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Hotel Bellwether #3
No Room For Rivals
I’m competing for a promotion I’ve spent years earning. He’s treating this like it’s a game.
Hi. I’m Ivy Ellison—strategic, data-driven, and about to strangle my coworker on camera. Cole Hartwell, company wildcard and my professional rival, is six feet of muscle that screams “trust me, it’ll work”.
My romantic history is a graveyard of being the "second choice." Men don't choose me—they settle. So long ago, I decided to choose my career. I'm one step away from my dream role, and the only thing standing in my way is Cole’s smug, handsome face.
One high-stakes trip.
One career-making campaign.
And one cramped hotel suite not designed for two people who "hate" each other this much.
The assignment? Produce a live-streamed eco-activism singles weekend at the Hotel Bellwether. The celebrity headliner? Blaze Tate, a caffeinated golden retriever with a gazillion followers and zero impulse control. When he cannonballs into the ocean with sea lions, donations pour in. The more he goes off script, the more I lose my sanity.
Cole treats our rivalry like foreplay and acts like the sleeping arrangements (and my curves) are somehow his problem. He’s determined to prove that winging it wins campaigns, and every viral spike is proving him right. Somewhere between fighting for my career and resisting the urge to shut him up with my mouth, I’m starting to wonder if the biggest risk isn't losing my promotion—but walking away from the one person who might finally choose me first.
Book #3 in the Hotel Bellwether series, delivers enemies-to-lovers-tension with one bed, forced proximity, competence kink, and a slow burn that absolutely brings the heat. Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn chaos and Tessa Bailey steam.
Hi. I’m Ivy Ellison—strategic, data-driven, and about to strangle my coworker on camera. Cole Hartwell, company wildcard and my professional rival, is six feet of muscle that screams “trust me, it’ll work”.
My romantic history is a graveyard of being the "second choice." Men don't choose me—they settle. So long ago, I decided to choose my career. I'm one step away from my dream role, and the only thing standing in my way is Cole’s smug, handsome face.
One high-stakes trip.
One career-making campaign.
And one cramped hotel suite not designed for two people who "hate" each other this much.
The assignment? Produce a live-streamed eco-activism singles weekend at the Hotel Bellwether. The celebrity headliner? Blaze Tate, a caffeinated golden retriever with a gazillion followers and zero impulse control. When he cannonballs into the ocean with sea lions, donations pour in. The more he goes off script, the more I lose my sanity.
Cole treats our rivalry like foreplay and acts like the sleeping arrangements (and my curves) are somehow his problem. He’s determined to prove that winging it wins campaigns, and every viral spike is proving him right. Somewhere between fighting for my career and resisting the urge to shut him up with my mouth, I’m starting to wonder if the biggest risk isn't losing my promotion—but walking away from the one person who might finally choose me first.
Book #3 in the Hotel Bellwether series, delivers enemies-to-lovers-tension with one bed, forced proximity, competence kink, and a slow burn that absolutely brings the heat. Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn chaos and Tessa Bailey steam.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
About the author
MéLisa Ryun
9 books165 followersMéLisa Ryun is our pen name, and we're a husband-wife duo who've been finishing each other's sentences (and steamy scenes) for nearly 30 years. We left the glitz of Hollywood for the glitter of Vegas. Despite calling Sin City home, we say what happens in Vegas should definitely not stay in Vegas-not when it comes to our scorching hot romcoms.We spend our days in a death match of yoga and joke-writing. It's like we're competing in a bizarre reality show where the winner gets to avoid stepping outside into Satan's armpit. We used to write for Hollywood and YouTube. Now we write books and social media posts. It's basically the same thing, except now our audience can read ¿ Maybe we'll trauma dump about our life in LA in a book someday. Or maybe we'll just keep writing about fictional people with better lives than ours.We write steamy open-door romcoms that'll make your grandma blush and your girlfriends wink knowingly. Our characters? So real you'll swear they've been eavesdropping on your life, with banter as finely honed as a cover model's abs and sparks that'll melt your e-reader. Our mission? To write sizzling chemistry, door-kicking-open steam, and enough beloved tropes to complete a Pinterest board. And the best part? Guaranteed satisfying happily ever after, every time.. Snark. Swoon. Spice!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
May 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No Room For Rivals by MéLisa Ryun
Ivy 💘 Cole - Hotel Bellwether
Ivy Ellison has everything planned out and as a content producer that’s gunning for that promotion, everything has to be flawless. Cole Hartwell, also up for the same promotion, shows up to the fundraising event and immediately gets under Ivy’s skin and challenges her perfectly laid out plans…and her heart. Ivy has thought of everything from start to finish…except the appearance of hunky Cole.
Cole runs on instinct and winging it. He knows Ivy is literally the one to beat and won’t hold back one bit when it comes to getting the final rose. But Coles reckless impulses mixed with Ivy’s strict strategy actually complement each other causing the weekend to actually be more successful than they ever could have imagined!
I ATE this novella up! Usually I feel novellas are rushed and incomplete but reading this, I felt like I actually read a full on book and nothing shorter. Everything really flowed perfectly. The romance and spice hit at the perfect time and my goodness, was the spice good! When these sparks started flying they EXPLODED and Ivy likes it rough.
While I love a good HEA with banter and spice, I LITERALLY EAT UP THE LOVABLE SIDE CHARACTER! And this has it! BLAZE IS BACK! You HAVE to go back and read the Hot Mess Summer series where Blaze originally appeared because you will LOVE him! It’s not an opinion it’s a FACT! New book boyfriend unlocked! I cannot wait for Blaze’s book!!!
💘 ENEMIES TO LOVERS
🤏🏻 FORCED PROXIMITY (ONE BED)
WORKPLACE RIVALS
🧲 OPPOSITES ATTRACT
🫠 HE FALLS FIRST (BUT FIGHTS IT)
🏆 COMPETENCE KINK
No Room For Rivals by MéLisa Ryun
Ivy 💘 Cole - Hotel Bellwether
Ivy Ellison has everything planned out and as a content producer that’s gunning for that promotion, everything has to be flawless. Cole Hartwell, also up for the same promotion, shows up to the fundraising event and immediately gets under Ivy’s skin and challenges her perfectly laid out plans…and her heart. Ivy has thought of everything from start to finish…except the appearance of hunky Cole.
Cole runs on instinct and winging it. He knows Ivy is literally the one to beat and won’t hold back one bit when it comes to getting the final rose. But Coles reckless impulses mixed with Ivy’s strict strategy actually complement each other causing the weekend to actually be more successful than they ever could have imagined!
I ATE this novella up! Usually I feel novellas are rushed and incomplete but reading this, I felt like I actually read a full on book and nothing shorter. Everything really flowed perfectly. The romance and spice hit at the perfect time and my goodness, was the spice good! When these sparks started flying they EXPLODED and Ivy likes it rough.
While I love a good HEA with banter and spice, I LITERALLY EAT UP THE LOVABLE SIDE CHARACTER! And this has it! BLAZE IS BACK! You HAVE to go back and read the Hot Mess Summer series where Blaze originally appeared because you will LOVE him! It’s not an opinion it’s a FACT! New book boyfriend unlocked! I cannot wait for Blaze’s book!!!
💘 ENEMIES TO LOVERS
🤏🏻 FORCED PROXIMITY (ONE BED)
WORKPLACE RIVALS
🧲 OPPOSITES ATTRACT
🫠 HE FALLS FIRST (BUT FIGHTS IT)
🏆 COMPETENCE KINK
June 2, 2026
I switched reading order and this is the second book of the series I read but I have a feeling it will stay my fav, even with still 3 books of Bellwether Hotel series to go.
Workplace rivals to lovers with amazing tension and banter that stayed there when they became a couple!!! It just went from rivalry to playful but yaaas, the banter stayed 🔥
It should be a quick and easy read (the page count is under 200). It’s romcom first, with some action elements, good cause (activism for sea lions 🦭 ) and moments that might hit you hard in the feels.
Mostly fun and easy breezy but certain parts made me feel deeply - the perfect combo when I go for LOL romcom, I need these deeper bits thrown in there too and MeLisa and Ryun never miss in this regard!
Summer Hot Mess remains full of 5 stars for me, but this was a very solid 4⭐️
Workplace rivals to lovers with amazing tension and banter that stayed there when they became a couple!!! It just went from rivalry to playful but yaaas, the banter stayed 🔥
It should be a quick and easy read (the page count is under 200). It’s romcom first, with some action elements, good cause (activism for sea lions 🦭 ) and moments that might hit you hard in the feels.
Mostly fun and easy breezy but certain parts made me feel deeply - the perfect combo when I go for LOL romcom, I need these deeper bits thrown in there too and MeLisa and Ryun never miss in this regard!
Summer Hot Mess remains full of 5 stars for me, but this was a very solid 4⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy of No Room For Rivals. This book is the entry by MeLisa Ryun in the new Hotel Bellwether series, with each book written by a different author. I’ve read MeLisa Ryun before, so I knew to expect lots of laughs and lots of spice, along with some real emotional depth.
Ivy and Cole are workplace rivals. They are both career-driven but have very different ways of going about things. They both work in production for Dare4Change, a video-based effort to raise money for good causes. (We meet the people behind Dare4Change in Hawaii Can Suck It, part of MeLisa Ryun’s Hot Mess Summer series, but it’s not at all necessary to have read that to enjoy this one.
Ivy is super-organized. She’s got everything planned down to the minute (back-up plans for the back-up plans). Cole is more of a wing-it kind of guy, but he does have very good instincts and knows when a moment has the potential to go viral. They are both sent to the Hotel Bellwether in southern California to coordinate a weekend of fundraising and fun for singles, on behalf of sea lions. Their “star” on-air talent is Blaze, who is off-the-charts kooky but lovable. When Blaze is involved, you just can’t plan for everything!How he interacts with the marine biologists is really funny. Ivy and Cole secretly have the hots for each other, but their main mode is hating each other. Cole took credit for a previous project they worked on together and Ivy has not forgiven him for that.
Ivy has self-confidence issues (personal, not business confidence) due to her being “curvy.” She feels that she’s always the second choice when it comes to guys. But Cole loves every inch of her, which was refreshing. And he admires how efficient she is and how she thinks of everything.
Despite some disasters, they do wind up raising a ton of money for the sea lions and the rusty old boat that the scientists use to rescue them from nets and other ocean garbage that we humans pollute the ocean with. And of course, along the way, they drop their hating game and jump into bed with each other - which we expect, but we read this kind of book to see how they get there.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like it, for the first part of the book, but gradually I warmed up to Ivy and Cole and just shrugged at the nuttiness of Blaze and then wound up loving the story.
Ivy and Cole are workplace rivals. They are both career-driven but have very different ways of going about things. They both work in production for Dare4Change, a video-based effort to raise money for good causes. (We meet the people behind Dare4Change in Hawaii Can Suck It, part of MeLisa Ryun’s Hot Mess Summer series, but it’s not at all necessary to have read that to enjoy this one.
Ivy is super-organized. She’s got everything planned down to the minute (back-up plans for the back-up plans). Cole is more of a wing-it kind of guy, but he does have very good instincts and knows when a moment has the potential to go viral. They are both sent to the Hotel Bellwether in southern California to coordinate a weekend of fundraising and fun for singles, on behalf of sea lions. Their “star” on-air talent is Blaze, who is off-the-charts kooky but lovable. When Blaze is involved, you just can’t plan for everything!How he interacts with the marine biologists is really funny. Ivy and Cole secretly have the hots for each other, but their main mode is hating each other. Cole took credit for a previous project they worked on together and Ivy has not forgiven him for that.
Ivy has self-confidence issues (personal, not business confidence) due to her being “curvy.” She feels that she’s always the second choice when it comes to guys. But Cole loves every inch of her, which was refreshing. And he admires how efficient she is and how she thinks of everything.
Despite some disasters, they do wind up raising a ton of money for the sea lions and the rusty old boat that the scientists use to rescue them from nets and other ocean garbage that we humans pollute the ocean with. And of course, along the way, they drop their hating game and jump into bed with each other - which we expect, but we read this kind of book to see how they get there.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like it, for the first part of the book, but gradually I warmed up to Ivy and Cole and just shrugged at the nuttiness of Blaze and then wound up loving the story.
June 18, 2026
I absolutely loved this. Both Cole and Ivy had me laughing out loud so many times throughtout this book! Loved their personalities and banter.
June 18, 2026
Melisa Ryan always delivers a story that takes me on an emotional roller coaster. One minute I'm laughing out loud, and the next I'm completely in my feelings. No Room for Rivals was no exception.
Ivy and Cole had some of the best banter I've read in a while. As workplace rivals competing for the same promotion, their constant bickering had me cracking up. But beneath all the snark and competition was a simmering tension that was just waiting to explode. Ivy thrives on organization and planning every detail of her life, while Cole approaches everything with a carefree, fly by the seat of his pants attitude. Their opposing personalities made for some truly entertaining moments.
I connected with Ivy on so many levels. As a curvy woman, she's spent much of her life feeling overlooked and underestimated because of her size. She just hadn't found someone who truly saw her for who she was. While Cole initially comes across as chaotic and fun loving, I loved getting to see his softer, more vulnerable side emerge as he realized just how much Ivy meant to him.
This book is full of chaos, laugh out loud moments, heartfelt emotion, and plenty of spice. It's the perfect summer romcom…funny, swoony, and guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Ivy and Cole had some of the best banter I've read in a while. As workplace rivals competing for the same promotion, their constant bickering had me cracking up. But beneath all the snark and competition was a simmering tension that was just waiting to explode. Ivy thrives on organization and planning every detail of her life, while Cole approaches everything with a carefree, fly by the seat of his pants attitude. Their opposing personalities made for some truly entertaining moments.
I connected with Ivy on so many levels. As a curvy woman, she's spent much of her life feeling overlooked and underestimated because of her size. She just hadn't found someone who truly saw her for who she was. While Cole initially comes across as chaotic and fun loving, I loved getting to see his softer, more vulnerable side emerge as he realized just how much Ivy meant to him.
This book is full of chaos, laugh out loud moments, heartfelt emotion, and plenty of spice. It's the perfect summer romcom…funny, swoony, and guaranteed to leave you smiling.
June 14, 2026
This book was a great reset read for me. It was def my palette cleanser. I can always count on mèLisa Ryun to be a cleaner book and have me laughing so hard I cackle.
Cole and ivy are a true work rivals who let the truth final come one. Hate to love and love to hate kind of energy. What happens when you are assigned with your work rival to run an event together? But it gets better when you have to share a one bedroom hotel room….
Ivy and her pillow wall but it’s even better when she ignores HER pillow wall! 🤣
Cole not being able to sleep and he decides to great sea lion scenarios- i literally cackled
But in all honesty, this book was 1000000 times better thanks to blaze. Think surfer bro to the extreme
Tropes:
🌊Workplace rivals
💗 Rom-com
🌊 Enemies to lovers
💗 Forced proximity
🌊 Work event
💗Workplace
🌊Only one bed
💗Opposite attract
🌊He falls first
💗She’s in denial
🌊Curvy FMC
💗HEA without kids
Do you need a RomCom that’s going to make you laugh out loud and cackle? Well this one is right up your alley!!
Cole and ivy are a true work rivals who let the truth final come one. Hate to love and love to hate kind of energy. What happens when you are assigned with your work rival to run an event together? But it gets better when you have to share a one bedroom hotel room….
Ivy and her pillow wall but it’s even better when she ignores HER pillow wall! 🤣
Cole not being able to sleep and he decides to great sea lion scenarios- i literally cackled
But in all honesty, this book was 1000000 times better thanks to blaze. Think surfer bro to the extreme
Tropes:
🌊Workplace rivals
💗 Rom-com
🌊 Enemies to lovers
💗 Forced proximity
🌊 Work event
💗Workplace
🌊Only one bed
💗Opposite attract
🌊He falls first
💗She’s in denial
🌊Curvy FMC
💗HEA without kids
Do you need a RomCom that’s going to make you laugh out loud and cackle? Well this one is right up your alley!!
June 8, 2026
MeLisa and Ryun did it again! A super fun novella with all the humor and feels.
Ivy Ellison and Cole Hartwell are work rivals, both vying for the same promotion. They have to make it through a fundraising event spanning over one weekend, and end up in the same hotel room...with one bed. What could go wrong?
The banter in this book was great. Having the dual POV and getting a glimpse at both sides was really entertaining. The situations they end up in and the events that happen were a great push and pull between the two as well. You really feel like you know the characters in a short time which made the turn from rivals-to-lovers make sense and you really start hoping they figure it out. The epilogue is the sweetest!
Also, Blaze, the enigmatic celebrity throughout the novella is a hilarious addition and I'm looking forward to his story :-)
Thank you to the authors and Happily Booked PR for the early copy. All opinions are my own!
Ivy Ellison and Cole Hartwell are work rivals, both vying for the same promotion. They have to make it through a fundraising event spanning over one weekend, and end up in the same hotel room...with one bed. What could go wrong?
The banter in this book was great. Having the dual POV and getting a glimpse at both sides was really entertaining. The situations they end up in and the events that happen were a great push and pull between the two as well. You really feel like you know the characters in a short time which made the turn from rivals-to-lovers make sense and you really start hoping they figure it out. The epilogue is the sweetest!
Also, Blaze, the enigmatic celebrity throughout the novella is a hilarious addition and I'm looking forward to his story :-)
Thank you to the authors and Happily Booked PR for the early copy. All opinions are my own!
June 25, 2026
Mélisa Ryun deliver another off the rails, chaos driven story that will melt your heart and tickle your funny bone simultaneously. Ivy and Cole are the most delightful rivals as they banter and flirt their way to a potential promotion. She is calm, controlled strategy where he is instinct & flair. They are polar opposites and that chemistry is a magnetic pull they can’t possibly fight for long. I could not get enough of their connection, their witty repertoire and their heat. Watching their stubborn refusal to face their feelings gets even more entertaining when you add in the pure beautiful chaos that is Blaze Tate. This whirlwind of bad decisions and megaphones is exactly the recipe for endless entertainment and hijinks galore. I will never tire of Mélisa Ryun’s hilarious antics, their ability to draw humor and heart with such precision and impact. It makes for a fabulous story that you won’t soon forget.
June 24, 2026
Thank you to authors MéLisa Ryun and Happily Booked PR for the arc of No Room for Rivals! If there ever was a right book at the right time, this book is it for me! I needed a hilarious romcom by these authors right now and this book was that and so much more. This book also reminded me why I love workplace rivals to lovers romances so much! Their attraction and chemistry was off the charts! I appreciated that Ivy knew she would never settle for being someone’s second best and that Cole loves everything about Ivy from her curves to her intelligence and her amazing strategic planning at their job. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and Blaze’s story!
June 24, 2026
Such an amazing book! I have loved everything MeLisa Ryun writes and this book is no different. This book is filled with humor from the very beginning. There is lots of mishaps, mix-ups and make-ups that you will not be able to put this book down. Blaze may not be the MMC but he steals the show just as much. And let's not forget about the sea lions! There is a part that will have you on the edge of your seat so hold on and enjoy the ride.
💻Enemies to lovers
🌴Forced proximity (one bed)
💻Workplace rivals
🌴Opposites attract
💻He falls first (but fights it)
🌴Competence kink
💻Enemies to lovers
🌴Forced proximity (one bed)
💻Workplace rivals
🌴Opposites attract
💻He falls first (but fights it)
🌴Competence kink
June 13, 2026
Ivy and Cole are complete opposites, workplace rivals, and both determined to snag the same promotion.
Ivy colour-codes her colour-coding. Cole considers “winging it” a legitimate business strategy.
Their boss throws down the ultimate challenge: survive a weekend fundraising campaign, and whoever comes out on top gets the job.
What could possibly go wrong?
Well, for starters, they end up sharing a hotel room. And, because the romance gods have a sense of humour, there’s only one bed.
Told through dual POVs, we get front-row seats to both of their inner monologues as they stumble, bicker, and banter their way through increasingly ridiculous situations. I loved how quickly I got to know both Ivy and Cole, which made it impossible not to root for these enemies to become lovers.
This is a great novella packed with the trademark banter I’ve come to expect from this husband-and-wife writing duo. The chemistry is fantastic, the romance feels natural, and the spice is perfectly balanced—always adding to the story rather than distracting from it.
And if you’ve read Hawaii Can Suck It, you’ll be delighted to see Blaze Tate making a return in all his gloriously chaotic splendour. Naturally, wherever Blaze goes, chaos isn’t far behind.
As always, Melissa and Ryun have delivered.
Ivy colour-codes her colour-coding. Cole considers “winging it” a legitimate business strategy.
Their boss throws down the ultimate challenge: survive a weekend fundraising campaign, and whoever comes out on top gets the job.
What could possibly go wrong?
Well, for starters, they end up sharing a hotel room. And, because the romance gods have a sense of humour, there’s only one bed.
Told through dual POVs, we get front-row seats to both of their inner monologues as they stumble, bicker, and banter their way through increasingly ridiculous situations. I loved how quickly I got to know both Ivy and Cole, which made it impossible not to root for these enemies to become lovers.
This is a great novella packed with the trademark banter I’ve come to expect from this husband-and-wife writing duo. The chemistry is fantastic, the romance feels natural, and the spice is perfectly balanced—always adding to the story rather than distracting from it.
And if you’ve read Hawaii Can Suck It, you’ll be delighted to see Blaze Tate making a return in all his gloriously chaotic splendour. Naturally, wherever Blaze goes, chaos isn’t far behind.
As always, Melissa and Ryun have delivered.
June 21, 2026
*Advanced Reader Copy Review*
MéLisa Ryun worked their duo magic on this story. I was captivated instantly with the dynamic of Cole and Ivy. The “arguments” had me laughing. And I did have to fight tears during the ocean part. I would 100% read again.
As the sea lions said “ARF-ARF-BRRAAAF! GRRRR-OOOONK! ORR-RRP! ORRRRP!”
MéLisa Ryun worked their duo magic on this story. I was captivated instantly with the dynamic of Cole and Ivy. The “arguments” had me laughing. And I did have to fight tears during the ocean part. I would 100% read again.
As the sea lions said “ARF-ARF-BRRAAAF! GRRRR-OOOONK! ORR-RRP! ORRRRP!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2026
Sharp, snappy rivals‑to‑lovers story where two high‑achievers clash over the same big career win — tense banter, forced proximity, and crackling chemistry as competition softens into trust. Fast‑moving, playful but with real stakes and clear character growth.
Witty dialogue, electric push‑pull vibe, smart setting, well‑paced, satisfying shift from enemies to partners
Follows familiar beats; conflict stays mostly light‑to‑moderate
Perfect pick if you love snappy banter, high‑energy workplace rivalries, and slow‑burn romance that feels fun & focused
Smart, sassy romance — when there’s no room for rivals, the best love story takes centre stage.
Witty dialogue, electric push‑pull vibe, smart setting, well‑paced, satisfying shift from enemies to partners
Follows familiar beats; conflict stays mostly light‑to‑moderate
Perfect pick if you love snappy banter, high‑energy workplace rivalries, and slow‑burn romance that feels fun & focused
Smart, sassy romance — when there’s no room for rivals, the best love story takes centre stage.
June 22, 2026
This was an amazing 5 star read. Its fun, short and hilarious. This is a standalone book three in the Hotel Bellwether series. No Room for Rivals stole my heart. This book was everything I love in a rom co: truly LOL funny, incredibly swoony, delightfully chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt AKA the Melisa Ryun recipe. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Ivy's perfectionist, Type-A personality and her complete meltdown over a fundraising event gone sideways (because it is totally relatable to me as a Nurse and a mom). I'm someone who appreciates a strong and competent FMC, Ivy was an absolute gem. She thrives on organization, planning, and control, yet watching her carefully constructed world unravel whenever Cole steps into the picture is pure entertainment.
The chemistry between Ivy and Cole was electric from the moment they met. I wouldn't say they were enemies to lovers, more so rivals to lovers, but their dynamic was exactly the kind of tension I crave. Ivy, the marketing genius who believes relationships only distract from success, has to work with Cole, a talented photographer, and his easy confidence constantly gets under her skin. The banter was bantering. Their interactions felt so natural, not forced, and the push and pull between them kept me eagerly turning pages (I finished this in one sitting). Cole is maybe a top 20 on my favorite book boyfriend list because you can't help but love him. Although, underneath his teasing behavior is a deeply caring, protective, and incredibly patient man who sees Ivy for exactly who she is and loves every complicated piece of her. (Insert the swoons right here)
One of my favorite things about this story was how funny it was. The fundraising events, the hotel antics, Blaze's absolutely unhinged energy, and the constant disasters that seemed determined to derail Ivy's carefully planned weekend created the perfect backdrop for romance. The humor never felt forced. Instead, it flowed so well throughout the story, characters, and situations, that it made the entire story feel full, vibrant, and alive.
I also want to note that the story isn't just for funzies. It also has a great amount of heart. Ivy's journey of learning that she doesn't have to carry the entire world on her shoulders resonated deeply with me. Watching her slowly lower her defenses and allow herself to trust someone was beautiful. Cole's unwavering support never felt overbearing or fake, instead, he became the safe place Ivy didn't realize she needed. Their emotional growth felt just as satisfying as their romantic journey. (Yep... I want that in real life please...)
What truly made this a five star read for me was how effortlessly it balanced humor, romance, heart, and spice. I laughed, swooned, smiled, and found myself completely invested in Ivy and Cole's story (and a tad bit hopeful that it will happen to me someday). The minor cast also added so much personality and charm, that made the world fill full and real, which really made me love the story.
If you love a good rivals to lovers romance with forced proximity, hilarious banter, competent heroines, supportive heroes, lol moments, and so much chemistry that it could set the pages on fire, No Room for Rivals needs to be on your TBR immediately. This rom com is perfection, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.
Thank you to Melisa Ryun, Happily Booked PR, and Literary Media Tours for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
(Sorry for the long dissertation lol)
The chemistry between Ivy and Cole was electric from the moment they met. I wouldn't say they were enemies to lovers, more so rivals to lovers, but their dynamic was exactly the kind of tension I crave. Ivy, the marketing genius who believes relationships only distract from success, has to work with Cole, a talented photographer, and his easy confidence constantly gets under her skin. The banter was bantering. Their interactions felt so natural, not forced, and the push and pull between them kept me eagerly turning pages (I finished this in one sitting). Cole is maybe a top 20 on my favorite book boyfriend list because you can't help but love him. Although, underneath his teasing behavior is a deeply caring, protective, and incredibly patient man who sees Ivy for exactly who she is and loves every complicated piece of her. (Insert the swoons right here)
One of my favorite things about this story was how funny it was. The fundraising events, the hotel antics, Blaze's absolutely unhinged energy, and the constant disasters that seemed determined to derail Ivy's carefully planned weekend created the perfect backdrop for romance. The humor never felt forced. Instead, it flowed so well throughout the story, characters, and situations, that it made the entire story feel full, vibrant, and alive.
I also want to note that the story isn't just for funzies. It also has a great amount of heart. Ivy's journey of learning that she doesn't have to carry the entire world on her shoulders resonated deeply with me. Watching her slowly lower her defenses and allow herself to trust someone was beautiful. Cole's unwavering support never felt overbearing or fake, instead, he became the safe place Ivy didn't realize she needed. Their emotional growth felt just as satisfying as their romantic journey. (Yep... I want that in real life please...)
What truly made this a five star read for me was how effortlessly it balanced humor, romance, heart, and spice. I laughed, swooned, smiled, and found myself completely invested in Ivy and Cole's story (and a tad bit hopeful that it will happen to me someday). The minor cast also added so much personality and charm, that made the world fill full and real, which really made me love the story.
If you love a good rivals to lovers romance with forced proximity, hilarious banter, competent heroines, supportive heroes, lol moments, and so much chemistry that it could set the pages on fire, No Room for Rivals needs to be on your TBR immediately. This rom com is perfection, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.
Thank you to Melisa Ryun, Happily Booked PR, and Literary Media Tours for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
(Sorry for the long dissertation lol)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a digital ARC from the author/publisher because (I think) I got an ARC of the new Roxie Noir novella, which is part of a series that includes this -- I also think I got Key Change (already reviewed) for the same reason. So thanks! The books are, by the way, linked very loosely by the fact that they take place in the same hotel. There was a lot to like here, but there were some major issues.
First, the setup is idiotic. The two leads are competing for the same promotion at a company that does fundraising events for nonprofits. They are told their performance at a weekend event to fund an organization that works to serve and save sea lions will determine who gets promoted. No company would be stupid enough to set up a situation where employees' personal gain will absolutely be valued over the success of company goals.
Second, no one in the history of time has been bowled over by lust due to someone's checklist game. No one can persuade me otherwise.
Third, there is no discussion of anything that unites these people other than lust. All they do at the start is complain about one another and grouse about how, despite this, they want to bone. I appreciate a good workplace rivals-to-lovers story on occasion, and in nearly all, there is an opposites attract thing, but there are also things that unite the parties other than shared horniness, and I did not see that here until the very end.
Fourth, more than once, the FMC, Ivy, is swept away by the fact MMC Cole chose her first. She does not talk about her falling for him, separate from that. As someone who spent a good deal of my younger years worrying about whether boys liked me but not really thinking about whether I liked them, I found that sad. It may be realistic, but romance is fantasy, and that is not the kind of real I am here for. Relatedly, Cole is amazed that Ivy remembers he told her that he was deathly allergic to seafood and thinks this shows her goodness and love for him. Honestly, it seems pretty normal for someone you work closely with. I know the person who sits next to me at work is lactose intolerant, and though I really like Angie, I don't like-like her, and I don't think I am imbued with an inordinate amount of goodness.
All that said, a lot of the writing here was sharp and clean, by which I mean well-crafted. There is a lot of sex, and it is open-door. (One complaint here. They have penetrative sex 6 times in 8 hours. If that were physically possible, and I don't think it is, it would chafe.)
And Ryun is funny, I smiled a lot reading this. I sort of hated the character intended as comic relief, but other than that surfer-dude influencer, I enjoyed the conversations between most of the characters. Good times.
I expect I will sign on for what Ryun does next. Good fun
First, the setup is idiotic. The two leads are competing for the same promotion at a company that does fundraising events for nonprofits. They are told their performance at a weekend event to fund an organization that works to serve and save sea lions will determine who gets promoted. No company would be stupid enough to set up a situation where employees' personal gain will absolutely be valued over the success of company goals.
Second, no one in the history of time has been bowled over by lust due to someone's checklist game. No one can persuade me otherwise.
Third, there is no discussion of anything that unites these people other than lust. All they do at the start is complain about one another and grouse about how, despite this, they want to bone. I appreciate a good workplace rivals-to-lovers story on occasion, and in nearly all, there is an opposites attract thing, but there are also things that unite the parties other than shared horniness, and I did not see that here until the very end.
Fourth, more than once, the FMC, Ivy, is swept away by the fact MMC Cole chose her first. She does not talk about her falling for him, separate from that. As someone who spent a good deal of my younger years worrying about whether boys liked me but not really thinking about whether I liked them, I found that sad. It may be realistic, but romance is fantasy, and that is not the kind of real I am here for. Relatedly, Cole is amazed that Ivy remembers he told her that he was deathly allergic to seafood and thinks this shows her goodness and love for him. Honestly, it seems pretty normal for someone you work closely with. I know the person who sits next to me at work is lactose intolerant, and though I really like Angie, I don't like-like her, and I don't think I am imbued with an inordinate amount of goodness.
All that said, a lot of the writing here was sharp and clean, by which I mean well-crafted. There is a lot of sex, and it is open-door. (One complaint here. They have penetrative sex 6 times in 8 hours. If that were physically possible, and I don't think it is, it would chafe.)
And Ryun is funny, I smiled a lot reading this. I sort of hated the character intended as comic relief, but other than that surfer-dude influencer, I enjoyed the conversations between most of the characters. Good times.
I expect I will sign on for what Ryun does next. Good fun
June 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have loved spending time at Hotel Bellwether and now MeLisa Ryun has provided their amazing storytelling talents to this collaborative series. No Room for Rivals is book 3 in this series and is a wonderful addition. MeLisa always brings a humor to their books that feels natural, which makes the characters easy to relate and connect with. As we read about our MCs in this book, we get a workplace rivalry that begins to turn into something else. As tension rises between our MCs who are also vying for the same promotion, facades begin to crack, emotions bubble over, and MeLisa once again reminds us why love and laughter go hand in hand together.
Ivy is a total girl boss in this story. Focused 100% on her career, she doesn’t have time for distractions. Especially tall, dark, and handsome distractions. Having been made to feel as the woman people settle for, she is done settling for anything less than what she deserves. She is strategic, organized, and loves a good plan. Creating a singles weekend itinerary at Hotel Bellwether is completely in her wheelhouse. Until she learns that she will be working on this project with a co-worker who is her total opposite.
Cole doesn’t do plans. He is more of a “let’s start rolling and see what happens” person. While others scoff at this work ethic, it has worked for him and he knows it will work when it comes to landing the promotion at work he wants. Working with Ivy will have its challenges, but he welcomes those. It doesn’t hurt that the main challenge comes wrapped in curves he often thinks about. I adored Cole’s character and as the story progresses you learn that his attitude is hiding something deeper and as he lets the real him come out, you will fall head over heels.
MeLisa knows how to bring complete opposites, who can’t stand each other (seemingly), together. As they begin to let their guards down and truly let the other in, both Cole and Ivy discover things about each other they didn’t know (and like) and get a better sense of who they are as people. As Ivy learns to sometimes throw plans out the window and Cole learns that a plan isn’t a rigid roadmap, these two truly find something special between them.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🌴Enemies to Lovers
💛Forced Proximity
🌴Workplace Rivals
💛Opposites Attract
🌴He Falls First
💛Competence K!nk
I have loved spending time at Hotel Bellwether and now MeLisa Ryun has provided their amazing storytelling talents to this collaborative series. No Room for Rivals is book 3 in this series and is a wonderful addition. MeLisa always brings a humor to their books that feels natural, which makes the characters easy to relate and connect with. As we read about our MCs in this book, we get a workplace rivalry that begins to turn into something else. As tension rises between our MCs who are also vying for the same promotion, facades begin to crack, emotions bubble over, and MeLisa once again reminds us why love and laughter go hand in hand together.
Ivy is a total girl boss in this story. Focused 100% on her career, she doesn’t have time for distractions. Especially tall, dark, and handsome distractions. Having been made to feel as the woman people settle for, she is done settling for anything less than what she deserves. She is strategic, organized, and loves a good plan. Creating a singles weekend itinerary at Hotel Bellwether is completely in her wheelhouse. Until she learns that she will be working on this project with a co-worker who is her total opposite.
Cole doesn’t do plans. He is more of a “let’s start rolling and see what happens” person. While others scoff at this work ethic, it has worked for him and he knows it will work when it comes to landing the promotion at work he wants. Working with Ivy will have its challenges, but he welcomes those. It doesn’t hurt that the main challenge comes wrapped in curves he often thinks about. I adored Cole’s character and as the story progresses you learn that his attitude is hiding something deeper and as he lets the real him come out, you will fall head over heels.
MeLisa knows how to bring complete opposites, who can’t stand each other (seemingly), together. As they begin to let their guards down and truly let the other in, both Cole and Ivy discover things about each other they didn’t know (and like) and get a better sense of who they are as people. As Ivy learns to sometimes throw plans out the window and Cole learns that a plan isn’t a rigid roadmap, these two truly find something special between them.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🌴Enemies to Lovers
💛Forced Proximity
🌴Workplace Rivals
💛Opposites Attract
🌴He Falls First
💛Competence K!nk
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Title: no room for rivals
(book 3 of Hotel Bellwether series)
Author: Melisa Ryun
Genre: romance
Spice: 3/5
Pace: yoyo. It starts with a slow building pace, yet feels rushed in some parts. Like the car is on, you’re pushing the gas, the engine is revving, but the car isn’t moving.
Then you look up and you’re at your next stop somehow.
Readability: easy in some parts. Others it’s slow and gets awkward trying to follow. Certain parts were long winded to get a simple message across. While others could’ve taken more time to develop. It gets better in the second half. WAY better.
Character development: both mc are workaholics striving to get to the top. They’re secretly hot for each other. Their vibe balances between hostile and seductive.
Ivy is an anxiety ridden control freak with insecurities about her weight. She just can’t relax. Her mind is her worst enemy. She finds comfort in routines, following rules, and being the best. She prepares for every possible outcome and struggles to trust or depend on anyone.
Cole is a man with heartfelt motives camouflaged by a cocky exterior to cover how truly soft he is. He’s in awe of her the more he gets to know her. Which takes him a minute to realize he’s been a fool. Both are afraid to let their guard down and be vulnerable. I grew to love both of them.
Mentions/tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Rivals to lovers
Forced proximity
Curvy fmc
Promotion competition
My thoughts: cheesy. A lot of time felt spent in fantasy land. I felt like I was being told more than I was being shown. Lots of banter. At this point I’m just dying to go stay at this hotel. I love a curvy fmc!!! These two are so scared they just can’t seem to show their cards or express their feelings. There’s a conflict that threatens to bring their brief romance to a hault. In an epic live event all the right things fall into place for the ending we’ve all been waiting for. The second half of the book more than made up for the any concerns with the first half. I was so invested in their campaign I was ready to donate. I really enjoyed this and I loved the animal conservation theme to it.
~~**Romance with a cause**~~
Title: no room for rivals
(book 3 of Hotel Bellwether series)
Author: Melisa Ryun
Genre: romance
Spice: 3/5
Pace: yoyo. It starts with a slow building pace, yet feels rushed in some parts. Like the car is on, you’re pushing the gas, the engine is revving, but the car isn’t moving.
Then you look up and you’re at your next stop somehow.
Readability: easy in some parts. Others it’s slow and gets awkward trying to follow. Certain parts were long winded to get a simple message across. While others could’ve taken more time to develop. It gets better in the second half. WAY better.
Character development: both mc are workaholics striving to get to the top. They’re secretly hot for each other. Their vibe balances between hostile and seductive.
Ivy is an anxiety ridden control freak with insecurities about her weight. She just can’t relax. Her mind is her worst enemy. She finds comfort in routines, following rules, and being the best. She prepares for every possible outcome and struggles to trust or depend on anyone.
Cole is a man with heartfelt motives camouflaged by a cocky exterior to cover how truly soft he is. He’s in awe of her the more he gets to know her. Which takes him a minute to realize he’s been a fool. Both are afraid to let their guard down and be vulnerable. I grew to love both of them.
Mentions/tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Rivals to lovers
Forced proximity
Curvy fmc
Promotion competition
My thoughts: cheesy. A lot of time felt spent in fantasy land. I felt like I was being told more than I was being shown. Lots of banter. At this point I’m just dying to go stay at this hotel. I love a curvy fmc!!! These two are so scared they just can’t seem to show their cards or express their feelings. There’s a conflict that threatens to bring their brief romance to a hault. In an epic live event all the right things fall into place for the ending we’ve all been waiting for. The second half of the book more than made up for the any concerns with the first half. I was so invested in their campaign I was ready to donate. I really enjoyed this and I loved the animal conservation theme to it.
~~**Romance with a cause**~~
June 21, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars – No Room for Rivals by Melisa Ryun
If you love enemies-to-lovers, workplace rivalry, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first, No Room for Rivals delivers all the tension, banter, and swoon-worthy moments you could ask for.
Ivy Ellison is determined to prove herself and finally land her dream promotion. After spending her life feeling like everyone’s second choice, she’s built walls around her heart and put her career first. The only problem? Her biggest competition is her frustratingly charming coworker, Cole Hartwell.
Cole and Ivy’s chemistry practically jumps off the page from their very first interaction. Their constant bickering, competitive energy, and undeniable attraction create the perfect slow-burn romance. Watching their relationship evolve from rivals to something much deeper was incredibly satisfying.
The forced proximity element added another layer of tension, and the shared hotel suite created so many fun and unforgettable moments. I especially loved how Cole continuously showed Ivy that she deserved to be chosen first, making their emotional journey just as compelling as the romance.
The eco-activism event and chaotic influencer antics brought plenty of humor to the story, while Blaze Tate managed to steal several scenes with his unpredictable behavior. The balance between comedy, romance, and personal growth kept the story moving at a perfect pace.
Cole was everything I wanted in a romantic hero—supportive, confident, and completely gone for Ivy long before she realized it herself. Ivy’s struggles with self-worth felt relatable and heartfelt, making her character growth especially rewarding.
✨ What you’ll find:
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Workplace rivals
• Forced proximity
• One hotel room/suite
• He falls first
• Witty banter
• Slow-burn tension
• Strong character growth
No Room for Rivals is a fun, flirty, and heartfelt romance packed with chemistry, laughs, and emotional depth. If you’re looking for a story that combines career competition with a romance that proves you’re worthy of being someone’s first choice, this book is definitely worth picking up. 💕📚
If you love enemies-to-lovers, workplace rivalry, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first, No Room for Rivals delivers all the tension, banter, and swoon-worthy moments you could ask for.
Ivy Ellison is determined to prove herself and finally land her dream promotion. After spending her life feeling like everyone’s second choice, she’s built walls around her heart and put her career first. The only problem? Her biggest competition is her frustratingly charming coworker, Cole Hartwell.
Cole and Ivy’s chemistry practically jumps off the page from their very first interaction. Their constant bickering, competitive energy, and undeniable attraction create the perfect slow-burn romance. Watching their relationship evolve from rivals to something much deeper was incredibly satisfying.
The forced proximity element added another layer of tension, and the shared hotel suite created so many fun and unforgettable moments. I especially loved how Cole continuously showed Ivy that she deserved to be chosen first, making their emotional journey just as compelling as the romance.
The eco-activism event and chaotic influencer antics brought plenty of humor to the story, while Blaze Tate managed to steal several scenes with his unpredictable behavior. The balance between comedy, romance, and personal growth kept the story moving at a perfect pace.
Cole was everything I wanted in a romantic hero—supportive, confident, and completely gone for Ivy long before she realized it herself. Ivy’s struggles with self-worth felt relatable and heartfelt, making her character growth especially rewarding.
✨ What you’ll find:
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Workplace rivals
• Forced proximity
• One hotel room/suite
• He falls first
• Witty banter
• Slow-burn tension
• Strong character growth
No Room for Rivals is a fun, flirty, and heartfelt romance packed with chemistry, laughs, and emotional depth. If you’re looking for a story that combines career competition with a romance that proves you’re worthy of being someone’s first choice, this book is definitely worth picking up. 💕📚
June 24, 2026
I have received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review
4 stars ⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐
4 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is such a funny, light, sweet read. I'm so glad I managed to get an ARC because it's a beautiful palate cleanser in-between the dark romance I've been reading lately.
This book does contain open door, on page spice and it is sizzling 🔥 so if that's not your thing then maybe this isn't the book for you. HOWEVER if you do enjoy the heat, you'll love the slow burn, tension filled build up between Cole and Ivy - you will need aloe Vera for your burns 🔥
I can't get over how FUNNY this book is! 😂 I've lost count how many times I burst out laughing at various scenes, Coles cheesy lines or Ivy's quick witt, it has been such an enjoyable read.
Ivy is the control freak, everything is planned down to the last second with A-Z of contingency plans. Cole is the impulsive, act on a whim, go with the flow guy who throws a wrench in Ivy's carefully laid plans. Both are rivals, competing for the same job at the firm they work at and a singles weekend is all that stands between them and a promotion.
Watching Ivy and Coles relationship develop over the course of the book has felt nothing but real and genuine. I love that I can relate so much to Ivy as a curvy girl and Cole being that person who sees the diamond in the rough that everyone else doesn't. Their interactions are so sweet and the fine line portrayed between annoyance and sexual tension is *chefs kiss*
The epilogue was a nice touch to round off the perfect story and I have never felt happier for a book couple before finding their HEA, they touched my heart as if they were real people! ❤️
Honerable mention for Blaze's infectious but chaotic enthusiasm and Dr. Orson Echol’s salute to sea lions - my favourite parts of this book! I have never laughed so much in my life reading a book 😂🥰 I can't wait to read the other books in the Hotel Belleweather series because if they are awesome as this one, I need them on my TBR!
4 stars ⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐
4 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is such a funny, light, sweet read. I'm so glad I managed to get an ARC because it's a beautiful palate cleanser in-between the dark romance I've been reading lately.
This book does contain open door, on page spice and it is sizzling 🔥 so if that's not your thing then maybe this isn't the book for you. HOWEVER if you do enjoy the heat, you'll love the slow burn, tension filled build up between Cole and Ivy - you will need aloe Vera for your burns 🔥
I can't get over how FUNNY this book is! 😂 I've lost count how many times I burst out laughing at various scenes, Coles cheesy lines or Ivy's quick witt, it has been such an enjoyable read.
Ivy is the control freak, everything is planned down to the last second with A-Z of contingency plans. Cole is the impulsive, act on a whim, go with the flow guy who throws a wrench in Ivy's carefully laid plans. Both are rivals, competing for the same job at the firm they work at and a singles weekend is all that stands between them and a promotion.
Watching Ivy and Coles relationship develop over the course of the book has felt nothing but real and genuine. I love that I can relate so much to Ivy as a curvy girl and Cole being that person who sees the diamond in the rough that everyone else doesn't. Their interactions are so sweet and the fine line portrayed between annoyance and sexual tension is *chefs kiss*
The epilogue was a nice touch to round off the perfect story and I have never felt happier for a book couple before finding their HEA, they touched my heart as if they were real people! ❤️
Honerable mention for Blaze's infectious but chaotic enthusiasm and Dr. Orson Echol’s salute to sea lions - my favourite parts of this book! I have never laughed so much in my life reading a book 😂🥰 I can't wait to read the other books in the Hotel Belleweather series because if they are awesome as this one, I need them on my TBR!
June 20, 2026
Five star fantastic! This is a rom com where saving the sea lions has been combined with a luxury singles weekend fundraiser and Ivy, very much a rule follower and color coded tabs kind of girl, and Cole, very much a rules give me hives and what are tabs kind of guy, are up for the same promotion which naturally leads to let the rivalry begin, sheer unadulterated chaos, a romance Ivy never saw coming and Cole has been resisting for months, and the most epic rescue ever. It’s fun, it’s exciting, there is plenty of laughter, multiple omg moments that possibly make you look at marine scientists in a whole new light, and gah!! the way Ivy and Cole make your heart soar, absolute perfection!
Ya’ll, I can’t, like this book is the best kind of whiplash! The enemies to lovers vibes between Ivy and Cole are top tier and they are one hundred percent at each other’s throats one minute and the next tongues are down each other’s throats, it’s fantastic. Then it has you seriously feeling bad for a very introverted scientist even as you’re rolling on the floor because he’s just become the scepter king, the rescue basically brought me to tears and I was tempted to go find a sea lion charity to donate to, and as for the romance and the feels, Ivy and Cole just bring it because when the girl has only ever wanted to be chosen first and she is ALL he sees, even when he’s making the biggest mess of it all, it just does not get better.
I love the way this book so effectively plays to each of the characters strengths, but gives them a vulnerability that makes them raw and real and relatable, the way all the details that go into putting on a huge fundraiser like this and showcasing the difference it can really make for that charity is done is so good, and there is definitely a whole lot of heart on these pages that shines above everything else and makes this a rom com that is completely and totally irresistible. Another job epically well done for MéLisa Ryun.
Ya’ll, I can’t, like this book is the best kind of whiplash! The enemies to lovers vibes between Ivy and Cole are top tier and they are one hundred percent at each other’s throats one minute and the next tongues are down each other’s throats, it’s fantastic. Then it has you seriously feeling bad for a very introverted scientist even as you’re rolling on the floor because he’s just become the scepter king, the rescue basically brought me to tears and I was tempted to go find a sea lion charity to donate to, and as for the romance and the feels, Ivy and Cole just bring it because when the girl has only ever wanted to be chosen first and she is ALL he sees, even when he’s making the biggest mess of it all, it just does not get better.
I love the way this book so effectively plays to each of the characters strengths, but gives them a vulnerability that makes them raw and real and relatable, the way all the details that go into putting on a huge fundraiser like this and showcasing the difference it can really make for that charity is done is so good, and there is definitely a whole lot of heart on these pages that shines above everything else and makes this a rom com that is completely and totally irresistible. Another job epically well done for MéLisa Ryun.
June 18, 2026
This is book three in the multi-author ‘Hotel Bellwether’ series. Ivy is at the hotel managing a charity fundraiser and thought she had one problem to deal with, the “talent” with no filter or boundaries, but then her co-worker Cole arrives unexpectedly, so now she has two and she’s forced to share a room with the worst one of them. It seems that their bosses have decided that this is the weekend when they’ll decide whether Ivy or Cole gets a promotion based on how successful the fundraiser is and there’s no way that Ivy is letting Cole win, especially since he’s taken credit for her hard work in the past. As they work together on the various events, it feels like Cole is getting the upper hand, but also a bit handsy and too close for Ivy to ignore how much he affects her, but she’s a curvy girl and no one as hot as Cole would be interested in her so he must be playing games. Cole however is as deadly serious about his feelings as he is about getting the promotion, and the more time he spends with Ivy, the more he realises about what he really wants.
This story is a dream to read. Ivy and Cole are endearing in their own ways, and the ways they gel and don’t gel makes them perfect rivals, but also great lovers. Their Hotel Bellwether adventure is non-stop from the get-go with hilarious hijinks, uncontrolled chaos, fraying tempers, stretched boundaries and spice that is hotter than the Californian sun, but it’s also full of heart, laugh-out-loud moments and tear-jerking emotion with Ivy’s self-reflection a shining moment. The cast of supporting characters add humour, drama and lots of factual information about seal lions. In summary, enormous fun, l LOVED it – highly recommended to all 😊.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is a dream to read. Ivy and Cole are endearing in their own ways, and the ways they gel and don’t gel makes them perfect rivals, but also great lovers. Their Hotel Bellwether adventure is non-stop from the get-go with hilarious hijinks, uncontrolled chaos, fraying tempers, stretched boundaries and spice that is hotter than the Californian sun, but it’s also full of heart, laugh-out-loud moments and tear-jerking emotion with Ivy’s self-reflection a shining moment. The cast of supporting characters add humour, drama and lots of factual information about seal lions. In summary, enormous fun, l LOVED it – highly recommended to all 😊.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2026
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving No Room for Rivals by Mélisa Ryun an absolute 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book completely blew me away! It is an incredibly captivating, witty, and emotionally satisfying contemporary romance that is an absolute dream to experience on your Kindle screen.
ARC Disclosure: Thank you to the author for providing an early digital review copy (eARC). All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
The Review
No Room for Rivals marks a spectacular return to the luxurious, high-end resort setting of the Hotel Bellwether. As Book 3 in the Bellwether series of standalone stories, the narrative perfectly balances the competitive friction of professional proximity with an intense, underlying vulnerability. The pacing of the story allows the natural tension between the leads to develop authentically, avoiding quick fixes in favor of deep character development. Mélisa Ryun masterfully explores themes of self-acceptance and emotional safety, making this installment an elite standout for the entire series.
The Good
This was a great enemies to lovers love story filled with banter, slowburn, and can I also say yearning? Because yes! The tension is absolutely palpable. He falls first and harder, but she follows suit pretty soon, making their progression incredibly rewarding to read.
Ivy and Cole are a great match, and I love how he makes her feel good about herself and helps her accept herself. The emotional support he provides is so beautiful, anchoring their relationship with a deep sense of security. And that cord moment at the end? Yes. Just yes! It was the absolute perfect payoff to their entire journey.
The Not So Good
Absolutely nothing! It handles the enemies-to-lovers dynamic flawlessly, blending sharp humor with deep, heartfelt romance that keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish.
I am giving No Room for Rivals by Mélisa Ryun an absolute 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book completely blew me away! It is an incredibly captivating, witty, and emotionally satisfying contemporary romance that is an absolute dream to experience on your Kindle screen.
ARC Disclosure: Thank you to the author for providing an early digital review copy (eARC). All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
The Review
No Room for Rivals marks a spectacular return to the luxurious, high-end resort setting of the Hotel Bellwether. As Book 3 in the Bellwether series of standalone stories, the narrative perfectly balances the competitive friction of professional proximity with an intense, underlying vulnerability. The pacing of the story allows the natural tension between the leads to develop authentically, avoiding quick fixes in favor of deep character development. Mélisa Ryun masterfully explores themes of self-acceptance and emotional safety, making this installment an elite standout for the entire series.
The Good
This was a great enemies to lovers love story filled with banter, slowburn, and can I also say yearning? Because yes! The tension is absolutely palpable. He falls first and harder, but she follows suit pretty soon, making their progression incredibly rewarding to read.
Ivy and Cole are a great match, and I love how he makes her feel good about herself and helps her accept herself. The emotional support he provides is so beautiful, anchoring their relationship with a deep sense of security. And that cord moment at the end? Yes. Just yes! It was the absolute perfect payoff to their entire journey.
The Not So Good
Absolutely nothing! It handles the enemies-to-lovers dynamic flawlessly, blending sharp humor with deep, heartfelt romance that keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
5⭐|2🌶️|8%🌶️frequency
OMG. I knew I would love this book long before I started it. And it definitely didn't disappoint. It's so funny. Crazy from start to end 🤣
I mean, who the freak came up with using Blaze Tate as the moderator for the fundraiser 🙈 I'm pretty sure his second name is CAOS... When I read his name, I just knew where this would end. Why? Because I already knew him. He already was a side character in "Hawaii Can Suck It" (HIGHLY recommend this one). And now he's a side character again. We are also meeting the MCs from "Hawaii Can Suck It" again because Cole and Ivy work for them 😍
I so loved Cole and Ivy. The banter. And ooh, the inner monologues of Cole 🤣 Because bookies, he's so freaking 🔥 for Ivy. His body betrays him all the time 🙈
I don't know which funny scene I loved the most; there are too many. But I know what general scene I loved the most. And that was the rescue mission. My poor heart 😱 What rescue mission? Of a sea lion.
This book definitely showed me why I hate people. Honestly, why do people have the need to throw away everything without putting it where it belongs? Our oceans are so polluted 🤬 We are ☠️ lifes! And btw not "just" animals and plants, but also ourselves!!! If the oceans are polluted and ☠️ We will ☠️ too!!! I don't understand why ppl won't understand that. But yeah, THEY will be ☠️ before more will happen, but they have children and grandchildren!!! Why don't they think about them? How can people be so egotistical???
I know that might be "wrong" to write in a review, but that's how I write them.
Thanks to the author and @happilybookedpr for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
5⭐|2🌶️|8%🌶️frequency
OMG. I knew I would love this book long before I started it. And it definitely didn't disappoint. It's so funny. Crazy from start to end 🤣
I mean, who the freak came up with using Blaze Tate as the moderator for the fundraiser 🙈 I'm pretty sure his second name is CAOS... When I read his name, I just knew where this would end. Why? Because I already knew him. He already was a side character in "Hawaii Can Suck It" (HIGHLY recommend this one). And now he's a side character again. We are also meeting the MCs from "Hawaii Can Suck It" again because Cole and Ivy work for them 😍
I so loved Cole and Ivy. The banter. And ooh, the inner monologues of Cole 🤣 Because bookies, he's so freaking 🔥 for Ivy. His body betrays him all the time 🙈
I don't know which funny scene I loved the most; there are too many. But I know what general scene I loved the most. And that was the rescue mission. My poor heart 😱 What rescue mission? Of a sea lion.
This book definitely showed me why I hate people. Honestly, why do people have the need to throw away everything without putting it where it belongs? Our oceans are so polluted 🤬 We are ☠️ lifes! And btw not "just" animals and plants, but also ourselves!!! If the oceans are polluted and ☠️ We will ☠️ too!!! I don't understand why ppl won't understand that. But yeah, THEY will be ☠️ before more will happen, but they have children and grandchildren!!! Why don't they think about them? How can people be so egotistical???
I know that might be "wrong" to write in a review, but that's how I write them.
Thanks to the author and @happilybookedpr for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
June 18, 2026
Oh my gosh, the emotions this book put me through! There are so many things I loved about it and I’ll get into them. But first.
I often read books with a plus size FMC, I’ve been plus size my whole life and I like that reflected in my books. It’s not a necessity by any means, but it’s always nice. However, this book didn’t just showcase a plus size girl, they SHOWED UP for it and it made my heart SO happy! 🥹🥹The reason I say that is because we saw her vulnerability, saw her insides and I SO identify what she’s saying. The feeling that you’re never chosen, always looked over by people, by men, that you’re second choice or look a certain way next to your ultra beautiful regular sized friends. That you stand out for all the wrong reasons and get ignored in the moments you wish you had the attention. Like. Just. So. Good. ❤️🩹
Now, back to the book! Cole and Ivy have got it going on! They are steeeeamy it and I love it❤️🔥🥵 their chemistry jumps off the page and absolutely grab attention. I love that she’s so smart and independent and he’s not threatened by it, just annoyed slightly at her OCD-ish tendencies 🤣 and his reckless, jump in attitude also drives her crazy but it pushes them both to be better. Absolutely fantastic!
The backdrop of this book, the ocean, the hotel and the sea lions are integrated in a way that you become SO invested in them and the entire social media fundraiser event at the hotel. Like honestly, where can I donate? 🦭 🌊 🚤 💵
Also, the supporting cast is interesting, funny and brilliant. So endearing and entertaining in ways I didn’t expect but was so happy to have!
Going through laughing, crying, yelling, ANXIETY (you’ll see), a little heartbreak and lots of lust 😈 and love 😍, this book seriously has it all. Highly recommend!
I often read books with a plus size FMC, I’ve been plus size my whole life and I like that reflected in my books. It’s not a necessity by any means, but it’s always nice. However, this book didn’t just showcase a plus size girl, they SHOWED UP for it and it made my heart SO happy! 🥹🥹The reason I say that is because we saw her vulnerability, saw her insides and I SO identify what she’s saying. The feeling that you’re never chosen, always looked over by people, by men, that you’re second choice or look a certain way next to your ultra beautiful regular sized friends. That you stand out for all the wrong reasons and get ignored in the moments you wish you had the attention. Like. Just. So. Good. ❤️🩹
Now, back to the book! Cole and Ivy have got it going on! They are steeeeamy it and I love it❤️🔥🥵 their chemistry jumps off the page and absolutely grab attention. I love that she’s so smart and independent and he’s not threatened by it, just annoyed slightly at her OCD-ish tendencies 🤣 and his reckless, jump in attitude also drives her crazy but it pushes them both to be better. Absolutely fantastic!
The backdrop of this book, the ocean, the hotel and the sea lions are integrated in a way that you become SO invested in them and the entire social media fundraiser event at the hotel. Like honestly, where can I donate? 🦭 🌊 🚤 💵
Also, the supporting cast is interesting, funny and brilliant. So endearing and entertaining in ways I didn’t expect but was so happy to have!
Going through laughing, crying, yelling, ANXIETY (you’ll see), a little heartbreak and lots of lust 😈 and love 😍, this book seriously has it all. Highly recommend!
June 25, 2026
Book Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 2.75/5
I went into this one expecting a fun rivals-to-lovers romance, and it completely delivered as expected with anything that Melisa Ryun gives us! Ivy and Cole had me smiling from the very beginning. Their constant bickering, competitive streaks, and undeniable chemistry made this such a fun read. I loved watching them slowly realize that maybe the person driving them the craziest was also the one who understood them best. And the humor, as always, was top tier!
One of my favorite things about this book was Ivy. Her insecurities made her feel incredibly real, and I loved seeing Cole constantly remind her, through both his words and actions, that she was more than enough. He completely adored every part of her, and I was swooning and kicking my feet every time he let that softer side of himself show!!
The romance itself was such a satisfying slow burn. The tension between them built so naturally through all the banter, forced proximity, and workplace rivalry that by the time they finally gave in, I was fully invested and ready for it. The spice wasn't over the top here, and it fit their relationship really well and felt worth the wait.
I also have to mention Blaze because that man had me rolling on the floor laughing so hard so many times. His chaotic energy brought so much humor to the story. Melisa Ryun never fails to have me in tears when it comes to their humor! I adore it!
Overall, this was funny, sweet, and super heartfelt. Between the rivals-to-lovers romance, the emotional character growth, and all the chaos along the way, this was such an enjoyable read. If you love workplace rivals, forced proximity, slow-burning romance, and an MC who falls hard first, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 2.75/5
I went into this one expecting a fun rivals-to-lovers romance, and it completely delivered as expected with anything that Melisa Ryun gives us! Ivy and Cole had me smiling from the very beginning. Their constant bickering, competitive streaks, and undeniable chemistry made this such a fun read. I loved watching them slowly realize that maybe the person driving them the craziest was also the one who understood them best. And the humor, as always, was top tier!
One of my favorite things about this book was Ivy. Her insecurities made her feel incredibly real, and I loved seeing Cole constantly remind her, through both his words and actions, that she was more than enough. He completely adored every part of her, and I was swooning and kicking my feet every time he let that softer side of himself show!!
The romance itself was such a satisfying slow burn. The tension between them built so naturally through all the banter, forced proximity, and workplace rivalry that by the time they finally gave in, I was fully invested and ready for it. The spice wasn't over the top here, and it fit their relationship really well and felt worth the wait.
I also have to mention Blaze because that man had me rolling on the floor laughing so hard so many times. His chaotic energy brought so much humor to the story. Melisa Ryun never fails to have me in tears when it comes to their humor! I adore it!
Overall, this was funny, sweet, and super heartfelt. Between the rivals-to-lovers romance, the emotional character growth, and all the chaos along the way, this was such an enjoyable read. If you love workplace rivals, forced proximity, slow-burning romance, and an MC who falls hard first, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by MéLisa Ryun and I enjoyed it overall, although it took me a minute to get into it. I'd rate the book just under 4 stars.
Two marketing professionals, Cole and Ivy, vie for the same promotion while working a fundraising event at the Bellwether hotel for the benefit of a sea-lion rescue. The event has a significant live-streaming component with chaos agent Blaze as the host. Cole and Ivy have unresolved issues from working together in the past, and sharing a room for this event brings their mutual attraction and all their issues to a head.
The beginning of the book was (to my taste) a little too goofy, although it might be just what the readers who love their romcoms heavy on the com will appreciate. I had a hard time orienting myself at first and I admit, if this hadn't been an ARC, I might have DNF-ed. But I stuck with the book and I am so very glad I did, because it did get so much better. The second half of the book showcased some really nice writing with deep characterization, great spice (Cole has stamina!), and an even greater action-packed finale (that rescue scene was all-around fantastic). The characters became three-dimensional people, with real relationships, and it's not just main characters Ivy and Cole, but also side characters like Blaze (looking forward to his book!), the two marine biologists Sienna and Dr O, even some marginal ones like the stern Juliette. I also loved plus-size representation with an honest portrayal of the heroine's insecurities and kudos to the author for giving her more than one fervent admirer who appreciates her every curve.
Overall, I found plenty to like in this book. Many thanks to the author for the ARC.
Two marketing professionals, Cole and Ivy, vie for the same promotion while working a fundraising event at the Bellwether hotel for the benefit of a sea-lion rescue. The event has a significant live-streaming component with chaos agent Blaze as the host. Cole and Ivy have unresolved issues from working together in the past, and sharing a room for this event brings their mutual attraction and all their issues to a head.
The beginning of the book was (to my taste) a little too goofy, although it might be just what the readers who love their romcoms heavy on the com will appreciate. I had a hard time orienting myself at first and I admit, if this hadn't been an ARC, I might have DNF-ed. But I stuck with the book and I am so very glad I did, because it did get so much better. The second half of the book showcased some really nice writing with deep characterization, great spice (Cole has stamina!), and an even greater action-packed finale (that rescue scene was all-around fantastic). The characters became three-dimensional people, with real relationships, and it's not just main characters Ivy and Cole, but also side characters like Blaze (looking forward to his book!), the two marine biologists Sienna and Dr O, even some marginal ones like the stern Juliette. I also loved plus-size representation with an honest portrayal of the heroine's insecurities and kudos to the author for giving her more than one fervent admirer who appreciates her every curve.
Overall, I found plenty to like in this book. Many thanks to the author for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“She’s the only choice. Every time. Always.”
No Room for Rivals is an irresistibly charming, laugh out loud romcom that had me hooked from the very first page. Ivy—hyper organized, hyper focused, and determined to control every variable—and Cole—the definition of spontaneous, intuitive, and go with the flow—couldn’t be more opposite. But when their bosses pit them against each other to create the most successful singles fundraising event ever, with a coveted promotion on the line, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore. And once they’re forced to share a room, that simmering attraction they’ve both been pretending not to notice threatens to burst wide open.
Ivy’s need for structure and Cole’s free spirited energy should clash, yet somehow they complement each other beautifully. I loved how Cole truly saw Ivy—her competence, her presence, the way she commands a room even when she doubts herself. And Ivy, in turn, grounded Cole without dimming his spark. Their dynamic felt like two people bringing out the best in each other, not changing who they are but enhancing it.
Overall, No Room for Rivals is a sharp, hilarious romcom with standout characters, chaotic chemistry, and banter that never misses. The pacing is tight, the situations are delightfully unhinged, and the romance strikes that perfect balance between steamy tension and genuine emotional connection. It’s the kind of story that keeps you grinning, snorting, and fully invested from start to finish — not because it’s all sunshine, but because Ivy and Cole earn every bit of their messy, magnetic, completely satisfying relationship.
No Room for Rivals is an irresistibly charming, laugh out loud romcom that had me hooked from the very first page. Ivy—hyper organized, hyper focused, and determined to control every variable—and Cole—the definition of spontaneous, intuitive, and go with the flow—couldn’t be more opposite. But when their bosses pit them against each other to create the most successful singles fundraising event ever, with a coveted promotion on the line, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore. And once they’re forced to share a room, that simmering attraction they’ve both been pretending not to notice threatens to burst wide open.
Ivy’s need for structure and Cole’s free spirited energy should clash, yet somehow they complement each other beautifully. I loved how Cole truly saw Ivy—her competence, her presence, the way she commands a room even when she doubts herself. And Ivy, in turn, grounded Cole without dimming his spark. Their dynamic felt like two people bringing out the best in each other, not changing who they are but enhancing it.
Overall, No Room for Rivals is a sharp, hilarious romcom with standout characters, chaotic chemistry, and banter that never misses. The pacing is tight, the situations are delightfully unhinged, and the romance strikes that perfect balance between steamy tension and genuine emotional connection. It’s the kind of story that keeps you grinning, snorting, and fully invested from start to finish — not because it’s all sunshine, but because Ivy and Cole earn every bit of their messy, magnetic, completely satisfying relationship.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The chaos duo that is Melisa Ryun strikes again with this fun-filled, spicy offering. This is part of the multi-author Hotel Bellwether series, the hotel sets the backdrop for this story but this is a standalone read as I’ve not read any other in the series. This does also link to Melisa Ryun’s Hot Mess Summer series, featuring characters from Mexico Can Choke On It (which I absolutely loved).
So Cole and Ivy are workplace rivals, both battling for a promotion and knowing that the current live-streaming fundraiser they are both working on is the deciding factor as to who succeeds and who fails. They have wildly different approaches, Ivy is practical, knows the projected outcomes and plans for all contingencies. Cole is more a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants guy, a point the camera and hope for the best sort of attitude.
When they are assigned just one room for the stay at the hotel, sparks fly and not the fighting sort, although they happen too, got to love the banter.
I read this book in 2 days, it was so good. I enjoyed the banter between Ivy and Cole so much, they were both fighting a losing battle with their feelings and the spice hit just right when they finally gave into them. Despite their vastly different approaches, they did work well as a team when they accepted the others creative differences.
And as for Blaze, he really needs his own book (I believe it is coming soon); that man is a walking, talking disaster but everyone loves him so much, including me.
So Cole and Ivy are workplace rivals, both battling for a promotion and knowing that the current live-streaming fundraiser they are both working on is the deciding factor as to who succeeds and who fails. They have wildly different approaches, Ivy is practical, knows the projected outcomes and plans for all contingencies. Cole is more a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants guy, a point the camera and hope for the best sort of attitude.
When they are assigned just one room for the stay at the hotel, sparks fly and not the fighting sort, although they happen too, got to love the banter.
I read this book in 2 days, it was so good. I enjoyed the banter between Ivy and Cole so much, they were both fighting a losing battle with their feelings and the spice hit just right when they finally gave into them. Despite their vastly different approaches, they did work well as a team when they accepted the others creative differences.
And as for Blaze, he really needs his own book (I believe it is coming soon); that man is a walking, talking disaster but everyone loves him so much, including me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One Bed, Endless Banter... So Obsessed!
OMG Besties... if you're looking for a rom•com that will have you laughing one minute and swooning the next, "No Room For Rivals" absolutely delivers! ☺️
Ivy and Cole are competing for the same Director position, and calling them workplace rivals almost feels like an understatement. These two are constantly butting heads, trying to outdo each other at every turn, and the chaos that follows is pure entertainment. 🤭 Ivy is hilariously clumsy (seriously, how are rom•com heroines always finding new ways to fall into disaster?), while Cole is the definition of cool, calm, and collected... even while secretly pining for her the entire time.
The one-room situation, the cufflink and dress disaster... IYKYK, and all the unexpected mishaps had me laughing so hard. Add in Blaze, Cam, and Reece making appearances... ESPECIALLY Blaze with his larger than life personality... and this book never has a dull moment. 💯
But beneath all the humor is a surprisingly sweet romance packed with sizzling tension, fantastic banter, and a slow burn that feels completely earned. 🫶🏼 I was even holding my breath during the mama sea lion rescue scenes!
Fun, cozy, chaotic, and wonderfully romantic, this enemies to lovers story is absolutely TBR-worthy!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 2.5/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties... if you're looking for a rom•com that will have you laughing one minute and swooning the next, "No Room For Rivals" absolutely delivers! ☺️
Ivy and Cole are competing for the same Director position, and calling them workplace rivals almost feels like an understatement. These two are constantly butting heads, trying to outdo each other at every turn, and the chaos that follows is pure entertainment. 🤭 Ivy is hilariously clumsy (seriously, how are rom•com heroines always finding new ways to fall into disaster?), while Cole is the definition of cool, calm, and collected... even while secretly pining for her the entire time.
The one-room situation, the cufflink and dress disaster... IYKYK, and all the unexpected mishaps had me laughing so hard. Add in Blaze, Cam, and Reece making appearances... ESPECIALLY Blaze with his larger than life personality... and this book never has a dull moment. 💯
But beneath all the humor is a surprisingly sweet romance packed with sizzling tension, fantastic banter, and a slow burn that feels completely earned. 🫶🏼 I was even holding my breath during the mama sea lion rescue scenes!
Fun, cozy, chaotic, and wonderfully romantic, this enemies to lovers story is absolutely TBR-worthy!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 2.5/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I am voluntarily posting this review after reading a gifted ARC via Happily Booked PR. NO ROOM FOR RIVALS is a part of the HOTEL BELLWETHER series by married writing duo, Melisa Ryun. Ivy and Cole are competing for a promotion while producing an eco activism singles weekend. Forced proximity and only one bed unite to spark undeniable chemistry between the rivals. This is a spicy, open door, first person, dual POV, contemporary romantic comedy utilizing tropes such as Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Only one bed, Workplace rivals, Plus Sized FMC, Opposites attract, He falls first (but fights it,) and Competence kink. I laughed my way through this hilarious enemies to lovers romcom! It was the contrast of the super competent, highly organized, Type A Ivy, and the fly by the seat of his pants Cole. Both had traits that complemented each other in the workplace but no ability to appreciate what the other brought to the table at the beginning of the story. I loved the boss’s best friend, Blaze, who is chaos in human form, and lengths that they have to go to keep his antics contained as well as what happens when they didn’t manage it. I liked that Cole was always attracted to Ivy’s curvy appearance. The ecoactivism singles weekend/live streamed social media fundraiser was a very interesting choice for a setting and the secondary characters added so much comedy and conflict to the story. Ivy and Cole both grew as people during the progression of the novel, which truly happened over a long weekend. I was drawn into the story pretty quickly and it was paced at a speed that kept my attention for the duration of the book. I recommend this novel for readers who enjoy romcoms with physical comedy and elements of chaos. (4.5 rounded to 5 stars where necessary.)
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