartwarming. He doesn’t push. He doesn’t tell her what he thinks she should be doing or how she should be feeling. He just is there. Letting her feel and figure it out.
I had to take a break after chapter 22 to give my heart time to heal and process. I mean, way to flip the script on me. I wasn’t expecting it and I was deviated with Emily and I grieved with her (even though I knew the truth long before the truth was revealed because it still is a romance book).
Very long story short, everyone should read this book and thank you, Harriet, for giving me this ARC so I didn’t have to wait another month to fall in love with Emily and Beck. Thank you for listening to my TED Talk.
This is a debut novel? A DEBUT?! Lord, have mercy I cannot wait to see what comes after this.
First off, I am a sucker for enemies to lovers and fake dating. Like a huge, dumb, sucker. This enemies to lovers is no different. This fake dating is absolutely no different.
Just like Hailey says, Beckett (yes, still Beckett at this point) stole Emily’s job and was making her life miserable. He for sure started out as public enemy #1 with his fancy shirts and shenanigans. As the book goes on you realize how wrong Emily (and maybe yourself) have been about Beck. Ugh the man is tortured and broken yet still so freaking amazing and perfect.
Emily has had it hard all her life and now she plays it safe while her sister throws caution to the wind. Emily gets the chance to try living like Hailey while pretending to BE Hailey and fake dating Beck.
The way Beck (fully Beck at this point) supports Emily and cheers her on and builds her up is just so heartwarming. He doesn’t push. He doesn’t tell her what he thinks she should be doing or how she should be feeling. He just is there. Letting her feel and figure it out.
I had to take a break after chapter 22 to give my heart time to heal and process. I mean, way to flip the script on me. I wasn’t expecting it and I was deviated with Emily and I grieved with her (even though I knew the truth long before the truth was revealed because it still is a romance book).
Very long story short, everyone should read this book and thank you, Harriet, for giving me this ARC so I didn’t have to wait another month to fall in love with Emily and Beck. Thank you for listening to my TED Talk.
February 19, 2025
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 3/5
Ok this book was so cute! It started off a little slow, but it is so worth the burn 😍
The transition from enemies to lovers was so natural! It was such a smooth transition that it felt so realistic
I love Beck and all of his complexities! I almost wish he had his own POV
🌶️: 3/5
Ok this book was so cute! It started off a little slow, but it is so worth the burn 😍
The transition from enemies to lovers was so natural! It was such a smooth transition that it felt so realistic
I love Beck and all of his complexities! I almost wish he had his own POV
April 5, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
What's it like? Steamy like the Costa Rican rain forest
A cozy tropical read! If you're looking for an workplace enemies to lovers, fake dating, hidden identity adventure - this book is for you!
We follow Emily who is a "safe is best" analyst with a passion for calligraphy and Beck who is the competition. After a lot of witty banter between Emily and Beck, they find themselves in a fake dating scenario in Costa Rica.
Between fake identities, steamy club dancing, and shared heart-wrenching pasts...this story has it all.
I absolutely love Beck's character. He is the most golden retriever MMC, and I love him.
Emily is so charming! She has a lot that she deals with from childhood trauma and how she copes, but we get to see her grow and make herself uncomfortable, all to see if she can finally live her life.
This will be a book that I pick up again and again. Rainy days, beach read, comfort read, you name it.
What you can expect:
• enemies to lovers (lite)
• fake dating
• one bed
• "I'll take care of you"
• witty banter
• 🌶️🌶️
Overall: highly recommend!
What's it like? Steamy like the Costa Rican rain forest
A cozy tropical read! If you're looking for an workplace enemies to lovers, fake dating, hidden identity adventure - this book is for you!
We follow Emily who is a "safe is best" analyst with a passion for calligraphy and Beck who is the competition. After a lot of witty banter between Emily and Beck, they find themselves in a fake dating scenario in Costa Rica.
Between fake identities, steamy club dancing, and shared heart-wrenching pasts...this story has it all.
I absolutely love Beck's character. He is the most golden retriever MMC, and I love him.
Emily is so charming! She has a lot that she deals with from childhood trauma and how she copes, but we get to see her grow and make herself uncomfortable, all to see if she can finally live her life.
This will be a book that I pick up again and again. Rainy days, beach read, comfort read, you name it.
What you can expect:
• enemies to lovers (lite)
• fake dating
• one bed
• "I'll take care of you"
• witty banter
• 🌶️🌶️
Overall: highly recommend!
May 6, 2024
I'm not normally one for normal romance stories without fantasy. Though this was a very fun read, it had some great banter between the two main characters and some great adventures and drama. Will definitely be reading more of Harriets books in the future.
November 12, 2024
This adorable rom-com was just what I needed. It has a spunky, relatable female and a yummy male with a make your heart flip love story and just a smidgen of spice. Perfect quick little read to make your heart feel and the warm fuzzies.
February 3, 2025
Emotional, heartwarming, and addicting
This was just the cute romance I needed! It had depth, witty banter, great writing, and a relationship I could root for. Loved the characters and the messages!
This was just the cute romance I needed! It had depth, witty banter, great writing, and a relationship I could root for. Loved the characters and the messages!
May 6, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
♡Beck & Emily♡
I loved this story so much! Beck and Emily won over my heart so fast! Beck was on my bad side at first, but he quickly redeemed himself 🙌 The Trouble With Love and Ink was such a beautifully written book, and I'm impressed it's a debut novel! Some tropes that were in this story are office romance, rom-com, hea😍🙌, slow burn romance, fake dating, fake identity, and some incredibly relatable scenarios! I started reading this during book club, and I could not contain my laughter at all!!! The first couple of chapters had me crying, I was laughing so hard! 🤣🤣 I also cried because some of this story was so damn emotional and heartbreaking😭😭 Overall I absolutely loved this story so, so much, and it will stick with me for a while! 🙌💕💕💕
♡Beck & Emily♡
I loved this story so much! Beck and Emily won over my heart so fast! Beck was on my bad side at first, but he quickly redeemed himself 🙌 The Trouble With Love and Ink was such a beautifully written book, and I'm impressed it's a debut novel! Some tropes that were in this story are office romance, rom-com, hea😍🙌, slow burn romance, fake dating, fake identity, and some incredibly relatable scenarios! I started reading this during book club, and I could not contain my laughter at all!!! The first couple of chapters had me crying, I was laughing so hard! 🤣🤣 I also cried because some of this story was so damn emotional and heartbreaking😭😭 Overall I absolutely loved this story so, so much, and it will stick with me for a while! 🙌💕💕💕
March 31, 2024
This book was completely up my street! It was cute, funny, wholesome and made me feel like it was possible to have a job that you can love. This story included all of my fav tropes like fake dating, workplace romance, enemies to lovers. I adore happy, bubbly books that also have depth to them, with some heart wrenching scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, thank you so much for allowing me an ARC✨✨🫶🏻
June 10, 2024
The Trouble with Love and Ink
Harriet Ashford’s debut novel, The Trouble with Love and Ink, is a must-read! From the beginning, the story captivated me so much that I epically failed my first buddy group read through bookstagram. We were scheduled to read a set number of chapters a day, but I couldn’t stop as I was fully immersed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel's FMC Emily and the MMC, Beckett. The banter between these characters is perfection and I don’t think I have ever highlighted so many quotes as I have with this book. Another aspect I love about this novel is how the relationship between the FMC and the MMC is written. The relationship unfolds over time, and you can see the foundation built from enemies to friends to lovers. The story allows you to feel how their connection grows, through each interaction, and ultimately, how together they bring out the best in each other. I experienced a range of emotions while reading this story, I had moments where I was laughing out loud and others where I was shedding a few tears, both sad and happy.
I truly enjoyed The Trouble with Love and Ink and highly recommend reading this story💕
Quotes:
“When it all boiled down, wasn’t that what everyone needed? An anchor when life tore at you with hurricane-force winds, ripping the shingles off your sanity and security. Someone to say, I’m not letting you go. No matter how ugly things get.”
“Sometimes you just have to jump and hope for the best.”
“It’s like my music but declawed and neutered.”
Harriet Ashford’s debut novel, The Trouble with Love and Ink, is a must-read! From the beginning, the story captivated me so much that I epically failed my first buddy group read through bookstagram. We were scheduled to read a set number of chapters a day, but I couldn’t stop as I was fully immersed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel's FMC Emily and the MMC, Beckett. The banter between these characters is perfection and I don’t think I have ever highlighted so many quotes as I have with this book. Another aspect I love about this novel is how the relationship between the FMC and the MMC is written. The relationship unfolds over time, and you can see the foundation built from enemies to friends to lovers. The story allows you to feel how their connection grows, through each interaction, and ultimately, how together they bring out the best in each other. I experienced a range of emotions while reading this story, I had moments where I was laughing out loud and others where I was shedding a few tears, both sad and happy.
I truly enjoyed The Trouble with Love and Ink and highly recommend reading this story💕
Quotes:
“When it all boiled down, wasn’t that what everyone needed? An anchor when life tore at you with hurricane-force winds, ripping the shingles off your sanity and security. Someone to say, I’m not letting you go. No matter how ugly things get.”
“Sometimes you just have to jump and hope for the best.”
“It’s like my music but declawed and neutered.”
June 11, 2024
Harriet Ashford’s "The Trouble with Love and Ink" is an absolute gem! From the very first page, I was hooked on Emily Lane’s journey from a frustrating office dilemma to an enchanting calligraphy adventure. Emily's character is wonderfully relatable, and her escapades as she tries to take on the life that her sister has outlined for her brings both laughter and heartfelt moments.
The chemistry between Emily and Beckett (aka Beck A.)—her office rival turned fake date—is electric. Ashford beautifully blurred the lines between fake and real, making you root for their evolving relationship every step of the way. The Costa Rican setting adds an exotic backdrop that enhances the romance and excitement. Can we say sloths and scorpions?
I absolutely loved the growth of the characters throughout the book. The author dove into the complexity of their stories, showing how our past influences our thoughts and actions. Emily and Beck's journey illustrated the importance of overcoming past insecurities and experiences to become the best version of ourselves. By letting go of what holds them back, the characters are able to fully embrace their lives and lean into their true selves.
The plot twists and turns with perfect pacing, keeping you eagerly turning pages. The blend of humor, romance, a bit of snarkiness with catchy phrases and the unique element of calligraphy work makes this novel stand out in the best way possible. "The Trouble with Love and Ink" is a delightful escape that leaves you smiling long after the last page. I highly recommend!
The chemistry between Emily and Beckett (aka Beck A.)—her office rival turned fake date—is electric. Ashford beautifully blurred the lines between fake and real, making you root for their evolving relationship every step of the way. The Costa Rican setting adds an exotic backdrop that enhances the romance and excitement. Can we say sloths and scorpions?
I absolutely loved the growth of the characters throughout the book. The author dove into the complexity of their stories, showing how our past influences our thoughts and actions. Emily and Beck's journey illustrated the importance of overcoming past insecurities and experiences to become the best version of ourselves. By letting go of what holds them back, the characters are able to fully embrace their lives and lean into their true selves.
The plot twists and turns with perfect pacing, keeping you eagerly turning pages. The blend of humor, romance, a bit of snarkiness with catchy phrases and the unique element of calligraphy work makes this novel stand out in the best way possible. "The Trouble with Love and Ink" is a delightful escape that leaves you smiling long after the last page. I highly recommend!
October 27, 2025
5 ☆'s
Did I expect this to make me cry? No.
Did I cry? Absolutely.
How is this a debut novel? Incredible. It is so well written and had this absolutely heartbreaking moment that did color the latter half of the book (not in a bad way, but more so in an incredibly human way).
The characters were written in such a way that they are just so human and easy to connect with. I didn't love the third act break-up, but it makes sense within the storyline. I will probably always be upset about a third act break-up, so that's more a me thing. This one really did make sense to happen within the storyline and didn't feel forced. I love the characters of Emily and Beckett and seeing them as they got to know one another and as they grew together. It's a slow burn, but I loved that in this story because it gave us so much more time to watch them falling for each other. I really enjoyed seeing Emily push herself to pursue her passions and trying things that were outside of her normal choices. It really felt like we got to see her come into her own and to the place where she was meant to be all along.
I can't believe it took me so long to jump into this novel. The writing and story were both fantastic. I highly highly recommend it.
Did I expect this to make me cry? No.
Did I cry? Absolutely.
How is this a debut novel? Incredible. It is so well written and had this absolutely heartbreaking moment that did color the latter half of the book (not in a bad way, but more so in an incredibly human way).
The characters were written in such a way that they are just so human and easy to connect with. I didn't love the third act break-up, but it makes sense within the storyline. I will probably always be upset about a third act break-up, so that's more a me thing. This one really did make sense to happen within the storyline and didn't feel forced. I love the characters of Emily and Beckett and seeing them as they got to know one another and as they grew together. It's a slow burn, but I loved that in this story because it gave us so much more time to watch them falling for each other. I really enjoyed seeing Emily push herself to pursue her passions and trying things that were outside of her normal choices. It really felt like we got to see her come into her own and to the place where she was meant to be all along.
I can't believe it took me so long to jump into this novel. The writing and story were both fantastic. I highly highly recommend it.
May 7, 2024
This was such a great book!!! I loved it so,so much!!
This was a fun contemporary romance with everything I needed at the moment! Everything was just so perfect!
I personally never really liked romcoms that much but it was so well done! I honestly had like zero complaints and you all can now consider me as Harriet’s devoted fan!
I loved Emily and Beckett soooo muchhh! Their banter was so good! You can literally feel their chemistry as you read. And slow burn was just as good! 😭💕
I loved all the characters in this book! I loved their stories and development! This was definitely a treat to read and I’m all here for it!
If you love office romance, fake dating, enemies to lovers, I’m sure you’re gonna love this! 100% recommended!
This was a fun contemporary romance with everything I needed at the moment! Everything was just so perfect!
I personally never really liked romcoms that much but it was so well done! I honestly had like zero complaints and you all can now consider me as Harriet’s devoted fan!
I loved Emily and Beckett soooo muchhh! Their banter was so good! You can literally feel their chemistry as you read. And slow burn was just as good! 😭💕
I loved all the characters in this book! I loved their stories and development! This was definitely a treat to read and I’m all here for it!
If you love office romance, fake dating, enemies to lovers, I’m sure you’re gonna love this! 100% recommended!
May 6, 2024
Read this if you like:
✨enemies to lovers
✨fake dating
✨banter
✨workplace romance
I absolutely loved this book! Emily and Beck were just an incredible couple. They had tension and banter that was SO good you could feel it in your bones.
I personally connected with Emily so much. Her need for control was so relatable for me 🫠 and I loved how she was portrayed and her character arc is one of my favorites.
This book was just so good, I really have no complaints. Well-written, laugh out loud funny, got me teary eyed a couple of times.
Thank you to the author and @haylingbookstorm for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
✨enemies to lovers
✨fake dating
✨banter
✨workplace romance
I absolutely loved this book! Emily and Beck were just an incredible couple. They had tension and banter that was SO good you could feel it in your bones.
I personally connected with Emily so much. Her need for control was so relatable for me 🫠 and I loved how she was portrayed and her character arc is one of my favorites.
This book was just so good, I really have no complaints. Well-written, laugh out loud funny, got me teary eyed a couple of times.
Thank you to the author and @haylingbookstorm for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 5, 2024
4.5 rounded up
Have you ever had a job you're good at, but it eats away at your soul every day? Emily has that job answering support requests. And the promotion promised her just went to an outside hire. And every interaction she has with the hot newcomer just makes her angrier. Now her sister's off living her dreams leaving Emily to finish the rest of the wedding calligraphic tasks for her sister's company. And now she's stuck owing a favor to that hot newcomer. If you're hooked by now, I know I was and the story just keeps getting better. Charming and engaging story!
Have you ever had a job you're good at, but it eats away at your soul every day? Emily has that job answering support requests. And the promotion promised her just went to an outside hire. And every interaction she has with the hot newcomer just makes her angrier. Now her sister's off living her dreams leaving Emily to finish the rest of the wedding calligraphic tasks for her sister's company. And now she's stuck owing a favor to that hot newcomer. If you're hooked by now, I know I was and the story just keeps getting better. Charming and engaging story!
June 10, 2024
What did Harriett put in this book to make me keep flipping pages?!
Witty banter?
Swoon worthy moment?
A MMC who falls hard?
A FMC who grows through the book?
Slowwwww burn?
Yes to alllll. It was a recipe for success!
I’ll be honestly, Ioved Emily from page 1. I love control, I love safety, and I just related to her need for control. She wanted stability. I felt her.
ENTER BECK.
Y’all. Emily and Beck’s banter was just ✨perfect✨
I don’t want to give away the book, but I’ll just let you Beck is one of my favorite male characters I’ve read about!
Such a great book!
Witty banter?
Swoon worthy moment?
A MMC who falls hard?
A FMC who grows through the book?
Slowwwww burn?
Yes to alllll. It was a recipe for success!
I’ll be honestly, Ioved Emily from page 1. I love control, I love safety, and I just related to her need for control. She wanted stability. I felt her.
ENTER BECK.
Y’all. Emily and Beck’s banter was just ✨perfect✨
I don’t want to give away the book, but I’ll just let you Beck is one of my favorite male characters I’ve read about!
Such a great book!
January 14, 2025
This was a light, sweet, and slightly emotional (because of relatability as an overthinker who has gone through corporate burnout) romcom. A slow-burn done right with hilarious banter, chemistry, and character growth.
Both Emily and Beck were amazing characters who went through so much in their childhoods and grew so much throughout this book. I loved how they both let down their defenses, opened up about their pasts, and encouraged each other to step out of their comfort zones to be bolder and happier. They grew and learned together, and made each other a better version of themselves.
Both Emily and Beck were amazing characters who went through so much in their childhoods and grew so much throughout this book. I loved how they both let down their defenses, opened up about their pasts, and encouraged each other to step out of their comfort zones to be bolder and happier. They grew and learned together, and made each other a better version of themselves.
April 7, 2024
What a sweet book! I loved the characters; they felt so real. I loved Emily and Beck; their chemistry, their banter, and their depth. While the book was hilarious and light, it also had deeper moments, personal revelations and growth. I’m so proud of Emily’s growth, and so happy with the HEA.
🖋️ enemies to lovers
🖋️ fake dating
🖋️ slow burn
🖋️ forced proximity
🖋️ office romance
🖋️ steamy
🖋️ tropical vacation
🖋️ childhood traumas
Harriet is a wonderful writer; I loved her prose, wit, and developed story. This was an AMAZING debut book and I can’t wait for Harriet’s next work!
Pub Date: 5/06/24
Thank you to the author Harriet Ashford and HaylingBookstorm PR for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
🖋️ enemies to lovers
🖋️ fake dating
🖋️ slow burn
🖋️ forced proximity
🖋️ office romance
🖋️ steamy
🖋️ tropical vacation
🖋️ childhood traumas
Harriet is a wonderful writer; I loved her prose, wit, and developed story. This was an AMAZING debut book and I can’t wait for Harriet’s next work!
Pub Date: 5/06/24
Thank you to the author Harriet Ashford and HaylingBookstorm PR for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2024
Tropes Featured: Slow burn, Fake dating, He falls first, Office romance, Enemies to lovers
Final Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
I love love LOVE this book. This slow burn, lighthearted romcom was so refreshing! Emily and Beck start off in what seems to be your typical workplace rivalry (albeit mainly one-sided) turned romance, but this novel is anything but expected. Their relationship is SO freaking cute and I found myself swooning for Beck on many occasions😩. The love between Emily and Beck transverses countries, taking us on a journey to Costa Rica where we really start to see the chemistry build. The beachy atmosphere, the jungle ambiance, everything was felt so clearly while reading - making you feel like you’re there with them. The novel is descriptive, without being over-the-top wordy. The characters have depth- I especially loved Emily’s journey of self-growth throughout this novel and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have me reflecting on my own life choices. I loved how supportive Beck was, always encouraging and pushing Emily to be the best version of herself that she can be. UGH I could gush about this book forever, my only complaint being that it wasn’t longer bc I NEED more Beck and Emily😭💙.
All I am saying is I CANNOT WAIT for more by Harriet Ashford! She really proved herself with this one (I seriously can’t believe this is her debut- its just SO good!!)! Please do yourself a favor and read this as soon as it releases!
P.S. I absolutely LOVED all of the southeast Texas nuggets! If you’re a Texas girly, you’ll feel right at home while reading this one! I know I did!
Final Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
I love love LOVE this book. This slow burn, lighthearted romcom was so refreshing! Emily and Beck start off in what seems to be your typical workplace rivalry (albeit mainly one-sided) turned romance, but this novel is anything but expected. Their relationship is SO freaking cute and I found myself swooning for Beck on many occasions😩. The love between Emily and Beck transverses countries, taking us on a journey to Costa Rica where we really start to see the chemistry build. The beachy atmosphere, the jungle ambiance, everything was felt so clearly while reading - making you feel like you’re there with them. The novel is descriptive, without being over-the-top wordy. The characters have depth- I especially loved Emily’s journey of self-growth throughout this novel and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have me reflecting on my own life choices. I loved how supportive Beck was, always encouraging and pushing Emily to be the best version of herself that she can be. UGH I could gush about this book forever, my only complaint being that it wasn’t longer bc I NEED more Beck and Emily😭💙.
All I am saying is I CANNOT WAIT for more by Harriet Ashford! She really proved herself with this one (I seriously can’t believe this is her debut- its just SO good!!)! Please do yourself a favor and read this as soon as it releases!
P.S. I absolutely LOVED all of the southeast Texas nuggets! If you’re a Texas girly, you’ll feel right at home while reading this one! I know I did!
August 4, 2024
cute quick read about a girl named emily who processes workflows and hates her job so much and was passed up on a promotion that probably would have made her more miserable but still. feels fitting for me
January 27, 2025
ink in love
A beautiful Rom-com with great laughs, emotional touches and character development. Not only is Harriet’s work brilliant but she’s also an Htown girly who needs our love and support.
A beautiful Rom-com with great laughs, emotional touches and character development. Not only is Harriet’s work brilliant but she’s also an Htown girly who needs our love and support.
February 19, 2025
Such a cute, short, fun read. The enemies to lovers was done very well. The spice was a great amount.
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