How You Get The Girl

by Scarlett Archer

A campaign in LA unlocks more than ambition and soon they realize they don't hate each other as much as they thought... or do they?

Rachael Lancaster thought she had it all figured out--leaving her small hometown behind to chase big dreams in San Francisco. But when she arrives to find her long distance boyfriend cheating, she's left heartbroken, rain soaked, and stuck in a city she barely knows.

Her fresh start comes with strings a demanding new job, and a roommate who also happens to be her boss. Valerie Vanderbilt is as polished as she is intimidating, a woman who doesn't believe in small talk or love--after her own heartbreak.

Rachael and Valerie clash at every turn, from the office to their apartment, until a last minute business trip to Los Angeles blurs the lines between hate and something far more attraction.

Tense, tender, and irresistibly romantic, How You Get The Girl is a sapphic workplace love story about ambition, vulnerability, and finding home where you least expect it.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2026

About the author

Scarlett Archer was born in 2002. She grew up with a love for storytelling and strong heroines. Scarlett writes stories with as much attitude as heart. She curates pop-fueled playlists for every book she writes. When she's not crafting banter, she's writing poems and songs--and sneaking at least one poem into every story, because rules are overrated.

Reviews

[Rach Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg what a TREAT it was to read a character such as Scar has written!
The storyline development was so good and the development of Valerie and Rachael’s connection and love throughout the storyline was insane. It was so cleverly written so much. Like it was a slow burn but at the same time wasn’t but that’s why I enjoyed it so much!
Can we just take a moment for Jace and Duncan though?? LOVE THEM!!!
I was so frustrated at Valerie for pushing Rachael away so much but at the end it’s SO worth it.
I’m so so honoured to receive an arc for this. I was hooked!!! ❤️

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, feel good book. A workplace AND roommate romance with Rachael and her BOSS Valerie. The two FMC were total opposites, but their relationship was everything!! I was eating up the banter and the absolute forced proximity of it all!!! I found myself literally laughing out loud in so many moments. I love how Valerie softens and is so protective with Rachael. Even if she has a hard time opening up. The fake dating had me kicking my feet!!! Loved the dual POV and getting both sides of their emotions. I am just like Rachael, I unfortunately have blacked out while drinking too 🤣 The total romcom airport scene at the end melted my romcom loving heart. 💖

[Scarlett Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

not to be biased but this is the best sapphic romcom you’ll ever read 😉

[Romancereeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a soft spot in my heart for sapphic stories, especially when they feature a bisexual woman. I absolutely loved the slow burn between Rachael and Valerie! I love a good fake dating story, especially when they don’t just fall in love right away. Romcoms have my heart, and this one just adds to it 💖

I love Scarlett’s writing voice! I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone reading it.


Thank you for letting me read your ARC Scarlett!

[Taylor Priem · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HOLD MY PEARLS
(Not a 5 star … more like a 6 star ⭐️ damn right it isssssss)

First off this was my first ever sapphic book and AHHHHH this was perfect there was no spice and I do not mind that because this story did not need it one bit.

The writing, the characters, their development, everything was so beautiful and written so beautifully.

I really mean what I’m about to say…… Rather have this as a show on hallmark than all those cringey shows this was PERFECTION. It felt real, the emotions evening about Racheal and Valerie like AHHHHHH!!!

My favorite aspect of this whole thing was the side characters that didn’t feel like side characters the felt like the main characters too. Jace my favorite character only because I see him in myself, so funny, so don’t give a flying f^ck. So supportive, AND GAYYYY!!! And him and Duncan my Shayla’s they are everything. I also love Ethan he also have me YASSSSS VIBES!!!


This book had me absolutely hooked, so motivated for the next page, I needed to know what was gonna happen and when I found out I SOBBED… ugly crying. The words that was portrayed in the book mainly in the ending MADE ME LOSE MY MARBLES. Like okayyy poet I seeeee you!!!

To Scarlett thank you so much for having me arc read this and being the only guy on the street team. I love the characters, I love everything about this, again thank you for trusting me by reading your baby i couldn’t ask for a better story this was PERFECTION!!

Tropes:

🌸💖 Enemies to lovers

💖🌸Forced Proximity

🌸💖workplace romance

🌸💖 fake dating (AHHHH) is it fake? Or is it real?


💖🌸loveable side characters that feel like main characters

🌸💖Grumpy x Sunshine

🌸💖Sapphic

🌸💖 she sees your butterfly tattoo .. never lets that go

💖🌸 ROM COM …. IK THATS RIGHT

🌸💖 so catchy

💖🌸 my favorite part was the songs within the book as well most importantly “Matilda by Harry styles”

[Shirley Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael has broken up with her cheating ex boyfriend, the whole reason she left her small town to make a fresh start in San Francisco. Throwing herself into her new job with will give her just the distraction she needs. Trouble is, her boss Valerie is a real cow!

Determined to make her PR campaign a success, Rachael will not allow Valerie’s negativity and generally cold stand-offish attitude get to her. Instead they begin to work together and sparks really fly. The chemistry between them is undeniable or so Rachael begins to think but Valerie will not allow herself to feel!

I loved this book, in particular I loved the way Scarlett made me feel every single emotion that Rachael and Valerie felt. The references to music throughout were really clever as they enhanced the emotional moments. I loved Rachael’s character, funny, crazy, chaotic but with the right amount of sass! I initially didn’t like Valerie, however when she revealed her vulnerable side, she became just as loveable! The fake dating scenes gave me all the feels and I was really routing for them to find their way together!

I would definitely recommend reading this book. It’s really well written, the story flows, the emotions are conveyed so strongly and when the characters show their vulnerability, the humour sprinkled throughout lightens the moment enough not to make it a heavy feel! I absolutely loved the references to my favourite tv show, Friends. The airport scene had me really engrossed!

[Via Luino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving to San Francisco was supposed to be Rachael Lancaster’s big chance. She was going to work her dream job and at last move into the same zip code as her long-distance boyfriend. But when she arrives to find her boyfriend cheating on her, her dreams turn to heartbreak. Soon Rachael is embroiled in a workplace feud with Valerie Vanderbilt, who is both her new boss and her new roommate. At first, Rachael thinks Valerie is a heartless ice queen, but on a work trip to LA, Rachael realizes Valerie has a soft side she keeps hidden. Dislike turns to attraction, but conflict and emotional unavailability are around every corner, forever pushing them apart.

How You Get the Girl was a heartfelt, tender read about being true to yourself and finding love. I enjoyed all the song references sprinkled throughout, and there were some incredible lines woven into this story. I’m making a post of my favorite quotes next! I did think the beginning was pretty rocky, and at first, I didn’t like Rachael’s character at all. She was a complete bitch to Jace for no reason and then kept sexualizing him in a way that I found kind of creepy, which was really off-putting to me. However, about 20% in, their friendship became my favorite part of the story. I felt that most of Rachael’s relationships jumped from 0 to 60 in no time at all, especially the one with Jace, and I would’ve liked to have gotten to see that evolution on the page. I was also a little confused on the timeline. My final critique is that the end felt unrealistic, at least in a practical sense. I’m 100% sure if I attempted what Valerie does, I’d be in jail, not skipping off into my HEA. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book. It was an emotional roller coaster, but a fun one!

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add this to your tbr if you love:
- Enemies to lovers
- Opposites attract
- Workplace romance
- Forced proximity
- Fake dating
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Found family

Starting off let me say, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Scarlett's writing is easy to read and flows so well; I found myself pulled into the story within the first couple of chapters. I was cackling at the internal dialogue in Rachael's POV!!

I'm a sucker for enemies/rivals to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, and opposites attract and you get a great mix of those in this book.
The relationship between Rachael and Valerie is full of witty banter, angst, tension, and raw emotion at times. There were several moments when I was rooting for them to kiss and makeup, and I love the yearning between the two.

I like that there is a good base of romantic comedy but also explores serious topics and past moments between the characters, and individually. The character development throughout the book was evident for both Rachael and Valerie and I loved seeing it all come together, with the over the top romantic gesture at the end.

Thank you to Scarlett Archer and her team for allowing me to read and review HYGTG honestly before the release!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC to review.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this FF romance. It gave me all the feels. Like a good rom-com movie. Enemies to lovers between an employee and her boss add on top that the boss is also her landlord!

I could see this being made into a movie with a really good cast of actresses and actors!

[Kb08 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book! I liked the beginning, it definitely had me interested. The writing style was different than I’m used to and Rachel was a bit chaotic at times haha but I think it added to her personality. Recommend for anyone that likes opposite attract 🫶🏼

[Cassie Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC Review)

Thank you to the author for the ARC of How You Get The Girl. All thoughts are my own.

This was a quietly engaging sapphic romance that delivered a strong emotional slow burn and thoughtful character work.

Rachael and Valerie’s dynamic is tense from the outset. The roommates-to-boss/employee setup creates natural friction, and I appreciated how grounded their interactions felt. Both characters are shaped by past heartbreak in believable ways — Rachael’s uncertainty and Valerie’s emotional distance make their clashes feel earned rather than exaggerated.

The workplace romance is handled with care, particularly around boundaries and power dynamics, which added to the story’s realism. The pacing is intentionally slow, and while it worked well for the emotional build, some sections felt slightly drawn out for me. That said, the LA business trip is a turning point and easily one of the strongest parts of the book, with the tension and yearning finally coming to the surface.

At its core, this is a character-driven story about ambition, vulnerability, and learning to open yourself up again after disappointment. The emotional payoff is satisfying, even if a bit understated.

Overall, How You Get The Girl is a solid 4-star read and a great choice for readers who enjoy sapphic workplace romances, slow burn tension, and emotionally focused storytelling.

If you enjoy sapphic romances with workplace tension, slow burn development, and strong character focus, this one is for you.

[Michaela Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc: How to get the girl from Scarlett Archer.

Rachael Lancaster thought she had it all figured out--leaving her small hometown behind to chase big dreams in San Francisco. But when she arrives to find her long distance boyfriend cheating, she's left heartbroken, rain soaked, and stuck in a city she barely knows.

Her fresh start comes with strings a demanding new job, and a roommate who also happens to be her boss. Valerie Vanderbilt is as polished as she is intimidating, a woman who doesn't believe in small talk or love--after her own heartbreak.

Rachael and Valerie clash at every turn, from the office to their apartment, until a last minute business trip to Los Angeles blurs the lines between hate and something far more attraction.

Tense, tender, and irresistibly romantic, How You Get The Girl is a sapphic workplace love story about ambition, vulnerability, and finding home where you least expect it.

The author's writing style is fluid and well-structured. The chapters flow smoothly, allowing you to get to know the characters better. The descriptions of events, the setting, and the characters are also excellent, making it easy to immerse yourself in the story.

I recommend this book to all romance lovers. I had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to know the ending.

[Bheccareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: How to Get the Girl by Scarlett Archer

This was my very first sapphic romance and I’m honestly so glad I gave it a chance. Slow burn officially owns me now. I went into this book skeptical, like “is this really my trope?” and came out completely feral for it. The banter?? The quiet flirting?? The fake dating that was never really fake?? I was gone. Absolutely gone.

Rachel and Valerie… my girls.
Rachel with her chaotic sunshine energy and Valerie being the calm, careful heartbeat of the duo. Their dynamic feels so organic. Rachel practicing self-love, Valerie grounding her, both of them pushing and pulling in the most emotionally devastating ways. The tension is insane — like, I felt it in my SPIRIT.

Chapter 33? My Roman Empire.
The almost-kiss that felt more intimate than an actual kiss?? I’m still screaming.

This book yanked emotions out of me I did not authorize. Bring tissues. Bring WATER. Bring emotional reinforcements.

Favourite Quotes:
“God, I hate her. And maybe, just maybe, I hate that I don’t actually hate her at all.”

“I won’t let you fall,” I whisper… “Then I’ll catch you. Every. Damn. Time.”

“You’re the only place that ever felt like home… I was just an address without a door.”

This story is tender, messy, hopeful, and beautifully queer. I’m obsessed.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will give this one 4 stars. I didn't get the best first impression of the MC. She seemed very rude for no reason, but the dialogue kept me going. The dialogue was strong in this book. Like it was so good and realistic and had the perfect, sarcastic comebacks in all the right places. So that was something that really drew me in. The author is really skilled at good dialogue.

It was a bit hard for me to stay on track with the timeline. I felt like she just moved there and suddenly she was bitching and joking with these people like she had been there her whole life? Throughout the story, I struggled with how much time had passed BUT I kept reading because, if I looked aside my confusion with time - the plot, the character dynamics and the DIALOGUE just made it all worth it. Those bits were so good that it was as if the rest didn't matter. I am mostly putting it in here cause I promised an honest review.

The ending had me laughing. It was cheesy but in all the right places. The poems was a fine touch. A really fine touch.The way Valerie took time to respond to every line of the poem was really AMAZING. So well done!

The characters were also brilliant. Nothing bad to say about them. I ended up loving the MC, and all is well. I am grateful I got to be an ARC reader for this.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

How You Get the Girl has me fully hooked. It’s the kind of book you sink into after a long day and suddenly you’re 50 pages deep without realizing it.
Rachael is such an easy character to root for. She’s messy in the way real people are messy Starting over, heartbroken, and trying to pretend she’s got her life together while everything feels upside down. I love her optimism, even when life keeps throwing curveball after curveball at her. She knows how to navigate issues well
Valerie Vanderbilt? yessss!. I did not expect to like her as much as I do. She’s poised, intimidating, and gives off that “I don’t have time for B.S” attitude... but the more you get to know her, the more you see the layers underneath. Her guardedness isn’t coldness, she's not mean... she's in pain. And the contrast between her perfectly controlled exterior and everything she’s holding inside is chef’s kiss.
The tension between them is so good — sharp at first, then slowly shifting into something softer. Their moments together have this perfect blend of awkward, charged, and unexpectedly tender. And the song references sprinkled throughout? I LOVE them. It adds an entire emotional soundtrack to their story.

It’s romantic, it’s vulnerable, and it’s giving “finding home in a person you never expected.”

[Nandini · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 💜 : 4.5/5 ⭐

- I'm happy that I got this arc and was a part of the journey between Rachael and Val.

- My first sapphic book, and it was beautiful. I doubted whether I will like it or what if I get ick ? but I was absolutely wrong. This was exceptionally done. Fast paced.

- A story of two broken hearts,one masks it with joy while the other masks it with work.
The main characters, the setting,and the workplace banter were all good. Workplace romance was done right and the author actually shows the work the characters do,which justifies the trope.

- Rachael in her hometown away from the city due to certain misunderstandings and the things she did there were a bit off for me.

- The chaos in the ending was definitely needed. The closure was amazing.

- Apart from the main characters I liked Jace,he was such a vibe. Also Rachael's brother's confusion was funny to me. His wife (Rachael's sis in law) was very supportive. Her parents were all chill.

- I wanted Val's pov but getting it less makes it even better. The plot was done neat that there was no need for spice and it didn't hv any.

- It has series,songs references which I don't know but it represented the characters feelings.

- I definitely recommend this book.

[Este · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm smashing that 5 star but this app is PMO! This book single-handedly dragged me out of my reading slump. It was pure Wattpad-era serotonin, the kind that makes you giggle, kick your feet, and pause just to squeal into a pillow. It was refreshing, flirty, emotional, and everything I didn’t know I was missing.

Rachael, my chaotic queen, her sass, her confidence, her adorably clumsy self. I fell for her in chapter one. And Valerie? Valerie. That cold, composed exterior hides the most devastatingly charming flirt I’ve ever read. Their chemistry? Unholy levels. The elevator rescue scene? I had to close the book and just stare into space like. Did that just happen? And when she whispered “good girl”? I swear my soul left my body. I had to physically remind myself to breathe. The pop culture and movie references scattered throughout? Perfection. The song mentions? Felt like a soundtrack playing in the background of my heart. And their banter, Oh my god, I was laughing out loud like an unhinged teenager.

This book reminded me why I love romance: the tension, the tenderness, the teasing, the ache. If you’re looking for a story that gives you butterflies, blushes, and full-body “oh no, I’m falling for them” moments, this is the one.

[shenp8booksandcafeda]

I am thankful to Scarlett for choosing me to be one of her ARC readers!

If you’re scared to read a sapphic love story, don’t be! And if you’re unsure about what book to start your reading journey with, this should be it!

Cue: How You Get the Girl by Taylor Swift.

The book is about 600 pages on my Kindle, and I loved every second of it. Scarlett is a wonderfully creative writer. Her story buildup made the whole experience amazing. It felt like I was a close friend of Valerie, and she felt so real—like she was everywhere.

One of the things I love most about this book is the gradual interactions that led to their relationship. Fake dating? Loathing? Caring? Exploring? It’s all here.

Scarlett perfectly captured what it’s like to explore uncharted territory. The emotions and the feelings were there, and we were right there with Rachel when she first realized her deep affection for her boss, Valerie.

There are a few constructs for revision, but all in all, it was a great book to read! Thank you again, Scarlett, for giving me a copy—I can’t wait for everyone else to read this!

[CuriousPigeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌸 ARC Reader Confessional – How You Get The Girl by Scarlett Archer 💋✨

How You Get The Girl is a light, fun read with flirty banter, cute moments, and a bit of tension. From the first chapter, I was curious enough to keep reading — drawn in by the humor, the small romantic sparks, and the easy pace.

Our heroine is relatable and likable, the hero is charming in a classic rom-com way, and their interactions are enjoyable. The chemistry isn’t earth-shattering, but it works for the story.

The story has its predictable moments, and it leans into rom-com clichés, but it’s charming and breezy enough to make it a pleasant, quick read. Scarlett Archer’s writing is easy and entertaining, making this a decent pick when you want something light, easy, and a little heartwarming.

By the end, I was content — not blown away, but glad I read it. How You Get The Girl is an enjoyable, cozy romance that hits the familiar rom-com notes without overdoing it. 🌸

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read for this fantastic rom-com. 💜💗

How You Get the Girl is truly a work of art! The story sucks you in immediately with betrayal by the main character's, soon to be ex-boyfriend cheating on her! She uprooted her life to be with him, and he BETRAYS HER!? I was fully invested in the story by page 2!

There's a network of funny, supportive side characters that lifts the story to another level of fun and entertaining banter. The main love interest is a grumpy, high-profile executive woman who has unmanaged trauma and needs someone to be patient with her while she is on a journey of healing.

This story is a Female-female grumpy x sunshine, slow burn 🔥, they live together, she's her boss, workplace romance.

This story was beautifully written, and the author did a wonderful job of capturing raw emotions and putting them into the book. It took me by surprise when I started tearing up while reading certain scenes. please read this book. It's a great, easy, fun read.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

“What starts as just another stressful workday turns into something I absolutely did not plan for.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️½

How You Get The Girl is a workplace romance set in the chaotic, high-stress world of wedding planning. Valerie is tightly wound, overworked, and very much in denial about her feelings. Jace is calm, charming, and far more attentive than she expects — which makes him extremely inconvenient.

The romance is a slow build fueled by proximity, banter, and lots of feelings that refuse to stay quiet. The emotional connection grows through small moments rather than big drama, which makes the relationship feel earned and sweet.

That said, the writing style is very loud. There’s a lot of intense inner monologue and frequent cursing, which may be fun for some readers but a bit overwhelming for others. If you enjoy chaotic thoughts, high emotional volume, and a steady love interest who shows up consistently, this one will likely work for you.

Overall, a solid contemporary romance with strong chemistry, just be prepared for the volume to be turned up.

[Rhian Velotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ and 1/5 🌶️ This was a super light fun book. FMC gets cheated on after moving from her hometown to help her boyfriend who works too much and doesn’t take a break. She tries to rebuild her life, gets an apartment and job. Then she stumbles into a slight enemies to lovers vibe with one of her roommates. They share some banter and angst and eventually start to fall for one another. As FMC gets closer to her roommate, her roommate pulls away. They end things and FMC returns home. After returning home, FMC starts writing down her feelings as an outlet until her brother’s girlfriend begs her to share her work publicly. FMC does and then it goes public. Her roommate finally allows herself to evolve and sends her a note after a public signing but doesn’t show when she’s supposed to and FMC has to catch a flight. Well, her ex-roommate shows up full on romantic style to confess her love and it’s almost too late but they end up right where they are supposed to be. Overall, a good light read and my first FF book.

[Sarah Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC reader.

I have never read a sapphic love story before and to be honest I thought I was going to have trouble getting into it. The first few pages didn’t draw me in but I stuck with it and I am so glad I did as I got to where I could not put it down!!

I loved the light heartedness of it with the flirty banter which had me chuckling at times. It was a proper rom com which I love but also completely different to what I am used to which I think was down to the brilliant writing style.

The characters were all really engaging and likeable, even those that were not main characters and I found that I wanted to know more about them too which I find quite rare, especially from a rom com when its usually just the main characters that you fall in love with!!

All in all it was a really enjoyable book which I would recommend if you love rom coms or even something a little bit different.

[Ashley Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Get the Girl by Scarlett Archer was such a fun and heartfelt read. I picked it up expecting a light rom-com, but it ended up having way more depth than I anticipated. The chemistry between the main characters feels natural and slow-burn in the best way—full of banter, tension, and those little moments that make you grin at the page.

I really loved the mix of humor and vulnerability. The author does a great job balancing the “how-to” premise with real emotional growth. Both leads have their own insecurities and messy parts, and watching them work through that added so much charm to the story.

The only reason I didn’t give it the full 5 stars is because a couple of scenes felt a bit predictable, and there were moments where I wanted the pacing to move just a bit quicker. Still, none of that took away from how much I enjoyed it.

If you’re a fan of feel-good romance with cute tropes, witty banter, and characters you want to root for, this one is definitely worth a read!

[C Briar Night · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Get the Girl is a fun, feel-good romance that leans into charm, banter, and emotional growth. Scarlett Archer delivers a story that’s lighthearted but still heartfelt, with characters who feel relatable and easy to root for.

The romance unfolds naturally, balancing sweet moments with laugh-out-loud scenes and just enough tension to keep you invested. What really stands out is the character development — watching the main character learn, grow, and genuinely earn the relationship makes the love story feel rewarding rather than rushed.

This book is perfect if you enjoy:

- contemporary romance with humor

- strong chemistry and banter

- low-angst, comforting reads

- stories about growth, communication, and vulnerability

Overall, How to Get the Girl is an enjoyable, cozy romance that leaves you smiling and satisfied — a great pick when you want something warm, easy to read, and uplifting.

[Sarah Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
How You Get the Girl surprised me in the best possible way. It opens with a moment that genuinely made me gasp out loud 😅, and from there the emotional depth only continued to build.

The relationship between the two main characters is the heart of this story. Starting off as enemies, made even more complicated by a workplace dynamic that follows them home, the tension between them feels immediate and believable. Watching that friction slowly shift into trust and vulnerability felt incredibly natural and earned.

This book made me cry several times, quietly and unexpectedly. Certain lines lodged themselves in my chest and stayed there, reflections on grief, heartbreak, self-worth, and learning that love doesn’t mean shrinking yourself.

This is a sapphic workplace romance that understands pain, but also understands healing. Tense, tender, and emotionally resonant, one that stays with you long after you finish.

[The Writing Wormhole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is absolutely chaotic in the best way. To be honest, I started off a little rocky because Rachael nnoyed me as a person. Then I realized it's because she's a little bit too much like me, and her reactions to everything that was happening to her were exactly how I would react if I were in this situation. Safe to say she grew on me. I was screaming, I was yelling. I became one of those people who claps when the plane lands.

I am obsessed with all the friendship dynamics and would have loved to see more interaction between the friends in San Francisco and the friends in her hometown. I feel like they would be messy together and I love that. Valerie is one of my favorite people, and I really wish her grief was explored more throughout the latter half of the book, that is the only thing that kept it from being a Four to five-star read for me.

I received this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I really didn’t need to take on any more ARCs, but had seen so many great things about this one I said “fuck it”. So glad I broke my ban.

The pacing, the banter, the slow burn, the side characters - all well done. Rachael was a bit of a disaster, as Valerie loves to point out, but endearing and raw. Jace, quickly stole my heart and I’m so thankful we also got to see pieces of his story play out. He adds the perfect amount of reason and chaos. He and Duncan are just adorable.

Valerie could rival Miranda Priestly for the ice thrown. Too bad her quick wit and quips couldn’t stop Rachael from chipping away at her layers.

Packed with emotions, but also fun and with enough sarcasm and lighthearted moments it’s not ever too much. I enjoyed reading How You Get The Girl. The playlist and poems make it even better. Thank you, Scarlett for the opportunity to read your work.

[Shauna Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: How To Get The Girl by Scarlett Archer

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
0/5 🌶️ No spice (the story didn’t need it honestly)

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to arc read my first ever sapphic romance!!! I loved it!!

Scarlett Archer absolutely nailed her debut with this sapphic workplace romance. How To Get The Girl has everything I love in a rom-com: fake dating, forced proximity, slow burn yearning, enemies-to-lovers tension, and the perfect grumpy/sunshine duo that had me cackling the whole book.

Rachel moves to San Francisco for love… only to find out her boyfriend cheated on her the moment she arrives. Cue chaos, heartbreak, and her stumbling into the most unexpectedly awkward living situation with her new roommates, Valerie and the endlessly iconic Jace. And let me just say: Jace deserves his own spin-off. He’s hilarious, loyal, and the kind of gay best friend who steals every scene he’s in.

The banter? Exceptional. The chemistry? Totally hot. The workplace twist, where Valerie just so happens to be Rachel’s boss, adds delicious tension, especially when a brand campaign forces them into each other’s orbit. Their dynamic had me laughing out loud, swooning, and occasionally yelling at Valerie because GIRL, PLEASE.

This book is fun, heartfelt, and full of queer joy. A phenomenal debut and an easy 5-star recommendation. Highly recommend if you love sapphic romance with humor, tenderness, and trope-filled goodness.

[Emerald Morhous · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌻 HOW YOU GET THE GIRL🌻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶/5

Thank you for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review! Releases January 16 2026

This is a sharp, witty, and emotionally fueled sapphic romance.

Rachael Lancaster decides to go for a fresh start in a new town and land's a job as a junior copyright editor for a prestigious marketing firm in San Francisco. All is well until Rachel realizes she's just set her self up for a fiasco when she meets her new boss and landlord- Valerie vanderbilt- whom likes to live by a strict set of rules and craves control.

These two women butt heads at every turn, but soon their tension quickly leads into something else entirely-attraction.

Tropes you'll Love:

😈 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌻 Sapphic Romance
😈 Workplace Rivals
🌻 Fake Dating Situationship
😈 Slow Burn Tension