Between Love & Business: Business Romantiques Book-1

by Saraf Binte Faisal

Blurb-


Damien
I never wanted to leave her.
Selene was my everything—the girl who saw the real me beneath the name, the wealth, the family legacy. But love was never enough in a world like mine. I had enemies, expectations, and a future carved out in blood and betrayal. Staying would have meant dragging her into a life she had no place in, so I did the only thing I could to keep her safe.
I walked away.
Now, eight years later, she is no longer the girl I left behind. Selene Lancaster stands before me as my rival, a woman who wields power and ambition like a weapon, and the fire in her eyes tells me she will never forgive me.
But the problem is—I never stopped wanting her. And this time, I am not leaving.



Selene
I should hate him. I do hate him. Damien Calloway took everything from me—our dream, our future—and turned it into a battlefield. He betrayed me once, and I won’t let him do it again. Now he’s the CEO of a company that’s been built on my pain, my loss, and I’ve spent years sharpening my claws, waiting for the day I can take him down.
But everything’s changed. The rivalry, the anger, the ambition—it’s all still there. But so is the attraction, the dangerous pull I can’t seem to ignore. He’s still the same arrogant, irresistible man I once knew, and every encounter only proves that the lines between hate and desire are dangerously thin.
I won’t let him win. Not in business, not in my heart. But playing this game with him might be the biggest mistake of my life.

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

Reviews

[Alya · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE: NOW AVAILABLE AND ON KU
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Between Love and Business by Saraf Binte Faisal
Publication date: August 27 2025

Thoughts 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This gave me Dynasty series feels, but I loved how the vibes were incorporated as it is one of my favourite shows.. This is just a heads up for readers who don't like such things in books
This was billionaire CEOs rivalry with a painful past - perfection!- I felt like I was watching a drama series/movie while reading, the tension, the angst, the pain of unresolved feelings.. I couldn't book the book down! It kept me in my feels from start to end actually I was rooting for Damien and Selen the second they crossed paths with each other! I love this author's writing style, their individual back stories?? The eight year love story they shared in the past??? It will leave your heart in two!!! I cannot get enough of them! The chapters are fast paced and easy to get through! I won't go into the plot as I don't want to spoil anything!

Tropes/What to expect
▪︎ CEO rivalry
▪︎ Fake engagement
▪︎ Old broken love
▪︎ Second chance romance
▪︎ Strong female lead
▪︎ Forced proximity
▪︎ Heartbreak and redemption
▪︎ Boardroom enemies
▪︎ Touch her and die MMC

Many thanks to the author for the ARC

[MJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this story did not work for me. It had serious potential but it was too drawn out. It read like an episode of the reboot of Dynasty from 2017. The plot didn’t get interesting until the 85% mark.

I received this Advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lazy Caffeinated Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien Calloway had a love of his life but he had to let her go 8 years ago because of the business world darkness. He’s now engaged to someone who his father approves.
Selene Lancaster was disappeared for 8 years only to enter the business world to destroy Damien Calloway who used to be the love of her life. She’s no more the girl she used to be. She’s stronger, smarter and calculative.

🍂 I was excited about the arc from the beginning but I had no idea I’d enjoy it this much!! The book was fast paced. Billionaire romance is one of my favourite tropes and Saraf made sure she aced it. And at the end of the book, I realised how fitting the title of the book is!! From her writing to character development I loved it all. The uniqueness of the book is that we have a strong and bold fmc Selene in the billionaire world which was supposed to be ruled by only men. I don’t wanna spoil it for others, but the plot twist of the book was genius!!
I’m excited to read the second book, Alexander Sterling and his secret love life!! I have a good feeling about it.

Thank you so much @authorsarafbintefaisal for the arc and letting me enter the Business Romantiques era early. 🤍

[Suraiya Srabon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Love & Business is a gripping second-chance romance that blends love, rivalry, and ambition. I really enjoyed how the author captured the intensity between Damien and Selene—there’s a sharp push-and-pull that makes their encounters addictive to read. The glamorous business world setting, with all its power plays and betrayals, adds a dramatic backdrop that kept me turning the pages. I also appreciated how Selene’s character was written with strength and determination; she isn’t just a love interest but a force in her own right.

Some lines and concepts felt a bit repetitive at times, which made certain parts of the story drag when the tension could have been sharper. A few side characters also came across more like plot devices than fully developed people. With a little more variety in the writing and more focus on the emotional depth between Damien and Selene, the impact of their love story could have been even stronger.

Overall, though, it’s a bold and passionate story that fans of enemies-to-lovers or high-stakes romances will definitely enjoy.

[Sunehra · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW !!

Between Love & Business weaves a captivating story of ambition and affection, exploring how career and relationship goals collide and converge. Author delivers emotionally authentic characters whose romantic tension feels both grounded and compelling. With sharp dialogue and relatable twists, the novel merges workplace intrigue with heartfelt romance in an engaging rhythm. It strikes just the right balance between professional drive and emotional vulnerability—making it a refreshing, fun read for fans of modern business romances. A short but impactful romance that leaves you rooting for both love and success.

[Arya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/ 5

Damien and Selene are back and so is the tension, the angst, and all the unresolved feelings. This book gave me slow-burn goodness, powerful emotions, and that delicious rivals to lovers dynamic I live for.

I loved how their history kept creeping in between their power moves. The chemistry? Still electric. The tension? Definitely kept me flipping pages. It slowed down a bit in the middle, but overall, I enjoyed being back in their messy, addictive world.

If you're into billionaire CEOs, emotional tension, and love that doesn't fade just shifts into something more dangerous this one's for you.
"She was the storm he walked away from. Now she's the empire he can't escape."

Thank you for the ARC! 💌

[Arushi Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the opportunity of reading this lovely book! This book was an absolute roller coaster. With its slow burn, tension, the angst and also the softness of the matters. From the first chapter I was captivated.

This book is a perfect depiction of heartbreak and redemption. Loved the characters and their story, basically how they were built. This book has a lot of potentials. This book was the kind of Grumpy x Sunshine I want in my life. 🤍

Characters:
Selene is an absolute star. I mainly loved her because of how she valued her self respect, more than anything, no matter how tempting everything was. She was strong and always determined enough to work hard and get what she wants.

She is someone I would like to be in future. Headstrong, determined, but yet soft as a cloud. I loved how she was determined to fight Damian for what she wants and didn’t ever give up.

Then there is Damian. He is the perfect definition of hard and impossible with everyone but only soft for Selene.

And how he was determined to get back Selene no matter how many times she rejected him. He was the kind of man who knows what he wants and goes after it come water or high hell. Love a man like that.

I also loved how he never gave up on Selene, no matter the hardships they faced. I feel like he was someone who was constantly misunderstood. How he was never in denial about all the flaws he had instead tried to be better man for Selene. How he always tried to make Selene smile even when she wasn’t having any of his shit.

But for me, Alexander was the one who stole the show. Loved the character, his witty and a really good sense of humour. How he always steals the show when he appears. Would love to read more about him!

Thank you Author Saraf Binte Faisal for giving me an opportunity to read this amazing book. Would love to more of your books 🫶🏻

With that being said, here’s my spoiler free review of Between Love and Business. This book truly deserves the best kind of attention and recognition it gets. 🩷

[Reader By Dusk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about two characters Selene Lancaster and Damien Calloway. 

Selene is Damien ex-girlfriend whom he had left behind seven years ago and had gotten engaged with the girl Evelyn who she disliked alot now she is back to take revenge for what has happened seven years ago but one thing she doesn't know is that Damien still loves her the same way he did seven years ago! In this revenge of power and business will their love win?


For me this book was a really good book with such strong characters. I mean who would not fall for Damien, the way he loves her so much that he is ready to do anything for her. For once he was ready to sacrifice everything for her to be with her. That was what I liked so much. One thing clearly tells me that communication is one of the most important things in any relationship if you are communicating with each other or will benefit the other person to such an extent that it can lead to a break up. Selene's character is what I liked for the reason that she never backed out from any challenge when her whole life in the past revolved around Damien but the moment when he left she decided that she had to be strong and she stood for herself. The fact she kept herself first and was strong throughout the book is what I really liked. Even though she used to say that she hated him or he didn't care, deep down both of them were finding their place back in their partners life. Also the tension between them was so intense in some scenes.


Overall if you ask me that will I suggest book this then yes you should definitely read this.

[Jaima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wholesome definition of 'Lovers to Enemies to Lovers'. Reading this book felt like a warm cup of hot chocolate where the bitterness of the cocoa hit at some point which was basically the reality check but the ride? Wonderful and I literally finished this book in one go ignoring my goddamn reality with zero regrets. Damien & Selene, two people, two lives, but one story that bounds them together in a tight patch. No matter how long life takes to create the distance, the red string always pulls the souls close and never lets it break. Tension. Denials. Confusion. Betrayal. Anger. Vengeance. Misunderstanding. Damage. Forgiveness. Justice. Love. Yearn. Trauma. All of these are described in a beautiful way that makes the reader to stop and think. Every single time when it felt like a collision would happen, things will melt this time, every damn time, it all turned to something unexpected. The author played well here:) Heavy plot with spice took it to another level. And the author turned the heat to a breathetaking intensity at the spice. And the ending was just chef's goddamn kiss.
In conclusion, Enemies. Lovers. Rivals. Fated. This isn’t just business, it's war in suits and stilettos.

[Rifah Tasfia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sending me the arc. I had a pleasant time reading the book.

How far would you go to protect the person you love?
This story is about Selene and Damien, two people who were madly in love, but broke up badly that fueled the fire of revenge. After 8 years Damien started to lose everything he built- just to find out that his opponent was his first love, his ex-girlfriend Selene. Once a lover, now a business rival. Selene wants revenge, she wants to destroy Damien for leaving her the moment she needed him the most and to get engaged to someone else. Would their relationship be just about business or love?

I loved the characters here, both Selene and Damien. Selene is a fierce, strong girl and good enough to fight the whole world. Damien is also a strong businessman. Even though they were separated, the love they had for each other never died. It is upto Damien if he can win over Selene again.

[Shimran Lazin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like
💵 Billionaire Romance
💵 Lovers-to-Enemies
💵 Second chance
💵 Business Rivals
- This book is for you 🤗

The story captivates you from the beginning. You get a glimpse of the present and the past, which makes you wonder what happened to them why they can not stand each other?

Selene's determination really is something. She built a whole emperor on her own just to get back what was promised to her. Love that for our girl!!! Her character is most certainly the reason I loved this book to the very end. The way she handles herself despite everything that has happened to her, is truly appreciable.

Damien, on the other hand, brings a lot of dimensions to the story. His actions had me feeling all sorts of emotions - confusion, anger, eventually understanding. Not my favourite in this story to be honest :3

The story, however, was really good. I enjoyed it. I am expecting more good works like this from Saraf 😘

[Bibilophile Next Door · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight years apart.
A love that never faded.
A war of hearts disguised as a business deal — a game. Their game. 🎲💔

The middle part of the book? That’s where it shines the most —
🔥 the chemistry
⚔️ the sharp banter
🖤 every glance like a war they never finished.

They don’t just have feelings — they have unfinished business.


---

Damian isn’t just a broody love interest.
He’s haunted by the choice he made to leave her — and he wears that grief like armor.

Selene? A literal queen. 👑
Powerful. Sharp. Untouchable. But underneath it all?
You feel the hurt she never got to heal.

> “I’ll make her want me, make her crave me, until she’s completely tangled in this game I’m playing.”
“I’m not just up against a rival. I’m up against the woman who has been orchestrating this entire game — the only person who can destroy me.”


The ending wasn’t perfect — it felt a little fast after all that build-up.
But still?
The emotional payoff, the tension, the push and pull — it delivered.

[Palak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a rollercoaster ride! The tension, chemistry, romance, hurt, drama, and action were all on point. I was hooked from the very first chapter. The little glimpses into the past made the relationship between the leads feel even more connected — you could truly feel their history. The banter between them is the perfect example of enemies to lovers, and it made the story so much more fun.

It’s easily one of my most enjoyable reads of the year. I genuinely felt so happy seeing them finally get their happy ending.

Characters:
Every character was well written, but the leads stole the show.
✨ Selene Lancaster — Our girl is the definition of a “boss lady.” She’s faced so many struggles and still came out stronger. Her resilience and determination were truly admirable.
✨ Damien — He loved her like breathing. Even after eight years, he couldn’t forget her. He once tried to protect her but ended up hurting her, and now he’s ready to do anything to win her back. And yes… he calls her “mi reina.”

[Meghan Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I really like the different timelines in this book, and I felt that the author did a good job tying them together seamlessly. There was no confusion when we would jump back or forwards in time which sometimes can be a struggle in books.

The storyline was good, but the one thing I struggled with was the work aspect of things. Lots of times it was mentioned that they had to do "business things" but I feel like anyone in any of those jobs or positions wouldn't talk about their work the way the characters did.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the plot twist at the end. I kept going back and forth on what I thought was going to happen, and I was pleasantly surprised when I found that it was neither.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review their book!

[Shafe Alfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first line. I felt every ounce of Damien's regret and Selene’s fire—two people shaped by pain, power, and a love that never really died. Their chemistry was electric, and the emotional tension between them was so raw, it made every encounter feel like a battle and a confession all at once. I loved how strong and complex Selene was, and Damien's inner conflict felt heartbreakingly real.

What stood out most was how this wasn't just a romance—it was a war of hearts, pride, and past choices. It made me question whether love can truly survive time, betrayal, and ambition. I couldn’t put it down, and when I finished, I just sat there, stunned. Beautifully written, emotionally gripping—this story will stay with me for a long time.

[Jyothy Hossain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh My God. Screaming crying sobbing. What have just finish reading. It is so damn good. I want a Damien in life right now. Selene is an absolute girl boss. Okay let me throughly review the book.

Story: Absolutely fantastic. I love the vibe and the setting and the tension and drama. The story is written so beautifully that actually made intrigued through the end of the book. I can't actually put the book down. If you are looking for something to read which has betrayal, lovers to enemies to lovers, rivalry then you should this book.

Characters: All the characters written so well especially the main MMC & FMC they both are like my roman empire now. and if I am going into a reading slump after reading this then I blame Saraf Binte Faisal. All I can think about Damien and Selene.

Also if need me to say more to convince to read the book then let me tell you one thing that Damien is 6'2". Just saying.

[Tabassum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this one. I am a sucker for second chance romance. This book had me hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed reading it.The past and present pov had me captivated. The yearning between the leads were palpable through the pages.Their love stood the test of time, distance, hatred and still came out stronger. The author delivered a beautiful slow burn, enemies to lovers, second chance romance full of heartbreak, betrayal and redemption.

[Bookish Nyctophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
First of all thank you so much for giving me this ARC.

I was never a second chance fan but the author changed my mind! And my god we all know how much we needed a fiery female protagonist in billionaire romance tropes! Thank you so much for that!

If you want a past lovers to enemies to lovers trope with toe curling chemistry, witty plot twists, betrayals and top notch yearning- I recommend this book for you!

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you crave explosive chemistry, jaw-dropping betrayals, a fiery second-chance romance, and a sassy heroine who can outwit anyone—especially her infuriatingly irresistible billionaire rival—then buckle up. This is lovers-to-enemies-to-can’t-stay-away, drenched in passion, power plays, and enough tension to burn the pages.✨💣 I really enjoyed my whole time reading this 🪄

[Ruby Nyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

The yearning, the angst, the payoff—absolute perfection for second-chance romance lovers.

[Doris Odonkor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review:
Saraf Binte Faisal delivers a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story full of betrayal, heartbreak, and redemption. Selene Lancaster is one of the fiercest heroines I’ve read in a while—elegant, cold, strategic, and utterly unstoppable. Damien Calloway? He’s a morally gray CEO with daddy issues and enough emotional repression to fill ten boardrooms. And I ate it up.

Their reunion after years of separation is filled with angst, tension, and lingering desire. The twists? Delicious. The boardroom politics? Savage. The plot pacing? A few moments drag in the middle, but the tension always pulls you back in.

By the end, I was tearing up and grinning at the same time. That epilogue? A perfect bow on a messy, passionate, powerful story.

[What Othoi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a tug-of-war between passion and ambition. At its heart, it’s about two people who once shared everything but are now standing on opposite sides of the business battlefield. The author blends romance with rivalry in a way that keeps the tension high—there’s just as much spark in their boardroom battles as there is in their stolen moments of vulnerability.

What stood out most for me is how the story balances love with personal growth. The chemistry is undeniable, but the characters’ ambitions aren’t just background noise—they actively drive the plot. It’s not just about romance; it’s also about identity, ambition, and the sacrifices people make for both.

The writing style is easy to get into, dramatic at times, but never overdone. If you’re into second-chance romance mixed with business drama and emotional stakes, this one will keep you hooked.

[Sonal Garg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever come across a book that doesn’t feel like a book but gives you the experience of a full blown movie? To me, this was that kind of book. Between Love and Business is such a wonderful read that it literally didn’t feel like I was reading. The language is so easy to go with and the plot is so soothing. 😭
I mean, it wasn’t supposed to be soothing. It was all kind of emotions you would wanna find in a book, love, betrayal, revenge, fallback, hating your ex, strong FMC, head over heels in love MMC, friendship, hidden relationship, and whatnot. It’s like one of those full packages you can’t stop loving. To be honest, it took me back to the days when reading was my guilty pleasure and not just a ‘task because I got an ARC copy’.
Like, regardless how much you disagree with the statement, you’d agree, this feeling strikes us somewhere, but with this book, I literally didn’t feel like it. I started the book, and by the next day, I’m deeply involved with Damien. I mean, have you even looked at that man? 😭 Who wouldn’t fall for that charming piece of a man!
The guy literally wants her to win, even if he destroys himself in the process. He literally takes the bullet for her (figuratively). He does everything in his power to save her, even if that means her hating him. What more could you even ask from a man 😭🪄
I am utterly in love with this book, Damien and Selene and Alexander and well, everything 😭✨
YOU HAVE TO READ IT!!!!

[prii✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼s
second Chance Romance
childhood sweetheart
betrayal
this is the second book I read from this very nice author. And guess which one is my favourite. Ofc this one, because this one contains hurt, love, passion and so more. once you get into the book and you can stop reading it. Damien and Selene......🥵🥵🥵🥵.
to be honest, I finished the book 3 to 4 days ago and couldn’t review it because some of my personal problems .... I was sick🥴.
so let's not waste time and review.... the book. At first... I loved FMC, she is a baddest. she has a sharp tongue and a total hottir, everything I like in a woman. but but but Damien hotshot Isn't less hottie.... Phewwe!!
the story starts with some Rival companies so Damien and Selene rivalry and they used to be childhood sweethearts too. but something happened between them, they broke up like 8 years ago but now Damien will risk anything to get her back like... including his reputation, his company and everything. he will fight for the world get her. I think that's the thing I like in a man. ruthless man but only soft for the girl. the thing I like in the book is the plot, the main plot of the story. everything was perfect in the book and I strongly suggest Alexander deserves a damn BOOK!!!👉👈👉👈
the chemistry was perfect
the tension between them was undeniable
and the story line was perfect between love and business 😉😉
(Note: I hate punctuation!)

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌸ARC Review ~ 3.8 ⭐
📅 Releasing August 27

I had the chance to read Between Love and Business early, and it pulled me in faster than I expected. The story centers around love, loss, betrayal, and the complicated space where business and emotions collide.

What stood out most to me was the female lead, Selene. She’s fierce, resilient, and carries a quiet strength that really anchored the story for me. Watching her balance her pain, past, and ambition was honestly one of the best parts of the book.

And Damien the male lead!!! Brings a lot of emotional tension to the story. His decisions in the past and how they unfold in the present will definitely stir mixed feelings. At times I found myself frustrated, other times curious and that push and pull kept the tension alive throughout.

The pacing was fast I found myself binge-reading it even while going through a reading slump. It’s one of those books that’s easy to get into, especially if you enjoy emotional tension, second chances, and a dash of mystery.

This is Saraf’s 2nd book, and I’m genuinely so happy to see her bringing her stories into the world. Can’t wait to see what she writes next! 💛

[Amelia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely hooked me from page one! Damien and Selene’s story is the perfect mix of passion, heartbreak, and second-chance intensity. The emotional push-and-pull between them had me glued to the pages—their chemistry is undeniable, even as they fight against each other in both love and business.

What I loved most is how layered both characters are. Damien isn’t just the powerful CEO with a past; he’s vulnerable, torn between duty and desire. And Selene is everything I want in a heroine fierce, ambitious, and unafraid to stand her ground, even when her heart is on the line.

The author did such a fantastic job balancing the angst, the slow-burn tension, and the high stakes of their rivalry. Every scene carried so much weight whether it was the sharp dialogue, the sizzling attraction, or the quiet moments where their history seeped through.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and stories that leave you breathless with emotion, this book is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down, and I already want more!

[Fareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Between Love & Business grabbed my attention from the start.

The story is about two powerful CEOs whose past connection of 8 years adds tension and complexity to the already brewing business rivalry.

Selene is absolute girl power. She is feisty, confident, sharp and unaplogetically strong. And Damien is a powerful and emotional chracter who will do anything to win her back at any cost.

I truly loved their dynamic it was filled with banter, tension and unresolved feeling which kept me fully invested from start to finish.

If you love business rivalry, second chance romance and a strong Fmc. I higly reccommend to read this book. Its the first book in Business Romantiques series.

[Yaren Kuzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very fun and sweet read!
I liked the characters, I liked the plot and the spice was good too!
Damien and Selene? Gimmieeeee I think the best part of it all was when the tension was tensioning and I could FEEEL the insane attraction 🤭

Saraf wrote this book so beautifully, I kept smiling and laughing while reading because I could really relate and feel with the characters. That's so well done. I can't wait to read more from her. The way she made sure that we knew how communication is the key to a relationship made me feel connected throughout the entire story and I just love Selene. She always takes a challenge like a queen!

[Alisa Begoyants · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about the typical busyness rivalry between two people who were together at some point in the past and end up being together again after a few years. The plot is engaging, featuring an emotional struggle and a second chance at hope, all set against a backdrop of business. The beginning of the story was too slow going for me, and many repetitive thoughts; it started to show more action towards the end of the book. I want to give a chance to the author by rating 4 stars since this one was her first book in this genre.

Thank you for the experience.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're into billionaire CEOs, and love that is dangerous. This book is for you.

Both Mc’s are strong characters.Selene is fierce, enough to fight the whole world. Damien a strong businessman.

It’s no love… it’s unfinished business. Right??


Great book! I highly recommend it!

I was given and advanced reader copy in exchange for my review. Thank you Saraf for the copy of your great book.