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I See Red
They say love is blind. But what if all you can see is red?
Fresh off a breakup and wanting to leave the memory of her ex behind, Alex Sharpe is finally ready to move back home. When a slot opens up at the LA office of The Sharpe Agency, it’s exactly what they need to leave New York after 17 years. The advertising firm is owned by their father, but Alex is no nepo baby. They’ve earned every step of their career while refusing to use the family name or accepting any family money. Currently crashing with their baby sister while apartment hunting, the plan is work hard, stay focused, and rebuild. But they didn't plan on a beautiful redhead with a killer slapshot and a grudge, who also just got passed over for the job Alex now holds.
Cassie Jenkins has worked too damn hard to watch some New York transplant waltz into the Senior Creative Director role she's spent a decade earning. Even if their father owns the company. Especially not now, when she’s suddenly living alone in a house that’s literally falling apart. And definitely not when said nepo baby, Alex né Kimberly Sharpe, turns out to be the absurdly hot, nonbinary forward from the opposing hockey team she may or may not have high-sticked last week.
When signs emerge that someone has been quietly undermining the LA office for years—and may be behind the string of rejections Cassie’s work has faced—everything starts to shift. Loyalties are tested, long-buried truths come to light, and both women must ask how far they’re willing to go to set things right… and what it might cost them. They’re both seeing red—and neither one can look away.
I See Red is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, sapphic romance tossed in humor, with a side of hockey.
Fresh off a breakup and wanting to leave the memory of her ex behind, Alex Sharpe is finally ready to move back home. When a slot opens up at the LA office of The Sharpe Agency, it’s exactly what they need to leave New York after 17 years. The advertising firm is owned by their father, but Alex is no nepo baby. They’ve earned every step of their career while refusing to use the family name or accepting any family money. Currently crashing with their baby sister while apartment hunting, the plan is work hard, stay focused, and rebuild. But they didn't plan on a beautiful redhead with a killer slapshot and a grudge, who also just got passed over for the job Alex now holds.
Cassie Jenkins has worked too damn hard to watch some New York transplant waltz into the Senior Creative Director role she's spent a decade earning. Even if their father owns the company. Especially not now, when she’s suddenly living alone in a house that’s literally falling apart. And definitely not when said nepo baby, Alex né Kimberly Sharpe, turns out to be the absurdly hot, nonbinary forward from the opposing hockey team she may or may not have high-sticked last week.
When signs emerge that someone has been quietly undermining the LA office for years—and may be behind the string of rejections Cassie’s work has faced—everything starts to shift. Loyalties are tested, long-buried truths come to light, and both women must ask how far they’re willing to go to set things right… and what it might cost them. They’re both seeing red—and neither one can look away.
I See Red is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, sapphic romance tossed in humor, with a side of hockey.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
56 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 21, 2025
This book was a delight! Quick read with well rounded plot, and the characters were both well developed and likeable, and the spice was on point. I loved the setting and the interwoven hockey story and I was also impressed at the inclusivity of the story. I haven't read too many romance novels with a nonbinary main character and I really appreciated Alex and their representation. I genuinely appreciated the opportunity to read the ARC of this debut novel, and look forward to more from JD Locke.
July 17, 2025
What a great debut novel from JD Locke. Never too sure what to expect from a new author but this book is well written, well thought out and has a well rounded plot. I found I had empathy for both main characters with the situation that they found themselves in and thought they handled their emotions in a very real life way. There was humour and drama throughout which came across in a very natural way and I enjoyed the ice hockey which made a pleasant change of sport to the usual. I also loved the side characters of both Kellan and Trisha and would love a follow on book to see Kellans story developed futher.
August 18, 2025
(rounded down from 1.25)
I really wanted to like this, but was unfortunately unable to, and I'll try to keep the thoughts as spoiler-free as possible. It's not that this was bad, just completely uncompelling in every way to me.
I'll start off with the main thing: the dynamic between the main characters. I'm not going to go as far as to call it proto-abusive, but there is a MAJOR problem when one person is aggressively pushing around the other person on an ice hockey rink during a game, and the other is just taking it. Cassie is salty about her well-deserved promotion being taken away but it feels really icky to me the way she keeps blaming Alex and being really rude and aggressive to Alex in workplaces, hockey rinks, and generally and Alex doesn't push back or call her out on it. Instead, Alex just feels bad and works hard to "make it up" to Cassie (there is nothing to make up, Alex did nothing!) instead of telling Cassie to grow up and do her job and behave properly to other humans instead of finding a convenient outlet for her anger.
This brings me to the other issue: I genuinely would have thought the romance being set up was between Alex and Kellan because Alex and Cassie barely have a conversation for most of the book. Kellan is constantly running between them, having conversations with each separately, and explaining the other's mood and motivations to the other. It feels really strange to me, especially since we don't really see anything between Cassie and Alex aside from an attraction and a couple of dates. I don't see their dynamic, or any way that they're a good fit. What I'd expect in relationships like these (see Haley Cass' excellent The Snowball Effect), where one partner is actually quiet and finds it hard to stand up for themselves, and the other is louder and fiery is that the louder one cares about the other and helps them stand up to others and protects them in confrontational situations. We don't see that here. On the contrary, Cassie single-handedly makes life very hard for Alex in her office and her hobbies and then can't even own up to it and apologise unprompted like an adult who has realised they have been unfair.
On top of this, nobody else calls Cassie on her childish behavior either. Tricia, Alex's younger sister, watches Cassie being physically aggressive with Alex to provoke them for a whole hockey game, and is later not going to tell Cassie off about how she treated Alex? I find it all really unromantic.
Unfortunately, this is one of the few instances in romances where I wish the two simply did not get together because they are not a healthy dynamic at all together. It sounds like I'm the minority given all the five star reviews but that's why I did not enjoy this at all (and likely would not have finished it if I didn't force myself to do so in order to give a fair review of the whole book).
I really wanted to like this, but was unfortunately unable to, and I'll try to keep the thoughts as spoiler-free as possible. It's not that this was bad, just completely uncompelling in every way to me.
I'll start off with the main thing: the dynamic between the main characters. I'm not going to go as far as to call it proto-abusive, but there is a MAJOR problem when one person is aggressively pushing around the other person on an ice hockey rink during a game, and the other is just taking it. Cassie is salty about her well-deserved promotion being taken away but it feels really icky to me the way she keeps blaming Alex and being really rude and aggressive to Alex in workplaces, hockey rinks, and generally and Alex doesn't push back or call her out on it. Instead, Alex just feels bad and works hard to "make it up" to Cassie (there is nothing to make up, Alex did nothing!) instead of telling Cassie to grow up and do her job and behave properly to other humans instead of finding a convenient outlet for her anger.
This brings me to the other issue: I genuinely would have thought the romance being set up was between Alex and Kellan because Alex and Cassie barely have a conversation for most of the book. Kellan is constantly running between them, having conversations with each separately, and explaining the other's mood and motivations to the other. It feels really strange to me, especially since we don't really see anything between Cassie and Alex aside from an attraction and a couple of dates. I don't see their dynamic, or any way that they're a good fit. What I'd expect in relationships like these (see Haley Cass' excellent The Snowball Effect), where one partner is actually quiet and finds it hard to stand up for themselves, and the other is louder and fiery is that the louder one cares about the other and helps them stand up to others and protects them in confrontational situations. We don't see that here. On the contrary, Cassie single-handedly makes life very hard for Alex in her office and her hobbies and then can't even own up to it and apologise unprompted like an adult who has realised they have been unfair.
On top of this, nobody else calls Cassie on her childish behavior either. Tricia, Alex's younger sister, watches Cassie being physically aggressive with Alex to provoke them for a whole hockey game, and is later not going to tell Cassie off about how she treated Alex? I find it all really unromantic.
Unfortunately, this is one of the few instances in romances where I wish the two simply did not get together because they are not a healthy dynamic at all together. It sounds like I'm the minority given all the five star reviews but that's why I did not enjoy this at all (and likely would not have finished it if I didn't force myself to do so in order to give a fair review of the whole book).
June 15, 2025
I See Red is a sporty/workplace romance that tells the story of Alex and Cassie as they navigate through hockey rivalries, workplace drama and a burgeoning romance.
Alex has just arrived in LA, moving from NY to escape a bad breakup and be closer to her mom and sister. She has transferred to her company's LA office and found a local hockey league to join. This is where she meets Cassie, a fiery red head, and the two startup a tentative friendship and plant the seeds of romance. Things are going great until Cassie learns that Alex is her new boss and the person who prevented her from getting her deserved, and much needed promotion. Her anger takes over and makes life uncomfortable to Alex both at work and at the hockey rink,
Alex was a super sweet character - calm, intelligent and sensitive. Cassie was a little less likable - her anger was understandable for a while, but I do think it was a bit drawn out and her actions made her unsympathetic for a good chunk of the book. It's a romance, so she eventually gets over it, I just wish it was a bit sooner. I did love the supporting characters - Kellen was my favorite I think - funny and scheming - and Alex's sister Tricia wasn't far behind (do I sense a second book with Kellen and Tricia?). it was also nice to blend the hockey and workplace themes - kept it interesting and gave the characters things to do away from the workplace.
A really good debut novel and I look forward to reading what this author writes in the future.
I received an ARC and am leaving an unbiased review.
Alex has just arrived in LA, moving from NY to escape a bad breakup and be closer to her mom and sister. She has transferred to her company's LA office and found a local hockey league to join. This is where she meets Cassie, a fiery red head, and the two startup a tentative friendship and plant the seeds of romance. Things are going great until Cassie learns that Alex is her new boss and the person who prevented her from getting her deserved, and much needed promotion. Her anger takes over and makes life uncomfortable to Alex both at work and at the hockey rink,
Alex was a super sweet character - calm, intelligent and sensitive. Cassie was a little less likable - her anger was understandable for a while, but I do think it was a bit drawn out and her actions made her unsympathetic for a good chunk of the book. It's a romance, so she eventually gets over it, I just wish it was a bit sooner. I did love the supporting characters - Kellen was my favorite I think - funny and scheming - and Alex's sister Tricia wasn't far behind (do I sense a second book with Kellen and Tricia?). it was also nice to blend the hockey and workplace themes - kept it interesting and gave the characters things to do away from the workplace.
A really good debut novel and I look forward to reading what this author writes in the future.
I received an ARC and am leaving an unbiased review.
June 15, 2025
An exceptional five-star debut by J.D. Locke that pleasantly surprised me in many ways! “I See Red” is a sweet, slow-paced story about two charming individuals, Alex and Cassie, who find themselves in a fateful situation that tests their characters and the love that neither of them is ready to admit and give in to. What happens when life shows you your soulmate, and then pits you against them in a corporate and sports battle? The book is incredible, honest, funny, realistic, and features the best character building I’ve come across in a while. “I See Red” proves that blushing, stuttering, nobility, and shyness can be damn sexy.
This whole gently blushing cocktail is garnished with angry love, ice and burning hockey passions (and hey, I didn't like hockey before), finished with perfect touch of spiciness - this book grabbed me and dragged me into its plot from the first page and kept me in suspense until the very end. The secondary characters, charming as well as the main ones, promise potential development in a next book (or at least I hope to meet Kellan and Tricia again). From what I've read so far, I can say - expect more blushing surprises from this author! ;)
Highly recommended!
I would like to thank JD Locke for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion!
This whole gently blushing cocktail is garnished with angry love, ice and burning hockey passions (and hey, I didn't like hockey before), finished with perfect touch of spiciness - this book grabbed me and dragged me into its plot from the first page and kept me in suspense until the very end. The secondary characters, charming as well as the main ones, promise potential development in a next book (or at least I hope to meet Kellan and Tricia again). From what I've read so far, I can say - expect more blushing surprises from this author! ;)
Highly recommended!
I would like to thank JD Locke for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion!
June 15, 2025
4.5 Stars!!
I'm thrilled to share my enthusiastic review of this captivating debut novel by JD Locke. It's a truly remarkable achievement, seamlessly blending sharp wit and poignant drama to create a compelling narrative that kept me completely engrossed from beginning to end.
The pacing is expertly handled; the slow burn allows the relationship to develop organically and authentically, building tension and emotional investment in a truly satisfying way.
Beyond the central romance, what particularly impressed me was the nuanced and authentic representation of a nonbinary character. This was not merely tokenistic; the character's identity felt integral to their narrative arc and contributed meaningfully to the overall richness of the story.
If you enjoy well-written romances and stories that celebrate diverse identities with sensitivity and grace, I wholeheartedly recommend you pick up this exceptional book. You won't be disappointed.
I received an advanced reader copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
I'm thrilled to share my enthusiastic review of this captivating debut novel by JD Locke. It's a truly remarkable achievement, seamlessly blending sharp wit and poignant drama to create a compelling narrative that kept me completely engrossed from beginning to end.
The pacing is expertly handled; the slow burn allows the relationship to develop organically and authentically, building tension and emotional investment in a truly satisfying way.
Beyond the central romance, what particularly impressed me was the nuanced and authentic representation of a nonbinary character. This was not merely tokenistic; the character's identity felt integral to their narrative arc and contributed meaningfully to the overall richness of the story.
If you enjoy well-written romances and stories that celebrate diverse identities with sensitivity and grace, I wholeheartedly recommend you pick up this exceptional book. You won't be disappointed.
I received an advanced reader copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
June 20, 2025
Cassie is very annoyed that the promotion she was expecting has been yanked out of her hands and given to a nepotism hire.
At the urging of their parents Alex has come home, taking a open position there. As they settle in they meet Cassie at a amateur hockey game, and they just click. They hang out a few times, things are going well...
Then Alex reports in for work, and Cassie finds out Alex is her new boss and the nepotism hire. She is, understandably, pissed.
(As her parents lied to them about their not being a local candidate for the job, why doesn't Alex confront them over it? For Cassie's sake, at least.)
Alex strives to reach out to Cassie while trying to also fix the work situation. Which gets more complex, not less.
3.5 stars out of 5. Solidly good, has some minor editing issues.
At the urging of their parents Alex has come home, taking a open position there. As they settle in they meet Cassie at a amateur hockey game, and they just click. They hang out a few times, things are going well...
Then Alex reports in for work, and Cassie finds out Alex is her new boss and the nepotism hire. She is, understandably, pissed.
(As her parents lied to them about their not being a local candidate for the job, why doesn't Alex confront them over it? For Cassie's sake, at least.)
Alex strives to reach out to Cassie while trying to also fix the work situation. Which gets more complex, not less.
3.5 stars out of 5. Solidly good, has some minor editing issues.
September 11, 2025
2.75⭐
Too many writing problems for me to truly enjoy reading the book. I read until the end because I wanted to know the ending but I really struggled and had to cheer myself to continue reading.
I'm sad the book wasn't better because I absolutely loved the premise and the overall idea.
The chemistry between main characters disappeared quickly after they realize they work together. There was also a lot of workplace drama and plot. You could have cut 80-100 pages and still keep the tension and fixing things believable.
What annoyed/bothered me the most was rapidly changing POV. In the first chapters it was one POV per chapter, either Cassie or Alex. Once they met, it was a mess of POVs. POV changed from paragraph to paragraph and there was also whole chapters from side character's POV. This also was mixed in the rapid changes.
Too many writing problems for me to truly enjoy reading the book. I read until the end because I wanted to know the ending but I really struggled and had to cheer myself to continue reading.
I'm sad the book wasn't better because I absolutely loved the premise and the overall idea.
The chemistry between main characters disappeared quickly after they realize they work together. There was also a lot of workplace drama and plot. You could have cut 80-100 pages and still keep the tension and fixing things believable.
What annoyed/bothered me the most was rapidly changing POV. In the first chapters it was one POV per chapter, either Cassie or Alex. Once they met, it was a mess of POVs. POV changed from paragraph to paragraph and there was also whole chapters from side character's POV. This also was mixed in the rapid changes.
June 10, 2025
Thank you first off to JD Locke and their team who allowed me to read this as an arc book.
I absolutely loved this sappoch office romance. All the characters had depth to them. I really enjoyed the batter and mischief Kellan brings to the book. Both Cassie and Alex are the most adorable characters in their own rights.
The book was paced out very well. It never felt too slow or even rushed. I really enjoyed the slow burn aspect of the book. They didnt just jump in with each other they take their time. The authors writing was nicely done. I can't wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve.
I will be recommending this to my friends.
I absolutely loved this sappoch office romance. All the characters had depth to them. I really enjoyed the batter and mischief Kellan brings to the book. Both Cassie and Alex are the most adorable characters in their own rights.
The book was paced out very well. It never felt too slow or even rushed. I really enjoyed the slow burn aspect of the book. They didnt just jump in with each other they take their time. The authors writing was nicely done. I can't wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve.
I will be recommending this to my friends.
June 21, 2025
Love, love, LOVE this debut from JD Locke! 🔥
The characters and plot are well thought/written out, the build up is beautifully done. The friends to enemies to lovers trope is enlaced with the right amount of humor, spice and emotion keeping you hooked from the first page.
I loved Alex, her character and personality. Cassie’s character had me more aggravated through some parts of the book tho. 🙆🏼♀️
If you like a good office romance, give this book a definite read!
Oh and btw, I need a Kellan & Tricia book PLEAAASE
The characters and plot are well thought/written out, the build up is beautifully done. The friends to enemies to lovers trope is enlaced with the right amount of humor, spice and emotion keeping you hooked from the first page.
I loved Alex, her character and personality. Cassie’s character had me more aggravated through some parts of the book tho. 🙆🏼♀️
If you like a good office romance, give this book a definite read!
Oh and btw, I need a Kellan & Tricia book PLEAAASE
December 6, 2025
What a sweet love story! Just enough heat to keep one warm!
JD Locke has provided an interesting group of characters with enough diversity and angst to keep it interesting. The situations that drive the story are easy to see develop and to cause problems between them, yet also leads to the discovery of hidden strengths. It is inspiring to see Alex stand up to her controlling father, to fight for what she strongly believes in, and to see her win feels really good!
JD Locke has provided an interesting group of characters with enough diversity and angst to keep it interesting. The situations that drive the story are easy to see develop and to cause problems between them, yet also leads to the discovery of hidden strengths. It is inspiring to see Alex stand up to her controlling father, to fight for what she strongly believes in, and to see her win feels really good!
June 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed JD Locke's debut novel! The writing is thoughtful, the humor is sharp, and the emotional depth really pulled me in. The "will they/won't they" romance kept me hooked from start to finish. As a nonbinary person myself, it was incredibly meaningful to see a nonbinary character portrayed with such care and respect. I’m so excited to read the next book in the series!
November 7, 2025
Could not finish. Honestly got to 11% of this book and the constant flipping of pov and not knowing who I’m reading until halfway through no thanks. I need to know who I’m reading and what’s going on. To jumpy for me with no explanation
June 28, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Really enjoyed Alex and Cassie’s story and look forward to reading more from this fab author ✍️
Really enjoyed Alex and Cassie’s story and look forward to reading more from this fab author ✍️
August 5, 2025
Very enjoyable read
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and likable. Its a sweet romance and am waiting for book two.. Thanks for a fun read.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and likable. Its a sweet romance and am waiting for book two.. Thanks for a fun read.
October 19, 2025
Short stories can be difficult but the connection between the main characters became believable
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews