Disaster Recovery

by Lael Pierce

A missed opportunity may be the one disaster they can’t recover from…

Thea Monroe’s life is in shambles after a brutal layoff and a heart-wrenching personal betrayal. Desperate for a fresh start, she takes a chance on a job that brings her to a small town in Washington that’s straight out of a Hallmark movie—literally. She ends up working for Harris, her charming, interim boss, who needs her for a 5-week handoff before he departs on a mysterious sabbatical.

Thea’s plan is disguise her temporary homelessness with witty deflections and ignore the simmering chemistry with her boss. Despite the deadline, Thea and Harris struggle to keep their relationship “safe for work.” When Harris uncovers Thea’s hidden hardship, their connection turns vanishing ink into permanent marker. Yet Harris hides his own secret behind his unexplained leave—one far from professional.

With Harris’s departure looming and Thea’s past threatening to derail her new beginning, they’ll need more than chemistry to build something lasting in this heartfelt and hilarious romantic comedy.

Perfect for readers who

Spicy slow burn (open-door moments)Small town & found family warmthBoss/employee tension with a hard deadlineForced proximity + forbidden relationshipGentle, competent hero; independent heroineNon-spoilery grief & past trauma themes, first-person POV, HEA

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

Reviews

[Laurel Perrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t ever leave reviews

I don’t EVER write reviews for books. I’m writing this because after reading this book, crying for the characters and falling in love with them, I read the authors note at the end and realized it was her first book. And since few books take me so deep into the characters lives that I cry and laugh, I felt she absolutely earned a review. Bravo Lael Pierce! And thank you for giving me a glorious escape for a little while and some thought provoking life lessons. I will be rethinking some of my life based on these.

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I loved their chemistry and banter. I loved how it was heartwarming and sweet without being saccharine. I loved the growth and the realness of it. I couldn't believe it when the author said in the authors note it was her first book.

There were TWO very minor typos but honestly, having done quite a bit of editing myself they were so small and minor it's easy to see how they were overlooked.

But man, this was honestly one of my favorite books I've read in a while.

Edit: I will say this, though. This is marketed as a spicy slow burn small town romance. Spice in this book is.......... almost nonexistent. I give it 🌶️ out of 5 peppers on the spice scale.

However, the book is still fantastic.

[Caroline Ashford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book for those looking for a cozy fall read.

Thea is a wonderfully written character. She's strong, resilient, and real. In the face of losing everything she knows, she doesn't just bounce back and suddenly everything is hunky dory. She has to deal with real repercussions of actions that weren't always in her control. I fell in love with her from the first page, and honestly, I'd be friends with her IRL.

Harris is so freaking cute (an absolutely adorable man and I would fall for him so hard if I met him). His story is gripping, had me in literal TEARS, and I just adore him. He's a sweetheart, and a wonderful change up from the stereotypical two-dimensional shadow daddy, or the stereotypical two-dimensional billionaire who sweeps the FMC off her feet and lavishes her in gifts.

I really did enjoy this book. I'll be keeping an eye out for more by this author.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an absolutely beautiful debut romance from Lael Peirce. I’m only sad because now I can’t binge more of Perice’s beautiful writing.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 stars. But the reason I redacted half a star is because there were some typos and editing issues and that can sometimes take me out of the story, but the writing and plot more than made up for it.

I couldn’t put this workplace romance down. I loved every second, from the mysterious sabbatical that Harris is about to take, to the reveal, to the banter. I kicked my feet giggling with the banter and swooned over this love story, but cried too - it had so much heart and a cute found family, with moments that really capture grief and loving someone who is dying.

spice: 🌶️🌶️ (but with No overtly sexual language)

Can’t wait to read what’s next from this author.

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the hell. This is the author’s first book??? I’m stunned. I found this book through TikTok and wanted to give it a try. I had to keep looking and making sure it was a HEA because it felt so impossible to get there. I cried so much and felt so many things reading this. I’m obsessed. So glad I gave this book a chance 😭🖤

[Erika Harter · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book ever written by this author. If I hadn't known that before I started, I wouldn't have guessed. Loved the story, especially the fun banter throughout. Hopefully, she continues to write and this is the first of a series. ♥️

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute debut novel. A fun romp with a little depth. You'll want more from her and the little town she's created.