Not Mine to Love

by Rosa Lucas

Patrick CEO of McLaren Hotels. Helicopter pilot. Part-time adrenaline junkie who treats frostbite like a mild inconvenience. The kind of man who can silence a boardroom with one raised brow.Which is deeply unfortunate, because I, Georgie Fitzgerald, have been sent to his remote Scottish hotel to overhaul their IT systems. That means weeks of working in close proximity to him and his lethal combination of jawline, arrogance, and disdain.

And I know exactly what he thinks of me, because the man doesn’t bother hiding it.

I’m his best friend’s little sister—the pity hire who tanked her interview and only got the job because my big brother pulled strings. The tech gremlin occasionally allowed out of her cupboard to reset the router before being shoved back in again.

He climbs mountains for fun. I break into a sweat ordering coffee. He’s brooding intensity in a bespoke suit. I’m anxious energy and catastrophic overthinking in a cardigan.

It doesn’t matter how hard I work to prove myself at his company. He doesn’t notice. He doesn’t notice much about me at all.

Which is fine. It’s not that I want his attention. It’s just… I can’t help being shy. I can’t help that I’m still rebuilding myself after someone else tore me down.

But maybe I’m tired of being anxious, apologetic, router-resetting Georgie who lives in the background, worrying about what everyone thinks. About what he thinks.

Maybe it’s time to reclaim my narrative.
And maybe that includes claiming him.

Genres: Romance, Workplace Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Billionaire Romance, M F Romance

Reviews

[Ezzo · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.
I was tempted to stop reading this one from the very first page, and that is a first for me. 3 major issues :
1- Poop was mentioned in page 1 , I just met the character and I really do not need to now she hadn't pooped for days.(I do not think I ever need to know that ).
2- An on-page sex scene between the hero and another woman. I do not want that, and certainly not with the heroine witnessing it and I do not care that they were not together at the period . I stopped reading after this scene.
3- The anxiety issues and how everyone walks over her were getting on my nerves, and I’m sure there is much more of it later in the story. I am just Glad I didn't stick around to witness it.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so ready for this book to deliver a man who'd see the FMC's obvious history of abuse in a relationship and support her through learning how to love another who'd treat her right. This ain't it. This rating has purely to do with the fact that I despised the MMC, saw very little of note in him that makes him even moderately interesting as a romantic lead. At 50% he was still an oblivious dickhead and then at 80% he behaved like an unmitigated ass (quoting '05 Pride and Prejudice there) and this is literally the first romance I've ever read where I didn't want an HEA. (The writing is fine, to be clear)

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Mine to Love by Rosa Lucas

Firstly, I’ll start by saying I came across Rosa’s books at the start of the year and I devoured every book she has written. Her writing style, humour, angst and spice is just incredible. Which brings me onto her new release…

‘Not Mine to Love’ is a brother’s best friend contemporary romance about a 25 year old junior developer (coder) named Georgie. Georgie is incredibly clever but suffers from very bad anxiety, which affects not only her professional life but also her personal life, there were times my heart broke for how Georgie felt.

Our MMC is Patrick who we’ve met in previous books he is Liam McLaren’s brother. He is of course gorgeous and has many…shall we say large attributes?

The book is set between London and Skye.
I have never been to Scotland but I am from the UK and know what a gorgeous country it is, so discovering all of the different wonders of Skye through the book was fantastic.

There are of course handsome men in kilts (delicious). There are fun traditions of Scotland placed through the book.

The relationship between Georgie and Patrick and how it develops is so sexy and primal. I loved every moment. The spicy scenes as always from Rosa are phenomenal.

This book made me feel ALL the feelings, I was happy, excited, I laughed, I was sad and I felt butterflies in my stomach on numerous occasions.

I absolutely adored this book.
This is my honest review without spoilers. All I can say is go and read, I promise you will not be disappointed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jennifer DuPriest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent grovel but I’m confused how he fell in love with her when he didn’t know her at all. The hot and cold act got very old after a while. She finally got a back bone but he had no faith in her. Also I hate the man-whore act. She caught him with the OW so he slept with her days before the FMC. Gives me the ick.

[Crystal Simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s being a shy introvert who suffers from anxiety, and then there’s being a complete and total doormat…

[Jessamine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of a new Rosa Lucas ARC must immediately dive right in. The way I gasped when this glorious surprise dropped in my inbox yesterday. Thank you, wonderful Rosa, for sharing this ahead of release!

Rosa writes the best billionaire romance. She never ever misses. I’m not an easy one to make laugh but somehow I’m always giggling and grinning through everything she writes. This was no exception. I have highlights but I won’t share until release so as not to spoil things…but trust me, you’ll wet yourself laughing at the one liners and witty retorts.

Georgie, the FMC, is the definition of relatable. Anxious, endearing, catastrophically overthinking and planning 24/7. I adored her inner monologue and the way she slowly starts to reclaim her confidence. Watching her transform into a woman who knows her worth had me quietly cheering every step of the way.

Patrick McLaren? Bloody hell. A brooding, helicopter-flying, mountain-climbing dreamboat in a tailored suit. Grumpy, intense and the exact kind of emotionally constipated billionaire that Rosa writes so well. The tension between them is delicious 👌 the classic “I shouldn’t want you, but I do” energy that never fails to have me kicking my feet.

The Scottish hotel setting was pure escapism. I could practically feel the cold air and smell the fish 😆. Looks like Skye is now on my travel TBR (or TBV… to be visited).

The spice? 10/10. Rosa always delivers but this one had me all riled up. There’s something about the buttoned-up CEO finally unravelling for the anxious girl he underestimated that does it for me. That and the forbidden age gap narrative that is somewhat of a Rosa hallmark now!

I read this entire book in under 12 hours with a smile on my face, a few tears in my eyes, and an overwhelming urge to immediately reread.

Thank you, Rosa. Billionaire romance truly doesn’t get better than this. 💻💼🔥

[Emily-Jayne Cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SCREAM I SCRUMPT when this ARC landed in my inbox!!!

Rosa Lucas is a go to author that I will automatically read no matter what and she’s smashed it again! Rosa is the only I author I find myself chuckling along to and I love that she brings her humour into this genre of books.

Patrick & Georgie IDST!

Love this book- started yesterday, fell asleep reading it last night, woke up and finished it before my morning brew. To say I INHALED it would be an understatement.

This book is everything you need in your life!

5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been lucky to been given an early Arc copy, and as ever Rosa has written yet another fabulous book.

Patrick and Georgie story had me clued to it within 24 hrs I had read it, Rosa know’s just how to draw you in to her books, this one we have a age gap, brothers best friend , work place romance and Billionaire MMC but the female character Georgie is shy and timid but a outstanding coder.

Without fail there are lol moments mixed with serious one but so well balanced, the steamy scenes are ❤️‍🔥

You need to read it without spoilers as it will ruin it for you definitely a book that will be on my shelf when it’s released

For me it a huge 5🌟

[Rai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy and obviously read it in one day.

Georgie - anxious wreck, zero confidence, thrives on coding and needs to grow a spine

Patrick - runs his hotel empire with ruthless efficiency, flies helicopters, loves extreme holidays and wears a kilt well

Read if you like:
💘 Smart but awkward FMC
💘 Scotland - Isle of Skye
💘 Billionaire CEO
💘 Brothers best friend
💘 Age gap (10 years)
💘 Boss/employee
💘 Lists

Read the rest at https://www.instagram.com/p/DQQsU5Pj70c/

[mitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

did i like this book? yes and no.
i’m usually a fan of this author and her writing style because she’s someone who can balance both romance and comedy and truly makes me laugh when i read it. she’s also good at writing strong female characters. this is where i was having trouble because georgie isn’t that kind of character, at least not from what i read. i wish that she had more faith in herself and the ability to see herself as someone who was stronger and smarter. i didn’t like how patrick was viewed as a prize (bc let’s be real, he wasn’t shit) and i really did not understand what was so special about a manwhore that refused to address or speak about his commitment issues. i’m annoyed that she forgave him for being a misogynist piece of crap who believed her abusive boss over her, humilated her and then only went back to apologize and declare his love for her after her former teammates threatened to quit. he also kept mentioning how he didn’t care about losing the status of his hotel, but like… that’s not true mr patrick! idk, i think this is a 2.5 out of 5 for me. not the biggest fan of either of these characters or their relationship. i’m still not seeing how or why he fell in love with her, so i do wish i got to read more about that aspect of their relationship.

[Judith Monk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, Patrick is 🥵. Who knew Liam’s younger brother would be such a contender? Unfortunately he was also quick to judge and not as self aware as we’d like. Ah well, he might be a bit of a donkey but he’s got such BDE, I’ll forgive him.

[Kati Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love Rosa Lucas books (I’ve read ALL of them). This one wasn’t my fave but in terms of high spice books, she does an excellent job of balancing spice and plot. Keep writing top tier billionaire romance escapism please!

[Mari C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Rosa Lucas but this was a let down

Even though her MMCs usually do something real bad and do some well earned groveling, Patrick ignored Georgie for way too much of this book. He clearly infantilized her and did not respect her even when it was clear she was an extremely respectable woman. I just can’t root for someone like him to get the girl.

[Caroline F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new-to-me author and I really enjoyed this story.

Georgie was a massive introvert and, yes, there were times I wanted her to grow a backbone instantly, but as the story progresses, she slowly comes into her own. I liked Patrick. He never pretended to be anything else other than a commitment-phobe playboy, until Georgie starts making him feel things that he wasn't prepared for. I loved how hard he fell for sweet, awkward Georgie, and how he made things up to her towards the end. A fab love story!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

🌟 ARC Read 🌟 Thank you to Love Notes PR!

Patrick is the brother of Liam (the MMC from book one), and together they’re self-made billionaires. Patrick built a massive hotel empire and is very much the emotionally guarded, work-first type.

Georgie is a shy, brilliant IT nerd who works for Patrick. Her brother Jake also happens to be Patrick’s best friend. And oh my god… poor Georgie. That first chapter was brutal. I was laughing and cringing at the same time because the secondhand embarrassment was real. On top of that, her direct supervisor Craig is an absolute trash human who takes credit for all of her work. Georgie has essentially built an entire tech system for McLearns Hotels, but because she lets people walk all over her, no one truly knows how integral she is.

When someone needs to go to Skye, Scotland to implement the new system, Georgie finally stands up for herself and insists that she be the one to go. This trip becomes more than just work, it’s her chance to experience life, gain confidence, and stop shrinking herself for everyone else.

I really loved this book. Georgie’s inner monologue had me cackling more times than I can count. Patrick, on the other hand, is emotionally immature, even with a ten-year age gap. That part honestly broke my heart at times because watching the FMC get hurt always hits me hard. I usually prefer my MMCs a little more obsessive and unwilling to let go 😅

That said, I still loved Patrick. He genuinely means well; he just has absolutely no idea how to communicate it. He messes up, but when he makes it right, he makes it right. I also adored Jake and desperately hope he gets his own book because I need more of him.

The ending was incredibly satisfying, and everything tied together so well. Overall, this was such a fun, heartfelt read with great growth, humor, and emotional payoff.

Spicy chapters 🔥
17
26
28
29
31
34
Epilogue

[Shani - MumsTheWord · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROSA HAS DONE IT AGAIN!

Look, I'll admit, my top, all time favourite MMC of Rosa's would be Fisherman Liam. He was a hard one to beat, nothing has come close since... but then, enter Patrick. His brother.

Oh yes. The apple does not fall far from the tree and I was chomping at the BIT for him.

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Rosa's writing and especially her witty one liners. This book had me quite literally highlighting half of the first chapter.

Have you heard of "athletic sex"?! If so, you belong in camp--Patrick McLaren. For the rest of us, sit back with Georgie and learn a thing or two....

I do love reading about strong female leads HOWEVER... Sometimes I find them a little over the top or even unrealistic (perhaps even mean). Georgie was just REAL. She was frighteningly relatable. She's just in her own lane, doing her thing. She isn't the loudest in the room and doesn't ask for anything from anyone. She practices her public speaking in the mirror, she records herself talking to listen back and critique herself, she learns to fish, apologises to said fish and decides to throw it back. She is just a BREATH. OF. FRESH. AIR.

She was such a well developed character, in my opinion and the way she finished deserved a standing ovation.

When Georgie is tasked with the job of facilitating the take-over for the tech program SHE created in Scotland, she takes this opportunity by the ovaries. Starting with a "bucket" list. Ohhh what a list.

Enter Patrick McLaren. The company owner, billionaire and her brothers best friend who is an adventure junkie (and the total opposite of her).

And in Rosa's words, the man is not just **packing**--his "package" is basically a landmark, inclusive of a set of "alpha balls" and doesn't he just know it.

I loved these two with my whole heart. The story felt heart-warming, genuine and hilariously laugh out loud funny. I want to buy this in paperback, for literally everyone I love as Christmas gifts.

Because let me tell you, "cod-chat" does, in fact, count as foreplay and you'll have a damn good time participating in it.

[AM · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm at 25%, and seriously want to DNF. I've read every single one of Rosa Lucas's books, and found them entertaining, because her writing craft is always a high bar (even if I don't always love the characters).

But this particular story has dropped the bar. It reads like Y/N lore where she's almost taking the piss.

Personally, these are the parts I find so frustrating:
I don't blame Patrick for being concerned about Georgie's performance. If I were her peer, I'd be pretty annoyed she got the job after bombing an interview because her brother is best mates with the CEO. By your mid 20s, managing people around you is PART OF YOUR JOB. You cannot sit behind a computer all day and expect to advance. I'm sensing some trauma in her behaviour, which I am very sympathetic to but if it's to the level where every second word is a squeal, this character isn't ready for romance. She needs proper help and therapy. Extremely disappointed tbh, because Rosa Lucas saves her competence only for her MMCs, (and maybe Gemma Jones for the first 50% of the book, Love to Loathe Him).


update: Just read ch14. Patrick is so right but ofc corporate shark is not a trait any FMC is allowed to have :/ what kills me is Rosa understands these dynamics but not once gives the FMC the upper hand and competence she gives her MMCs

[Jovanna sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gahhh this book!! I absolutely love Rosa Lucas. She just has a way with writing and I absolutely devour all her books.

In this story you meet Patrick McLaren (MMC) & Georgie Fitzgerald (FMC). Patrick is the CEO of McLaren hotels and Georgie is hired staff who works in the IT department. Unfortunately Georgie works with someone who doesn’t value her and takes all the credit for everything she does. Because of this Patrick thinks Georgie doesn’t know what she’s doing but values his bestfriend (Georgie’s brother) friendship more so he lets things go. In reality Georgie is very smart and great at her job so throughout this story we really see her find her voice and not let things slide with her other horrible boss. I loved that this story was a slow burn and we really got to see every single step of the way. Patrick grew on me. I didn’t love him in the beginning but then I really got to understand him and the pressure he deals with and just how sweet he actually was. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for her next release!

4.5 stars !!

[Emine Deniz]

Love it, would have loved more

if Georgie did forgive but let go of Patrick. What Patrick has done in Norway cannot possibly remedy the reality that he chose Georgie over Craig and in fact Jake. What he had done in the boardroom definitely remedied him as the CEO and as a decent man, that is why forgiveness is warranted. However, what he did as Patrick the man is not and, in my opinion, should not be forgotten. I know rom-com writers are under immense pressure to write HEA but I like my literature like life, when sometimes you love someone and you love them with all that you are but that is it. That does not mean a relationship is possible. Georgie already said “when love rots, the feeling of betrayal” will stay. I do not even need years later they still yearn for each other. Such is generally not life. Sometimes you love you lose you learn and you move on.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book, and I’m pleased to say that it didn’t disappoint!

This is a workplace, brother’s best friend romance with a UK setting. The background of the relationship was done very nicely and I found the English setting to be done well - particularly Skye and all of the iconic locations there. The technical jargon of the characters’ professions was explained well and, as someone with no knowledge of coding or the hotel industry, I was able to follow it all smoothly.

The protagonists have a 10 year age gap, and this was acknowledged and discussed sensitively throughout. I don’t usually enjoy age gap romances as such, but I felt that Lucas handled it well.

As someone who has never read any of the previous novels before, I can confirm that this can be read as a standalone, but you will probably want to read the rest of the series once you’ve finished!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgie is a character that many people can relate to. I really enjoyed her quasi awkward journey along with so many honest thoughts/statements while tried to make sense of things. Her fun thoughts and dialogue was soooooo real! Patrick and Georgie’s connections both past and present added another level of “complication” to the plot. I enjoyed all of the mishaps, bucket list items and of course the Herring Festival. Being honest and figuring our what is most important were great takeaways. Loved it!

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

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this ARC and I’m so glad I did! First book I have read from this author and her writing style is so good! Georgie is such a likeable character for me. I saw a lot of myself in her. Patrick was so mean and annoyed me at first but he redeemed himself! I love how she grew a backbone and decided to go for things she wanted! Definitely recommend this book if you love a good older brothers best friend! Great on the the angst and spice as well! 4.5 stars!

[starburster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have mixed feelings about this book. While it was a page turner, there were some things that almost made this a DNF for me - SPOILERS!!!

-the first page…
- the over anxious FMC
- MC having on page relations with another woman and the FMC witnesses it
- A significant act getting exposed via intercom

I wish the author focused more on sweet and endearing interactions between the two

[Lindsay Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one by Rosa. I was lucky to get an advanced copy of this one. I think Rosa is one of my favourite authors. She always comes through. I wasn’t entirely sure about the MFC at first but she grew on me.

[Suzy100 · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book, I really can’t understand how these two people got a HEA.

When Georgie thought “It was Patrick who made this humiliation happen. I might love him, but I will never, ever forgive him.” I was cheering her on. She should have gone on hating him.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favourite. I just cannot get enough of Rosa's stories - huge fan.
I really love the characters (although frustrating at times!) and the storyline kept me hooked.

[Calla Negra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A fun romance set in England and Scotland. Well written, fun, with lots of angst and spicy romance scenes. This author is a go-to for me.

[Alicia Deguercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally read this one in a day. It was so good ??? Like I couldn't stop reading and wanted to know everything ! loved it so much. It's a easy 5 stars

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended #1 of Billionaire Brits earlier this year and eagerly awaited the following instalments. If you enjoyed Loathe to Love Him & Dare to Love Me you won’t want to wait for Patrick and Georgie’s story. There’s plenty of angst, steamy scenes & Rosa’s trademark humour. The descriptions of the Isle of Skye make it a main character. All in all if this is your thing, it’s a great read and I would recommend. ARC received in exchange for an honest review