M.S. Novaes’ Do What I Say is a sharp, emotionally layered take on workplace romance that leans into the tension, confusion, and complexity that comes with mixing business and personal lives. Set in the fast-paced, image-conscious world of corporate life, the novel centers on a tangled love triangle between three colleagues navigating their desires, ambitions, and the unspoken rules of power in the workplace.
The story immediately drops readers into an environment where hierarchy, ambition, and ego collide. It doesn’t romanticize the office setting; instead, it uses it as a stage for exploring deeper themes—emotional manipulation, self-worth, career identity, and the fine line between loyalty and self-preservation. The romance isn’t just about stolen glances or forbidden meetings—it’s about the choices people make when personal vulnerability meets professional risk.
What makes the book especially engaging is Novaes’ character work. The protagonists aren’t painted in black and white. They’re flawed, conflicted, and very human. There’s a rawness in how they speak and react to one another, particularly in scenes where emotions boil over and masks drop. These aren’t just archetypes; they’re people grappling with love, control, and consequences in real time.
The narrative flows easily, with well-paced chapters that balance internal monologues and dialogue. The tension—both romantic and emotional—builds gradually, keeping readers hooked not just on who ends up with whom, but how each character evolves through the process. And while the romantic triangle is central, the novel also carves out space to explore individual growth. One character’s journey toward setting boundaries, another’s battle with vulnerability, another’s misuse of influence—these arcs elevate the book beyond a typical office fling.
Novaes also deserves credit for handling power dynamics with care. There’s nuance in how the story addresses imbalances in status and influence, especially in how attraction can be complicated by authority. It’s an honest depiction that doesn’t shy away from discomfort, yet avoids sensationalism.
Overall, Do What I Say is more than a romance. It’s a smart, emotionally charged story about how love and ambition can coexist—and collide—in the most personal ways. Fans of contemporary romance who want a little more grit, realism, and introspection with their drama will find this novel both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Verdict: A compelling, character-driven romance with real emotional depth. Not just for fans of love triangles, but for anyone who enjoys layered relationship stories that reflect the gray areas of real life.