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A Labor of Hate
Before there was Dekker and Max, there was Lex and Colt.
When FBI agent Lex Piper is offered the opportunity to collar a lowlife the FBI has been after for years, she jumps at the chance. However, her undercover assignment comes with a caveat. A persnickety, irritating, unfairly handsome caveat.
Special Agent Colt Dixon, Lex's bitter rival, deskmate, and new fake husband. And if that isn't bad enough, they only have one opening to get close to their target—his pregnant wife’s Lamaze classes.
For the sake of the Greater Good, Lex is now fake-pregnant, fake-married, and desperately trying to keep work and her personal life from converging. All she has to do is keep the line between love and hate from blurring and everything will be fine. She’ll fool the most paranoid man the criminal underworld has to offer, betray the first friend she’s made since moving to Detroit, and absolutely not feel butterflies when Colt holds her hand.
Easy.
A Labor of Hate is a feel-good romantic comedy that will bring all the swoony, sizzling chemistry while keeping the bedroom door closed. It is an installment in the Smitten in the Mitten series of interconnected standalone novels.
When FBI agent Lex Piper is offered the opportunity to collar a lowlife the FBI has been after for years, she jumps at the chance. However, her undercover assignment comes with a caveat. A persnickety, irritating, unfairly handsome caveat.
Special Agent Colt Dixon, Lex's bitter rival, deskmate, and new fake husband. And if that isn't bad enough, they only have one opening to get close to their target—his pregnant wife’s Lamaze classes.
For the sake of the Greater Good, Lex is now fake-pregnant, fake-married, and desperately trying to keep work and her personal life from converging. All she has to do is keep the line between love and hate from blurring and everything will be fine. She’ll fool the most paranoid man the criminal underworld has to offer, betray the first friend she’s made since moving to Detroit, and absolutely not feel butterflies when Colt holds her hand.
Easy.
A Labor of Hate is a feel-good romantic comedy that will bring all the swoony, sizzling chemistry while keeping the bedroom door closed. It is an installment in the Smitten in the Mitten series of interconnected standalone novels.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 5, 2025
First of all, I feel extremely honored to have gotten an e-ARC of Labor of Hate for free! I’ve never gotten an ARC before, so this was a fun first experience for me! I’m excited to share my honest review of the book. 😊
I loved it. I truly loved it! Brianne has mastered the art of being able to make her readers laugh and cry in the same book, and maybe even the same chapter! For me, it was really easy to connect with both Lex and Colt! Brianne did a great job of sensitively writing about their pasts and other situations in Labor of Hate, while still allowing for that connection to happen for me as a reader. I also really enjoyed the FBI agent aspect of this book! I’m all about the swoon (which Brianne delivered wonderfully in her writing), but having the undercover mission as part of the storyline made it hard to put it down! I ended up reading most of it in one sitting because I was so entranced by the writing, the story, and the characters!
As I mentioned with one of her other books, Cream and Punishment, Brianne’s writing has made me highlight on my Kindle for the first time! Labor of Hate was no exception. 😊 Since my best friend loves murder mystery books and I am all about the rom coms, I’m going to recommend this book to her as a perfect in-between of our favorites (suspense with swoon).
Oh, and I will 100% be buying a physical copy when it comes out because I loved it so much. Thank you, Brianne, and Conquest Publishing, for the opportunity to read Labor of Hate as an ARC!
I loved it. I truly loved it! Brianne has mastered the art of being able to make her readers laugh and cry in the same book, and maybe even the same chapter! For me, it was really easy to connect with both Lex and Colt! Brianne did a great job of sensitively writing about their pasts and other situations in Labor of Hate, while still allowing for that connection to happen for me as a reader. I also really enjoyed the FBI agent aspect of this book! I’m all about the swoon (which Brianne delivered wonderfully in her writing), but having the undercover mission as part of the storyline made it hard to put it down! I ended up reading most of it in one sitting because I was so entranced by the writing, the story, and the characters!
As I mentioned with one of her other books, Cream and Punishment, Brianne’s writing has made me highlight on my Kindle for the first time! Labor of Hate was no exception. 😊 Since my best friend loves murder mystery books and I am all about the rom coms, I’m going to recommend this book to her as a perfect in-between of our favorites (suspense with swoon).
Oh, and I will 100% be buying a physical copy when it comes out because I loved it so much. Thank you, Brianne, and Conquest Publishing, for the opportunity to read Labor of Hate as an ARC!
August 5, 2025
This book sparkled. From the very first page, the witty, laugh-out-loud POV had me hooked. Brianne Ritchie Cordova delivers a gem of an enemies-to-lovers romance, full of banter, tension, and slow-burn chemistry that simmers. Lex and Colt’s relationship unfolds at the perfect pace — deliciously gradual and ridiculously entertaining, especially when they’re forced into undercover spy scenarios that are both hilarious and clever.
But what elevates this story is the heart woven through it. Underneath the humour and heat, there are deeply meaningful themes — grief, infertility, and the complex, often messy ways we cope. These emotional threads are handled with such care and honesty that they linger long after the final page.
I laughed, I felt, I loved every minute. Highly recommended for fans of smart romantic comedy with depth.
But what elevates this story is the heart woven through it. Underneath the humour and heat, there are deeply meaningful themes — grief, infertility, and the complex, often messy ways we cope. These emotional threads are handled with such care and honesty that they linger long after the final page.
I laughed, I felt, I loved every minute. Highly recommended for fans of smart romantic comedy with depth.
July 17, 2025
A Labor Of Hate is a hilarious tale of 2 FBI agents who have to pretend to be married and expecting. The worst (best) part is that they're enemies.
It's a recipe for disaster. . . or is it?
Lex is so much like me, it's scary (Except dancing). The story kept me up until me eyes blurred from exhaustion. And not the dramatic but COLT DOES NOT NEED LESSONS ON FLIRTING.
My only complaint is that Lex believed Colt had or wanted a boyfriend.
I give the book 4.5 stars
It's a recipe for disaster. . . or is it?
Lex is so much like me, it's scary (Except dancing). The story kept me up until me eyes blurred from exhaustion. And not the dramatic but COLT DOES NOT NEED LESSONS ON FLIRTING.
My only complaint is that Lex believed Colt had or wanted a boyfriend.
I give the book 4.5 stars
July 20, 2025
I absolutely adore Brianne's writing! I love how she brings real world situations and thoughts into her storytelling, making it realistic as well as thought provoking and attention grabbing. Both MC's are avoiding something 'addictive' in a way, for similar reasons, and it's also the parts of them that make them even better at their job.
June 21, 2025
Read it in less than 24 hrs. Couldn’t sleep until I finished it. Absolutely swoon-worthy. Character development is *chef’s kiss*. Makes me want to re-read Cream and Punishment right this second!!!
July 10, 2025
Single POV
Set in Detroit, MI
• FBI agents
• Rivalry & office pranks
• Undercover assignment
• Overcoming misjudgements
• Opposites attract (eventually)
• Apple Juice vs Coffee
Received an ARC, opinions are my own.
Set in Detroit, MI
• FBI agents
• Rivalry & office pranks
• Undercover assignment
• Overcoming misjudgements
• Opposites attract (eventually)
• Apple Juice vs Coffee
Received an ARC, opinions are my own.
July 30, 2025
Oh I loved getting Lex and Colt’s story! They were like oil and water, though they actually mixed quite well once they figured each other out. I loved how what Lex initially disliked about Colt became something she could admire about him. Colt had such a good heart.
Favorite parts:
-the pranks. Lex came up with some creative ways to annoy Colt.
-Colt showing Lex he could flirt. Dang. The tension in that moment
-the spa day and everything that happened.
-how sweet Vivienne’s character was.
-the dance class where so much was revealed.
-the ending with Dekker just makes me want to go reread her story with Max. Ahh.
Favorite Quotes:
He chuckled, though he had the decency to blush. “What I mean is, you show me a different side of you than you show to everyone else. They get your polite smiles and no-nonsense mask you put on at work, and I get… sass, snark, pranks, and a full repertoire of glares.”
I groaned. So, it was my personality that did me in.
He continued, the faintest ghost of a smile on his lips. “But I also get ridiculous coasters with the worst puns I’ve ever heard on them. I get to see you laugh at cheesy movies, nearly set the toaster on fire, and tear apart the house just to find a coffee maker.” He chuckled softly. “Quite honestly, Lex, I’m not sure what to make of you.”
The smokescreen of our rivalry was gone. Poof. And what remained was the hard truth that my strong, visceral reaction to him wasn’t hatred. It likely never was. Being near him flipped my stomach. Touching him burned my skin. Seeing him altered the course of my day. But I didn’t hate him. Oh, no. It was much worse. I had feelings for him.
Favorite parts:
-the pranks. Lex came up with some creative ways to annoy Colt.
-Colt showing Lex he could flirt. Dang. The tension in that moment
-the spa day and everything that happened.
-how sweet Vivienne’s character was.
-the dance class where so much was revealed.
-the ending with Dekker just makes me want to go reread her story with Max. Ahh.
Favorite Quotes:
He chuckled, though he had the decency to blush. “What I mean is, you show me a different side of you than you show to everyone else. They get your polite smiles and no-nonsense mask you put on at work, and I get… sass, snark, pranks, and a full repertoire of glares.”
I groaned. So, it was my personality that did me in.
He continued, the faintest ghost of a smile on his lips. “But I also get ridiculous coasters with the worst puns I’ve ever heard on them. I get to see you laugh at cheesy movies, nearly set the toaster on fire, and tear apart the house just to find a coffee maker.” He chuckled softly. “Quite honestly, Lex, I’m not sure what to make of you.”
The smokescreen of our rivalry was gone. Poof. And what remained was the hard truth that my strong, visceral reaction to him wasn’t hatred. It likely never was. Being near him flipped my stomach. Touching him burned my skin. Seeing him altered the course of my day. But I didn’t hate him. Oh, no. It was much worse. I had feelings for him.
August 8, 2025
Main couple: Lex (Alexandrine) and Colt
Favorite quote: "The smokescreen of our rivalry was gone. / Poof. / And what remained was the hard truth that my strong, visceral reaction to him wasn’t hatred... Oh, no. It was much worse. / I had feelings for him."
Review: This book just draws you in. The witty exchanges between the two is engaging. There are funny moments, subtle humor, heartfelt moments, and even very realistic moments. Lex and Colt both had difficult things happen to them when they were younger that influenced them to become who they were. Their relationship was a slow burn but did not feel like it dragged.
Book summary: Lex and Colt both get a bad first impression of each other on her first day on the job. This escalates to them playing pranks on each other and trying to outdo each other at work. This then all changes when they have to pretend to be married for an undercover case.
Story is told in a First person POV from Lex's perspective. Enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance
Spice level 1: there was inuendo that made your heart beat fast and some kissing but it never went beyond that.
Related books - Cream and Butter also by Brianne Ritchie Cordova which is about Lex's sister Dekker and a colleague of theirs, Max
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
Favorite quote: "The smokescreen of our rivalry was gone. / Poof. / And what remained was the hard truth that my strong, visceral reaction to him wasn’t hatred... Oh, no. It was much worse. / I had feelings for him."
Review: This book just draws you in. The witty exchanges between the two is engaging. There are funny moments, subtle humor, heartfelt moments, and even very realistic moments. Lex and Colt both had difficult things happen to them when they were younger that influenced them to become who they were. Their relationship was a slow burn but did not feel like it dragged.
Book summary: Lex and Colt both get a bad first impression of each other on her first day on the job. This escalates to them playing pranks on each other and trying to outdo each other at work. This then all changes when they have to pretend to be married for an undercover case.
Story is told in a First person POV from Lex's perspective. Enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance
Spice level 1: there was inuendo that made your heart beat fast and some kissing but it never went beyond that.
Related books - Cream and Butter also by Brianne Ritchie Cordova which is about Lex's sister Dekker and a colleague of theirs, Max
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
July 17, 2025
A Labor of Hate is another win from this author!
The book is funny, deep, and had a refreshing twist that I did not see coming - but that also made total sense and wasn’t out of the blue.
The romance will make you fan yourself but also keeps the door closed. When I say I was not ready for Colt’s flirt game I mean it. It was the best kind of sneak attack. Hot nerd vibes in the best way.
I liked that it didn’t romanticize the perfect guy with no issues loving a girl with issues in a bid to make us feel more lovable. Instead both characters got to be human and learn and grow. This is the kind of healthy relationship rep I love to see.
If you like books that are laugh out loud funny, have heart, have harder topics and crime/FBI pieces that have enough light to not make you scared to turn the light off, and hot no spice romance then I absolutely recommend this book!
The book is funny, deep, and had a refreshing twist that I did not see coming - but that also made total sense and wasn’t out of the blue.
The romance will make you fan yourself but also keeps the door closed. When I say I was not ready for Colt’s flirt game I mean it. It was the best kind of sneak attack. Hot nerd vibes in the best way.
I liked that it didn’t romanticize the perfect guy with no issues loving a girl with issues in a bid to make us feel more lovable. Instead both characters got to be human and learn and grow. This is the kind of healthy relationship rep I love to see.
If you like books that are laugh out loud funny, have heart, have harder topics and crime/FBI pieces that have enough light to not make you scared to turn the light off, and hot no spice romance then I absolutely recommend this book!
October 20, 2025
Guys...the banter between Colt and Lex....5 stars alone!
I was intrigued by the premise of an undercover operation of a married pregnant couple, and this did not let me down. Poor Lex really went through the ringer with that "baby bump". It led to many funny, tongue in cheek moments, especially the spa day scene haha.
The serious moments of the characters slowly opening up to each other, their backstories, honestly had me emotional. Those little moments of lines being blurred, so enjoyable.
I really appreciate the fact the author kept this book clean, and I laughed at the creative ways Lex finds to avoid the swear jar.
Looking forward to the next book, so far this author has not let me down. The humor, the romance, and the unexpected depth of the characters involved. 5 stars!
I was intrigued by the premise of an undercover operation of a married pregnant couple, and this did not let me down. Poor Lex really went through the ringer with that "baby bump". It led to many funny, tongue in cheek moments, especially the spa day scene haha.
The serious moments of the characters slowly opening up to each other, their backstories, honestly had me emotional. Those little moments of lines being blurred, so enjoyable.
I really appreciate the fact the author kept this book clean, and I laughed at the creative ways Lex finds to avoid the swear jar.
Looking forward to the next book, so far this author has not let me down. The humor, the romance, and the unexpected depth of the characters involved. 5 stars!
July 30, 2025
Lex and Colt are two FBI agents who couldn’t be more different. Lex thrives of spontaneity and “winging it,” while Colt tends to be methodical and calculated. Their meet cute is anything but cute, and starts their rivalry. When an undercover assignment forced them to act like a married couple— an expecting married couple— the lines between hate and love begin to blur. These two had some fun banter that often had me laughing out loud! The author addressed sensitive topics in a way were respectful of those who can relate, but didn’t take away from the romcom vibes from the story. Definitely a fun read!
August 24, 2025
Fake relationship at its finest!
Oh my goodness. This book was SO. MUCH. FUN! It was quirky and sweet and entertaining, and honestly such a pleasure to read. Will have to go back and read book 1 as well.
All that said, the story also touched on heavier themes, adding an extra depth. A very beautifully layered story all around.
Recommended for closed-door readers (kisses only) who enjoy a good laugh in combination with gut-wrenching moments.
*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion .*
Oh my goodness. This book was SO. MUCH. FUN! It was quirky and sweet and entertaining, and honestly such a pleasure to read. Will have to go back and read book 1 as well.
All that said, the story also touched on heavier themes, adding an extra depth. A very beautifully layered story all around.
Recommended for closed-door readers (kisses only) who enjoy a good laugh in combination with gut-wrenching moments.
*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion .*
June 22, 2025
Absolutely loved reading this book! I really enjoyed the development of each of the characters and appreciated a story where the relationship was depicted as a healthy one (what relationship doesn’t have a few disagreements here and there?) This was well-written, engaging, and I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2025
This book was a lot of fun and the author is quickly becoming one of my favourites.
The story follows Colt and Lex, FBI agents who despise each other, but go undercover as a married couple.
The chemistry between the main characters is heartwarming and I really enjoyed the novel.
This appears to be a prequel to Cream and Punishment - the first book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Colt and Lex, FBI agents who despise each other, but go undercover as a married couple.
The chemistry between the main characters is heartwarming and I really enjoyed the novel.
This appears to be a prequel to Cream and Punishment - the first book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
The story is interesting and fun. It’s written in a one person POW which works well with the story. The story is well written, but I had trouble getting into it. First I felt like Lex’s behaviour was workplace bullying and it didn’t feel funny to me. Second, I would have wanted more feelings. I liked the story except for that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2025
When FBI agents Colt and Lex are asked to go undercover as a pregnant married couple to put a drug lord away, both have reservations. Colt gave her a hard time the day she was hired, and they avoid each other at all costs. I liked how they struggled to do their jobs and get along as a couple. When Lex and Colt go to Lamaze classes to be with the drug lord and his wife, things get complicated. Lots of laughs with wonderful characters.
July 29, 2025
A Labor of Hate
By: Brianne Ritcie Cordova
This is my second book by this author, also the second in the series, and it was better than the first one. Quick wit, entertaining storyline, great characters & a reading ride you surely don’t want to miss! I have caught myself hysterically laughing out loud numerous times & it feels great when a book captures all of me! Everything she covers is done tactically, realistically & every word written matters! Bravo!!
By: Brianne Ritcie Cordova
This is my second book by this author, also the second in the series, and it was better than the first one. Quick wit, entertaining storyline, great characters & a reading ride you surely don’t want to miss! I have caught myself hysterically laughing out loud numerous times & it feels great when a book captures all of me! Everything she covers is done tactically, realistically & every word written matters! Bravo!!
July 30, 2025
I LOVED this book!
There were some funny moments for sure, but the bedroom window scene was HILARIOUS!
This story touches on some very serious topics and although this is a romcom, these topics were not made light of, very tastefully addressed.
Colt comes across as a stuffed shirt, but that man can FLIRT! And when he lets his guard down? WOWZA!
I received an advance review copy courtesy of BookSirens, and this is my honest, voluntary review.
There were some funny moments for sure, but the bedroom window scene was HILARIOUS!
This story touches on some very serious topics and although this is a romcom, these topics were not made light of, very tastefully addressed.
Colt comes across as a stuffed shirt, but that man can FLIRT! And when he lets his guard down? WOWZA!
I received an advance review copy courtesy of BookSirens, and this is my honest, voluntary review.
August 28, 2025
I love this author and I’ll read anything she writes only issue was epilogue is like a prequel to book 1. Which makes me think book is on wrong order. Anyways loved the book . The mcs are a perfect compliment to each other with humor and antics to keep you guessing. This book is a mystery criminal romcom with a mostly happy ending. Allowing for some closure. This book deals with addiction just to be forewarned but nothing described.
July 9, 2025
couldn´t put it down
I´ve just found another author to add to my favourites list, Alex and Colt are such wonderful characters, I liked the combination of suspense and romance and it was just hilarious to read about them balancing the line between keeping each other safe and denying their feelings for each other.
I´ve just found another author to add to my favourites list, Alex and Colt are such wonderful characters, I liked the combination of suspense and romance and it was just hilarious to read about them balancing the line between keeping each other safe and denying their feelings for each other.
July 22, 2025
I didn’t think I could love anyone as much Dekker, but Lex gives her a run for her money, and I like Colt even more than Max, which is hard to do!
Okay, I loved Book 1 with Dekker and Max, so I had high expectations for Book 2 and I was not disappointed! Still laugh-out-loud, but with a thriller-tension twist, as well.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 10/10, would recommend!
Okay, I loved Book 1 with Dekker and Max, so I had high expectations for Book 2 and I was not disappointed! Still laugh-out-loud, but with a thriller-tension twist, as well.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 10/10, would recommend!
July 26, 2025
4.5/5
I found the book very well written, with a different plot line and humorous situations. I also liked how the author brought up difficult topics but that did not dampen the mood.
I would have loved it more if it was a dual POV and I could deep dive into what was going on in Colt's mind too.
Definitely recommended.
I found the book very well written, with a different plot line and humorous situations. I also liked how the author brought up difficult topics but that did not dampen the mood.
I would have loved it more if it was a dual POV and I could deep dive into what was going on in Colt's mind too.
Definitely recommended.
August 21, 2025
I love a book that’s easy to read, easy to get into, with such great payoff and A Labor of Hate accomplishes all those things. The plot is so much fun (THIS is the way you write the fake relationship trope), the characters are fully developed, the humor is humoring and the emotions are emoting. Cordova is a talented writer. I am quickly becoming a super fan. I hungrily await her next book!
July 3, 2025
An entertaining tale of enemies to lovers. No foul language or intimate details in this book. Just the way I like it. An interesting mystery that was resolved perfectly. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
August 5, 2025
What didn't I love about this story? There's Cordova's standard level of fantastic humor, but it's perfectly balanced with the realness of emotions that being in a relationship naturally brings up. This book feels like a hug from your best friend that dissolves into a giggle fest—5 stars!
August 8, 2025
I loved reading how Colt and Lex work together and can't seem to stand being around each other. I loved the funny little pranks they play on each other and how they can get along when they need to work together. Colt and Lex are so cute! I loved this book so much!
September 9, 2025
4.5 stars
September 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! I thought the story was interesting and it hooked me early on. I liked the characters and really enjoyed them growing closer together throughout the story.
October 22, 2025
This book had me hooked from chapter one
December 3, 2025
The premise, the banter, the tension! Love this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews