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Keep Your Enemy Closer #1
Partner Material
Andrew Markman and I are workplace rivals. Enemies. Being forced to share an office with him is torture…but so is realizing there’s more to him than I thought.
Andrew is rich, hot, and everything I hate. Sharp jaw and even sharper wit. I’m the underdog to his good ol’ boy confidence, and he’s been my nemesis for seven hateful years.
I steal his best client, so he poaches mine. He needles me, so I undermine him. Business as usual, right?
Wrong.
We have one month to share an office and learn to coexist.
Each of us will do anything to beat the other to that coveted partner spot. His arrogance makes me crazy, and my smart mouth makes him see red. But if we can’t get along, we’re both getting fired.
Surviving weeks in close quarters with my smoking hot rival? No problem. I play to win.
Sure, we were friends once…and he’s too handsome to resist.
But this is still a competition, and he’s not partner material. I am.
Andrew is rich, hot, and everything I hate. Sharp jaw and even sharper wit. I’m the underdog to his good ol’ boy confidence, and he’s been my nemesis for seven hateful years.
I steal his best client, so he poaches mine. He needles me, so I undermine him. Business as usual, right?
Wrong.
We have one month to share an office and learn to coexist.
Each of us will do anything to beat the other to that coveted partner spot. His arrogance makes me crazy, and my smart mouth makes him see red. But if we can’t get along, we’re both getting fired.
Surviving weeks in close quarters with my smoking hot rival? No problem. I play to win.
Sure, we were friends once…and he’s too handsome to resist.
But this is still a competition, and he’s not partner material. I am.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2023
315 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Travers
6 books270 followersSophia Travers has been reading romance novels for as long as she can remember (sorry, Mom, for stealing all those books and hiding them under the bed). Ever since she discovered that writing romance is just as addicting as reading it, she's been populating fictional worlds with smitten heroes and ambitious heroines. She loves enemies to lovers, second chances, heroines who know what they want, and lots and lots of angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 8, 2024
Didn’t enjoy it as much as One rich revenge from the same author. Still good, but with more annoying characters. They mistrust one another until the very end and I didn’t care much about them getting back together or not 😕
June 7, 2023
Really good book but...
I really enjoyed this book. The only issue I had were some minor editing problems, but it wasn't even enough to take a star away.
I really enjoyed this book. The only issue I had were some minor editing problems, but it wasn't even enough to take a star away.
June 1, 2023
This story takes readers on a thrilling journey of workplace rivalry turned unexpected romance. With its interesting characters, snappy dialogue, and simmering chemistry, this book delivers an entertaining blend of tension, passion, and self-discovery.
The story revolves around Margo and Andrew, two workplace adversaries who find themselves sharing an office for an entire month. Their relationship is fueled by seven years of competitive animosity, as they constantly try to one-up each other in the cutthroat world they inhabit. Margo, the underdog, is determined to prove herself as the ultimate partner candidate, but Andrew's good looks and sharp wit make it challenging for her to focus solely on their professional rivalry.
Travers masterfully portrays the complex dynamics between Margo and Andrew, infusing their interactions with equal measures of animosity and attraction. The banter between them crackles with tension, adding an exciting layer to their professional rivalry. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to moments of vulnerability and emotional struggles, giving depth to their characters and making them more relatable.
The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with Travers deftly navigating between the competitive workplace setting and the blossoming romance. The stakes are high as Margo and Andrew navigate the challenges of their shared office space, knowing that their careers hang in the balance. Travers captures the tension and pressure of their situation, keeping readers hooked and invested in their story.
However, the book does suffer slightly from predictability in certain aspects. Some readers may find the progression of the romance arc to be predictable, adhering to well-established romance novel tropes. Nevertheless, Travers manages to inject enough twists and surprises to keep the story engaging and enjoyable.
All in all, this book is an entertaining romance novel that will delight fans of the genre. Sophia Travers skillfully weaves together a tale of rivalry and romance in the workplace. With its engaging characters, snappy dialogue, and heartfelt moments, this book is an enjoyable and satisfying read for anyone seeking a captivating blend of passion and self-discovery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story revolves around Margo and Andrew, two workplace adversaries who find themselves sharing an office for an entire month. Their relationship is fueled by seven years of competitive animosity, as they constantly try to one-up each other in the cutthroat world they inhabit. Margo, the underdog, is determined to prove herself as the ultimate partner candidate, but Andrew's good looks and sharp wit make it challenging for her to focus solely on their professional rivalry.
Travers masterfully portrays the complex dynamics between Margo and Andrew, infusing their interactions with equal measures of animosity and attraction. The banter between them crackles with tension, adding an exciting layer to their professional rivalry. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to moments of vulnerability and emotional struggles, giving depth to their characters and making them more relatable.
The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with Travers deftly navigating between the competitive workplace setting and the blossoming romance. The stakes are high as Margo and Andrew navigate the challenges of their shared office space, knowing that their careers hang in the balance. Travers captures the tension and pressure of their situation, keeping readers hooked and invested in their story.
However, the book does suffer slightly from predictability in certain aspects. Some readers may find the progression of the romance arc to be predictable, adhering to well-established romance novel tropes. Nevertheless, Travers manages to inject enough twists and surprises to keep the story engaging and enjoyable.
All in all, this book is an entertaining romance novel that will delight fans of the genre. Sophia Travers skillfully weaves together a tale of rivalry and romance in the workplace. With its engaging characters, snappy dialogue, and heartfelt moments, this book is an enjoyable and satisfying read for anyone seeking a captivating blend of passion and self-discovery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
1st reading: Well written prose, but there are a lot of typos (mostly missing or repeated words, occasionally incorrect or misused words); there are even a few continuity errors (e.g., someone standing up, and then the person stands up again three sentences later). I think this may be evidence of this book's being the author's first, and the editing or proofreading simply isn't up to par with that in her later works. The plot is predictable, but there are subplots to keep it interesting. The main characters are well-developed and demonstrate growth over the course of the novel.
Andrew and Margo are senior associates at a law firm and have known each other for several years; they started out as office mates and good friends, but about a year into the friendship things changed drastically. They've spent the past seven years as bitter rivals, and now that they're both in the running for making partner (to the other's loss), their managers are forcing them to share an office as they work together on a huge deal that could make or break their futures at the firm. As they spend time together, they remember how things used to be between them, and secrets start to come out...
This is one of those stories where poor communication is one of the major sources of conflict between the couple, but this is more organic and less contrived than many such stories I've read. These two have spent years at each other's throats, believing the worst, so even after they start falling for each other, mistrust and misunderstanding is a force of habit. They also both have trouble recognizing their own worth, one because his parents are so cold, the other because she feels like an outsider.
The inevitable third act breakup is deliciously painful. Again, it's caused by poor communication, which tends to irritate the crap out of me, as it's usually such an overused and badly conceived plot device; but again, the setup with these two characters, their back story and personalities, it's completely believable, to the point that it's difficult for the reader to see how they will ever find their way back to each other (even though you know they will).
An excellent first effort from this author.
Andrew and Margo are senior associates at a law firm and have known each other for several years; they started out as office mates and good friends, but about a year into the friendship things changed drastically. They've spent the past seven years as bitter rivals, and now that they're both in the running for making partner (to the other's loss), their managers are forcing them to share an office as they work together on a huge deal that could make or break their futures at the firm. As they spend time together, they remember how things used to be between them, and secrets start to come out...
This is one of those stories where poor communication is one of the major sources of conflict between the couple, but this is more organic and less contrived than many such stories I've read. These two have spent years at each other's throats, believing the worst, so even after they start falling for each other, mistrust and misunderstanding is a force of habit. They also both have trouble recognizing their own worth, one because his parents are so cold, the other because she feels like an outsider.
The inevitable third act breakup is deliciously painful. Again, it's caused by poor communication, which tends to irritate the crap out of me, as it's usually such an overused and badly conceived plot device; but again, the setup with these two characters, their back story and personalities, it's completely believable, to the point that it's difficult for the reader to see how they will ever find their way back to each other (even though you know they will).
An excellent first effort from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
It was fine…
I like Sophia Travers books. I fell down a rabbit hole of them and had enjoyed the fall, except, this one missed the mark for me.
Pros: I loved the push/pull of the lead characters and the slow burn. Travers’ way of building the anticipation is excellent. You breeze through the book on the edge of your seat because you are so eager to get the two main characters together. I enjoy the arc of the story and how she builds it to a breaking point. Very well done.
Cons: This book, unlike her others, had a lot of grammar errors. I also felt like there were parts of the story that were rushed and details that were missing. For example, the first time this couple gets together as soon as he finishes, the next scene starts with no transition. The part where Andrew sets her up for success in the end is rushed and confusing. And the part where the other attorney wants to hit on her makes zero sense because details are missing. I get Andrew wanting to protect her, but there needs to be a proper set up and details. That part of the story seemed like an afterthought.
Overall, the book was fine, but she has better books out there. I am going to take a break from her books and swing back around to them at a later date.
I like Sophia Travers books. I fell down a rabbit hole of them and had enjoyed the fall, except, this one missed the mark for me.
Pros: I loved the push/pull of the lead characters and the slow burn. Travers’ way of building the anticipation is excellent. You breeze through the book on the edge of your seat because you are so eager to get the two main characters together. I enjoy the arc of the story and how she builds it to a breaking point. Very well done.
Cons: This book, unlike her others, had a lot of grammar errors. I also felt like there were parts of the story that were rushed and details that were missing. For example, the first time this couple gets together as soon as he finishes, the next scene starts with no transition. The part where Andrew sets her up for success in the end is rushed and confusing. And the part where the other attorney wants to hit on her makes zero sense because details are missing. I get Andrew wanting to protect her, but there needs to be a proper set up and details. That part of the story seemed like an afterthought.
Overall, the book was fine, but she has better books out there. I am going to take a break from her books and swing back around to them at a later date.
August 23, 2025
Dual POV, 1st person, MF | lawyer, rivals to lovers, forced proximity, class difference
Margo and Andrew used to be friends but after a perceived betrayal they have been rivals at the law firm for 7 years. When their rivalry antics jeopardizes a client relationship the partners forced them to share an office and work on a deal together. They are vying for the same partner slot as well. It is revealed very quickly from Andrew’s POV that he’s been in love with her the whole time. Meanwhile Margo is attracted to him but can never get past her rich boy prejudices. It gets super frustrating when Margo continually drops him for misunderstandings and Andrew just immediately forgives her. Margo is supposed to be a brilliant lawyer but can somehow never figure out why Andrew may be doing something that is not screwing her over. The last straw was her thinking he applied to another firm to block her from getting a job there but also he was definitely getting partner at the current firm too?? Everything ends up working out in the end but is resolved way too cleanly for all the drama leading up to it.
Margo and Andrew used to be friends but after a perceived betrayal they have been rivals at the law firm for 7 years. When their rivalry antics jeopardizes a client relationship the partners forced them to share an office and work on a deal together. They are vying for the same partner slot as well. It is revealed very quickly from Andrew’s POV that he’s been in love with her the whole time. Meanwhile Margo is attracted to him but can never get past her rich boy prejudices. It gets super frustrating when Margo continually drops him for misunderstandings and Andrew just immediately forgives her. Margo is supposed to be a brilliant lawyer but can somehow never figure out why Andrew may be doing something that is not screwing her over. The last straw was her thinking he applied to another firm to block her from getting a job there but also he was definitely getting partner at the current firm too?? Everything ends up working out in the end but is resolved way too cleanly for all the drama leading up to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
3.75 - 4.0
I liked the fun banter and slow burn but it got a little too repetitive. The characters and storyline were mostly good, and the writing was good. But the going from love, back to hate and distrust, then back to love again did not flow well. I guess it just didn’t make that much sense to me and that part could have been better written or thought out, IMO. I also thought it was odd that he loved her for so long without anything changing. Just seemed too long to be really believable. But, overall it was a good read and I recommend it as a steamy enemies to lovers story.
I liked the fun banter and slow burn but it got a little too repetitive. The characters and storyline were mostly good, and the writing was good. But the going from love, back to hate and distrust, then back to love again did not flow well. I guess it just didn’t make that much sense to me and that part could have been better written or thought out, IMO. I also thought it was odd that he loved her for so long without anything changing. Just seemed too long to be really believable. But, overall it was a good read and I recommend it as a steamy enemies to lovers story.
January 31, 2024
Your perfect enemies to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity. I loved the writing, the banter, the hate they spewed for one another. But a bit of miscommunication, it’s the thinking the same thing but doing polar opposites and you’re just begging them to say what they are thinking out loud. But the spice, is spicy. There’s definitely lots of melting good girl moments. Another great Sophia story, only thing bad I will say, there was a few grammar mistakes. But the sorry was great.
December 13, 2024
good story, hard to follow
This was a good story, but the beginning had so much legal jargon that was hard to follow if you don’t know. There were so many errors that an editor should have caught which I made it through. I read her Kings Lane series first, which was much better, however, I will still move on to the next book in this series as well! Love the characters and the story, just really had a hard time with so much legal jargon.
This was a good story, but the beginning had so much legal jargon that was hard to follow if you don’t know. There were so many errors that an editor should have caught which I made it through. I read her Kings Lane series first, which was much better, however, I will still move on to the next book in this series as well! Love the characters and the story, just really had a hard time with so much legal jargon.
June 2, 2023
Partner Material by Sophia Travers is a good, and enjoyable steamy billionaire opposites attract rivals to lovers Office enemies to lovers second chance romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, interesting, with snappy dialogue, and they have good simmering chemistry. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2024
4 stars
* Hero(s) - 4/5
* Heroine(s) - 5/5
* Secondary Characters - 4/5
* Plot/Storyline - 4/5
* Romance/Steam - 4/5
* Drama/Conflict/Angst - 4/5
* Worldbuilding/Atmosphere - 4/5
* Writing Style - 4/5
This review is based on my personal preferences and the rating reflects how much I enjoyed reading this book.
* Hero(s) - 4/5
* Heroine(s) - 5/5
* Secondary Characters - 4/5
* Plot/Storyline - 4/5
* Romance/Steam - 4/5
* Drama/Conflict/Angst - 4/5
* Worldbuilding/Atmosphere - 4/5
* Writing Style - 4/5
This review is based on my personal preferences and the rating reflects how much I enjoyed reading this book.
November 16, 2025
Okay this tried to be The Hating Game and Spanish Love Deception (which I both disliked) but it wasn't. The emotional whiplash was crazy because they went from one chapter wanting to be together to "hating" each other the next and back again with no development. It was shallow, and not as linear as the author's other work.
did-not-finish
January 18, 2026DNF after 31%
The plot had potential but it was ruined by the annoying and childish characters. I'm sorry if your job is my important than your friendship/relationship you really don't deserve to be together. And their "war" really seemed to be extremely toxic and not in a cute way. More in a "It's ruining my life" way
The plot had potential but it was ruined by the annoying and childish characters. I'm sorry if your job is my important than your friendship/relationship you really don't deserve to be together. And their "war" really seemed to be extremely toxic and not in a cute way. More in a "It's ruining my life" way
June 1, 2023
Partner Material is a hot, fun read that will have your hormones on fire.
A fun storyline that will keep you entertained and having you coming back for more. Making the banter oh so much more fun!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fun storyline that will keep you entertained and having you coming back for more. Making the banter oh so much more fun!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2023
This is my first Sophia Travers novel, and I wasn't disappointed. Delightfully hot and steamy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Will read more from this author!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2023
Andrew is everything she claims to hate, rich, hot and has a way with words. She steals his best clients and he poaches hers but what happens when they are forced to join each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2023
for me
This book was eh. It took me forever to finish. I got so bored and couldn’t read it for weeks. It starts out good but the middle kind of drags a lot. It wasn’t bad but not good. It was eh. The couple had cute moments. But overall wasn’t a big fan. 2/5
This book was eh. It took me forever to finish. I got so bored and couldn’t read it for weeks. It starts out good but the middle kind of drags a lot. It wasn’t bad but not good. It was eh. The couple had cute moments. But overall wasn’t a big fan. 2/5
May 6, 2024
From the get-go, this book screamed enemies to lovers and I knewwww shit was going to go down! Being introduced to Margo, the country girl who wanted to make it big in the city, and Andrew, who grew up with a wealthy family that wanted to prove himself. I cannot fathom to you how their rivalry and the absolute HATRED that they had towards each other was EVERYTHING. It made me cackle, especially when they got caught, and ended up having particular consequences… *smirk*.
But with the hatred, also came the underlying tension, and we cannot say that we don’t love a good moment of hate filled passion. Cause that shit makes it better. Not only that, but to get to reveal both of their pasts, seeing them rekindle, and for them to discover what lies below is just magical. You can see it so clearly, but of course neither of them make it fucking easy. Do they?
However, as they say, love and hate can be both sides of the same coin, and that could not be truer for Margo and Andrew. Their chemistry filled with hate, but also their love was just the perfect amount, and their ending was just what we needed. I loved this book, and I cannot wait for the next one, diving into Jason and Cynthia!
But with the hatred, also came the underlying tension, and we cannot say that we don’t love a good moment of hate filled passion. Cause that shit makes it better. Not only that, but to get to reveal both of their pasts, seeing them rekindle, and for them to discover what lies below is just magical. You can see it so clearly, but of course neither of them make it fucking easy. Do they?
However, as they say, love and hate can be both sides of the same coin, and that could not be truer for Margo and Andrew. Their chemistry filled with hate, but also their love was just the perfect amount, and their ending was just what we needed. I loved this book, and I cannot wait for the next one, diving into Jason and Cynthia!
April 23, 2025
it was good
It was a good book however I felt it getting boring towards the end and I don’t know why, but anyways it still was a good book. I liked it all the way up until the end of the book.
It was a good book however I felt it getting boring towards the end and I don’t know why, but anyways it still was a good book. I liked it all the way up until the end of the book.
July 31, 2025
Fun, light read but pretty similar to The Hating Game. There were typos and sometimes I felt like an entire chapter was missing, so an editorial review wouldn’t have hurt. Towards the end it felt rushed but overall I enjoyed it.
June 7, 2023
Just good not great. The animosity between these two was over the top but the chemistry was off the charts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2023
This was a funny read. The way they kept stealing each others clients. I loved the plot idea. An enjoyable read. What happens we two people can’t get along and now are suddenly forced to?
July 15, 2023
A few typos, but I love a good (fr)enemies to lovers story and this was definitely a entertaining, sexy one 🥰👍
Now I'm waiting for Cynthia's book. 👏🏻
Now I'm waiting for Cynthia's book. 👏🏻
May 1, 2024
I liked the story but there were so many mistakes throughout the book (ereader) that I was embarrassed for the writer. Whoever was supposed to Proffit read this book slept through the pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
It was ok. Didn’t hook me like I was hoping and I wish the spicy scenes were a bit more spicy - they felt rushed and short.
January 6, 2025
I liked it but it was hard
I mean, it is a nice book but at times it was notentertaining me enough. But i blame that on me. Good read.
I mean, it is a nice book but at times it was notentertaining me enough. But i blame that on me. Good read.
July 16, 2025
DNF at 77%. Similar to The Hating Game but not as good.
August 3, 2025
Editing and miscommunication
August 6, 2025
4.5⭐ Probably should be rated a 4 but I enjoyed the banter so much that I'm willing to overlook the classic miscommunication issues at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews