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Betray Me Once #4
Desk & Deception
His flirty paralegal started calling herself his “work wife”…and he didn’t stop her.
Life was looking great for Lila Voss. She’d built a thriving career as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after celebrity makeup artists and was planning her dream wedding to Reid Hawthorne. Their relationship seemed perfect, and the brilliant lawyer even had her family’s full approval.
Until Reid let his new paralegal cross every line. When Lila begged him to set boundaries, he told her she was overreacting.
Heartbroken, Lila calls off the engagement, only for her own family to take Reid’s side. Now the man who broke her trust will have to grovel harder than he ever imagined to prove he’s worthy of winning Lila back.
Life was looking great for Lila Voss. She’d built a thriving career as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after celebrity makeup artists and was planning her dream wedding to Reid Hawthorne. Their relationship seemed perfect, and the brilliant lawyer even had her family’s full approval.
Until Reid let his new paralegal cross every line. When Lila begged him to set boundaries, he told her she was overreacting.
Heartbroken, Lila calls off the engagement, only for her own family to take Reid’s side. Now the man who broke her trust will have to grovel harder than he ever imagined to prove he’s worthy of winning Lila back.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
About the author
Wren Shaw
6 books61 followersRomance author of love stories with heroes who mess up & heroines who make them beg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
June 4, 2026
I hate that I was looking forward to this.
Instead of a betrayal and grovel romance, we got a blind as shit man and a weak as shit woman. I started siding with Sienna because she was right. If you’re going to call off your engagement but still hope for reconciliation with your fiancè, then yes you’re being dramatic and you’re overreacting. The very next chapter after she leaves him is just of her being pathetic. I’m so annoyed that I was excited for this. DNF because she was so weak and annoying. Maybe if she actually was like her sister, she wouldn’t be in this position because Sienna would’ve had Reid on a very tight leash which he needed. Like we couldn’t get a single chapter where she was angry? Or genuinely didn’t want to reconcile? It was all just her being a loser doormat who let everyone walk all over her.
Instead of a betrayal and grovel romance, we got a blind as shit man and a weak as shit woman. I started siding with Sienna because she was right. If you’re going to call off your engagement but still hope for reconciliation with your fiancè, then yes you’re being dramatic and you’re overreacting. The very next chapter after she leaves him is just of her being pathetic. I’m so annoyed that I was excited for this. DNF because she was so weak and annoying. Maybe if she actually was like her sister, she wouldn’t be in this position because Sienna would’ve had Reid on a very tight leash which he needed. Like we couldn’t get a single chapter where she was angry? Or genuinely didn’t want to reconcile? It was all just her being a loser doormat who let everyone walk all over her.
June 6, 2026
I think that Lila overreactted
Now I feel like I am her parents! Yikes! I just didn't feel that it was enough to break up for. I can understand asking for time to reflect or decide about the situation but breaking the engagement? That seemed extreme to me. I think I would be what everyone calls a doormat if I was in a book. I would have forgiven him the next day or week after what he did to fix the relationship. He had the wannabe OW transferred and he went to therapy and brought her flowers and groveled. He never wanted the woman. She was just delusional. I am glad they got back together and that they eloped and were married. I just kept thinking how much money did it cost to cancel everything. I'm such a pragmatist. Lol
Now I feel like I am her parents! Yikes! I just didn't feel that it was enough to break up for. I can understand asking for time to reflect or decide about the situation but breaking the engagement? That seemed extreme to me. I think I would be what everyone calls a doormat if I was in a book. I would have forgiven him the next day or week after what he did to fix the relationship. He had the wannabe OW transferred and he went to therapy and brought her flowers and groveled. He never wanted the woman. She was just delusional. I am glad they got back together and that they eloped and were married. I just kept thinking how much money did it cost to cancel everything. I'm such a pragmatist. Lol
June 6, 2026
This is so ridiculous. The author took what was, at most, a somewhat silly and non-serious issue and turned it into a major conflict.
The heroine is honestly pathetic. Despite being a successful makeup artist, she doesn’t seem to have a sensible bone in her body. She still behaves like a teenager—breaking things off instead of having a conversation or simply asking for some space. Even giving an ultimatum would have been more reasonable because I genuinely didn’t see any betrayal here.
Like I said, this was a mountain made out of a molehill.
I do agree that the hero should have listened to her concerns more carefully. He clearly didn’t take them seriously enough. But, come on—they work in an industry where people tend to be more casual and physically comfortable with one another. The hero was simply interacting with his intern, he didn’t want her but yes he should have atleast given a thoughtful hearing to the h’s concern.
The entire reaction felt immature and impulsive, more like teenage drama than a conflict between adults.
And why exactly did the hero need therapy? Is therapy becoming the author’s go-to solution these days? Other than learning to listen to the heroine’s concerns more attentively, I don’t see what deep personal issue required therapy.
Honestly, I felt more sympathy for the hero, he’d never be able to feel completely comfortable around any female colleague or acquaintance without worrying that it would be misinterpreted.
The heroine is honestly pathetic. Despite being a successful makeup artist, she doesn’t seem to have a sensible bone in her body. She still behaves like a teenager—breaking things off instead of having a conversation or simply asking for some space. Even giving an ultimatum would have been more reasonable because I genuinely didn’t see any betrayal here.
Like I said, this was a mountain made out of a molehill.
I do agree that the hero should have listened to her concerns more carefully. He clearly didn’t take them seriously enough. But, come on—they work in an industry where people tend to be more casual and physically comfortable with one another. The hero was simply interacting with his intern, he didn’t want her but yes he should have atleast given a thoughtful hearing to the h’s concern.
The entire reaction felt immature and impulsive, more like teenage drama than a conflict between adults.
And why exactly did the hero need therapy? Is therapy becoming the author’s go-to solution these days? Other than learning to listen to the heroine’s concerns more attentively, I don’t see what deep personal issue required therapy.
Honestly, I felt more sympathy for the hero, he’d never be able to feel completely comfortable around any female colleague or acquaintance without worrying that it would be misinterpreted.
June 10, 2026
This was boring and I DNF’d at 78%.
I’m sorry, I just couldn’t force myself to finish. This should have been everything I was looking for. It had all the ingredients but it just fell flat like a failed soufflé.
There was so much opportunity for angst and drama but it was so watered down that the FMC’s reaction felt over the top which I’ve come to realize is just how the author writes. I think I could love her books if she turned up the angst a little more but it feels like she is afraid of making her MMC’s unforgivable. Which I get, I totally get it because it’s a fine line to walk to not make your MMC fall into Maya Alden/Susie Tate territory (unredeemable bastard of an MMC that is only forgiven because the FMC is a complete pathetic doormat).
I do appreciate that her FMC’s are strong and make the MMC work for her forgiveness. I like that the MMC’s are really all about the FMC and don’t want anything to do with the OW. If she could just kick it up on the drama a bit more, I think she would become a favorite for me. That’s just me though, if you are ok with angst lite, I suggest giving this author a try.
Safety: Totally safe. Some OW drama but MMC is not interested.
I’m sorry, I just couldn’t force myself to finish. This should have been everything I was looking for. It had all the ingredients but it just fell flat like a failed soufflé.
There was so much opportunity for angst and drama but it was so watered down that the FMC’s reaction felt over the top which I’ve come to realize is just how the author writes. I think I could love her books if she turned up the angst a little more but it feels like she is afraid of making her MMC’s unforgivable. Which I get, I totally get it because it’s a fine line to walk to not make your MMC fall into Maya Alden/Susie Tate territory (unredeemable bastard of an MMC that is only forgiven because the FMC is a complete pathetic doormat).
I do appreciate that her FMC’s are strong and make the MMC work for her forgiveness. I like that the MMC’s are really all about the FMC and don’t want anything to do with the OW. If she could just kick it up on the drama a bit more, I think she would become a favorite for me. That’s just me though, if you are ok with angst lite, I suggest giving this author a try.
Safety: Totally safe. Some OW drama but MMC is not interested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2026
A lot of meh…
I’m always , always on women side, always, even when you are wrong! but in this case, She overreacted a little even for me, and I’m a little bitc
I understand the anger and the tiredness and I would have been really upset, maybe I would ask for some time but returning the ring and call off the engagement… too much
Still, if you want a little angst with OW, not cheating at all and a little grovel ( not too much) this is a fast safe book
Not very smutty
Heroine is a smart, professional and independent woman,
I’m always , always on women side, always, even when you are wrong! but in this case, She overreacted a little even for me, and I’m a little bitc
I understand the anger and the tiredness and I would have been really upset, maybe I would ask for some time but returning the ring and call off the engagement… too much
Still, if you want a little angst with OW, not cheating at all and a little grovel ( not too much) this is a fast safe book
Not very smutty
Heroine is a smart, professional and independent woman,
June 8, 2026
3.5⭐️rounded down
This was much better than the last book!
No cheating just a dummy H that doesn’t stop female coworker from flirting, because he didn’t see it that way🙄Lila and Reid are engaged but Lila is tired of coming second t9 his job and now an overly flirty coworker. She tries to warn Reid and let him know it makes her uncomfortable but he just tells her that’s how she is with everyone.
Everything blows up after a work dinner that Reid failed to tell Lila that s9 called coworker would be there and pictures were taken with “work wife” captions. Lila was done after that!
Lila’s family was shit 😒
Reid’s mom let him have it👏🏻
Lila ends the engagement, Reid is definitely looking at everything with eyes wide open now! Dumbass fixes things at work, a little too late…
I do feel he learned his lesson and never doubted his love for Lila!
This was much better than the last book!
No cheating just a dummy H that doesn’t stop female coworker from flirting, because he didn’t see it that way🙄Lila and Reid are engaged but Lila is tired of coming second t9 his job and now an overly flirty coworker. She tries to warn Reid and let him know it makes her uncomfortable but he just tells her that’s how she is with everyone.
Everything blows up after a work dinner that Reid failed to tell Lila that s9 called coworker would be there and pictures were taken with “work wife” captions. Lila was done after that!
Lila’s family was shit 😒
Reid’s mom let him have it👏🏻
Lila ends the engagement, Reid is definitely looking at everything with eyes wide open now! Dumbass fixes things at work, a little too late…
I do feel he learned his lesson and never doubted his love for Lila!
Did Not Finish
June 7, 2026DNF 54%
June 6, 2026
So its good!
Enjoyable even
But a bit of a miss for me...it felt very privileged. Like the characters needed a serious reality check.
Enjoyable even
But a bit of a miss for me...it felt very privileged. Like the characters needed a serious reality check.
June 7, 2026
Ridiculous! Why call off your engagement hoping you're going to get back together with the bloke you've just dumped 3 months before the wedding? Someone make it make sense 🙄🤦🏼♀️
June 5, 2026
Main trope: This is a second chance romance.
Additional tropes:
✅Other woman drama
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: This story follows Lila and Reid. They are engaged and due to marry in just a few months. In the months leading up to this moment in time, there has been a strain on their relationship brought on mostly by someone that Reid works with, but also the demand of both of their schedules. But it is the MMC’s work schedule that is causing the biggest problem.
What’s worse is that whenever the FMC brings up the concerns that she has about the MMC‘s work-life balance, and specifically this person that he works with, he very quickly and easily dismisses her feelings, which is something that she has dealt with her entire life, courtesy of her parents and her older sister.
When the other woman in the story posts a photo of her and the MMC to social media, this is the final straw for the FMC and she ends the engagement. Her family provides no support for her during this time, which is nothing new and she’s just overall, heartbroken and sad.
Her leaving is Reid’s wake up call and he begins to right his wrongs and deeply reflect on all that has happened and the role he played. He begins showing up in ways he hasn’t done for a very long time and Lila sees his changes and hears what he says, proving his deep love that never left.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
*Mild other woman drama courtesy of someone who calls herself Reid’s “work wife” which is ultimately the breaking point for the FMC.
🌶️:1.5/5
Final thoughts: I’m enjoying these betrayal and grovel novellas so much. This book fits perfectly with all the rest. Lila is a great FMC, strong in spite of some circumstances, just wanting a loving and supportive relationship which she believes she found with Reid. They got sidetracked for a bit but after some reflection and grovel, Reid proves to be the man worthy of her and we love that.
The other woman in this one wasn’t as bad as some of the others in the series but she still provided some entertaining drama. This was just a quick and good read and great addition to the series and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Additional tropes:
✅Other woman drama
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: This story follows Lila and Reid. They are engaged and due to marry in just a few months. In the months leading up to this moment in time, there has been a strain on their relationship brought on mostly by someone that Reid works with, but also the demand of both of their schedules. But it is the MMC’s work schedule that is causing the biggest problem.
What’s worse is that whenever the FMC brings up the concerns that she has about the MMC‘s work-life balance, and specifically this person that he works with, he very quickly and easily dismisses her feelings, which is something that she has dealt with her entire life, courtesy of her parents and her older sister.
When the other woman in the story posts a photo of her and the MMC to social media, this is the final straw for the FMC and she ends the engagement. Her family provides no support for her during this time, which is nothing new and she’s just overall, heartbroken and sad.
Her leaving is Reid’s wake up call and he begins to right his wrongs and deeply reflect on all that has happened and the role he played. He begins showing up in ways he hasn’t done for a very long time and Lila sees his changes and hears what he says, proving his deep love that never left.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
*Mild other woman drama courtesy of someone who calls herself Reid’s “work wife” which is ultimately the breaking point for the FMC.
🌶️:1.5/5
Final thoughts: I’m enjoying these betrayal and grovel novellas so much. This book fits perfectly with all the rest. Lila is a great FMC, strong in spite of some circumstances, just wanting a loving and supportive relationship which she believes she found with Reid. They got sidetracked for a bit but after some reflection and grovel, Reid proves to be the man worthy of her and we love that.
The other woman in this one wasn’t as bad as some of the others in the series but she still provided some entertaining drama. This was just a quick and good read and great addition to the series and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2026
The couple: Redi and Lila
Romance trope: ow drama
Series: Betray Me Once
Length: 178 pages
Plot: Lila feels like she's won the lottery with her fiancee Reid, until he starts ignoring her and paying more attention to his new paralegal. When that paralegal posts a picture online with the caption "work wife" and tags her so she sees it, Lila is done. Reid will have to figure out what is more important to him if he ever wants to get Lila back in his life.
Commentary: I have always found the expression "work wife" to be incredibly disrespectful. I know there are so many people who say, "yes, but not the way me and my work bestie use it." Yes, even that way. Words mean something or they don't. What is a wife? And how can you have two? How can you have one at work? Does she bear your children? Wash your underwear? Package up leftovers for your lunch? Make your dentist appointments? Or does she just atten meetings with you? No emotional labor, no actual labor, she's just there while you do the job that you get paid for, and in the meantime, she's claiming an emotional closeness through the use of a loaded word while the person who is actually doing all the labor is at home, not getting the benefits of that emotional connection. It's gross. It's a hot button for me, for sure.
Anyways! At first, I actually felt a little like Lila's family - like, really, you're calling off the wedding because of the one picture? But as the story continued from that point, it seems that this was not the first thing that happened. In that sense, I felt that the structure of the story wasn't solid. There wasn't a strong organization that led to understanding what happened, and so it did seem like she was overreacting, when in fact she probably wasn't. He was a little hysterical in response, though, and I felt like therapy was a weird reaction. I don't think he had a deep-seated trauma that he needed help for, he just needed to kick the paralegal out of his life and pay attention to his fiancée. That didn't require anything other than him rearranging his priorities.
Previous book in the series: Fame & Fakery
Romance trope: ow drama
Series: Betray Me Once
Length: 178 pages
Plot: Lila feels like she's won the lottery with her fiancee Reid, until he starts ignoring her and paying more attention to his new paralegal. When that paralegal posts a picture online with the caption "work wife" and tags her so she sees it, Lila is done. Reid will have to figure out what is more important to him if he ever wants to get Lila back in his life.
Commentary: I have always found the expression "work wife" to be incredibly disrespectful. I know there are so many people who say, "yes, but not the way me and my work bestie use it." Yes, even that way. Words mean something or they don't. What is a wife? And how can you have two? How can you have one at work? Does she bear your children? Wash your underwear? Package up leftovers for your lunch? Make your dentist appointments? Or does she just atten meetings with you? No emotional labor, no actual labor, she's just there while you do the job that you get paid for, and in the meantime, she's claiming an emotional closeness through the use of a loaded word while the person who is actually doing all the labor is at home, not getting the benefits of that emotional connection. It's gross. It's a hot button for me, for sure.
Anyways! At first, I actually felt a little like Lila's family - like, really, you're calling off the wedding because of the one picture? But as the story continued from that point, it seems that this was not the first thing that happened. In that sense, I felt that the structure of the story wasn't solid. There wasn't a strong organization that led to understanding what happened, and so it did seem like she was overreacting, when in fact she probably wasn't. He was a little hysterical in response, though, and I felt like therapy was a weird reaction. I don't think he had a deep-seated trauma that he needed help for, he just needed to kick the paralegal out of his life and pay attention to his fiancée. That didn't require anything other than him rearranging his priorities.
Previous book in the series: Fame & Fakery
June 7, 2026
Struggled with this
Wish I could have liked it more. First, too much thought life. Second, the author didn't convince me that her breaking the engagement wasn't overreacting. I get that is part of the cookie cutter thing with her books but ya gotta give me something. She had him devoted to her in the beginning which sets us readers up to liking him and then, yes he dismissed her feeling, but the reasons...in the real world...until the post, seemed just silly. The work wife comment is used all the time and totally not in any inappropriate way. Then after she leaves, then he's all work came first, not returning her calls. Things we didn't get a glimpse of in the beginning. They both worked long hours so you can't point fingers. I began skimming the drawn out thought life. I struggled with liking her. Maybe stepping away from the same outline and had her push back instead of retreating. Gone after the assistant to stay away from her man and he over hears the assistant talk down to her and sees what he didn't before. Something different. I'm going to assume the same outline will be in the next book. I do love...which is the two stars....that the author didn't break them up skip ahead a year had other partners come in. I liked that we did feel the love these two felt and it was about them.
Wish I could have liked it more. First, too much thought life. Second, the author didn't convince me that her breaking the engagement wasn't overreacting. I get that is part of the cookie cutter thing with her books but ya gotta give me something. She had him devoted to her in the beginning which sets us readers up to liking him and then, yes he dismissed her feeling, but the reasons...in the real world...until the post, seemed just silly. The work wife comment is used all the time and totally not in any inappropriate way. Then after she leaves, then he's all work came first, not returning her calls. Things we didn't get a glimpse of in the beginning. They both worked long hours so you can't point fingers. I began skimming the drawn out thought life. I struggled with liking her. Maybe stepping away from the same outline and had her push back instead of retreating. Gone after the assistant to stay away from her man and he over hears the assistant talk down to her and sees what he didn't before. Something different. I'm going to assume the same outline will be in the next book. I do love...which is the two stars....that the author didn't break them up skip ahead a year had other partners come in. I liked that we did feel the love these two felt and it was about them.
June 7, 2026
I’m so sorry Wren I was so looking forward to this but it didn’t pack a gut punch for me and the betrayal just felt off. It was her families betrayal that hit me in the gut. I just didn’t feel the emotions with this one.
It’s a good job it was a quick read because it would have been boring otherwise😬
It’s a good job it was a quick read because it would have been boring otherwise😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2026
Reid makes changes
Reid really works on the problems he had and in the end treats Lila the way he should of the whole time. Glad he woke up when he did.
Reid really works on the problems he had and in the end treats Lila the way he should of the whole time. Glad he woke up when he did.
June 6, 2026
Minus a star for throwing the downfall of the antagonists in a bonus epilogue instead of in the story where it deserved to be. Otherwise, I ADORED this. I can’t stand the wait in between these books - they’re always so fun with just the right amount of angst!
June 6, 2026
Over reacting?
I think I’m so used to not taking that kind of stuff from people that my empathy meter might be off. At my age I don’t care what people think, and I certainly don’t let anything get me down. This woman is a little bit sensitive but I can understand her point. What I can’t understand is her just walking away without having a major discussion about that paralegal’s behavior. Plus the paralegal just disappears. Except for the epilogue…
What I am looking forward to is the next book.
Anyway, the FMC has a truly crappy family and I very rightly and righteously disliked them. They are doctors and have a superior attitude that was very offensive. Some karma hit them in the epilogue too, and I loved it. Apparently I’m a bit vindictive. 🤣
I really enjoyed this one so I can definitely recommend it.
I think I’m so used to not taking that kind of stuff from people that my empathy meter might be off. At my age I don’t care what people think, and I certainly don’t let anything get me down. This woman is a little bit sensitive but I can understand her point. What I can’t understand is her just walking away without having a major discussion about that paralegal’s behavior. Plus the paralegal just disappears. Except for the epilogue…
What I am looking forward to is the next book.
Anyway, the FMC has a truly crappy family and I very rightly and righteously disliked them. They are doctors and have a superior attitude that was very offensive. Some karma hit them in the epilogue too, and I loved it. Apparently I’m a bit vindictive. 🤣
I really enjoyed this one so I can definitely recommend it.
June 6, 2026
Quality Writing but nothing new here
It was with great anticipation that I awaited this release. Disappointed there was nothing original. Although the quality of writing is very good, it is too short to allow the reader to get to know the characters. The author did not give us enough to relate to what they were feeling. The events leading up to the breakup should have included a lot more examples. The brief narrative describing the events that led up to it and her attempts to resolve it does not take the reader along on their journey. This makes it seem like she did over react to the in ident that led to their break up.This could have been a great story but needed a lot more angst. That is what we come to betray and grovel books for.
It was with great anticipation that I awaited this release. Disappointed there was nothing original. Although the quality of writing is very good, it is too short to allow the reader to get to know the characters. The author did not give us enough to relate to what they were feeling. The events leading up to the breakup should have included a lot more examples. The brief narrative describing the events that led up to it and her attempts to resolve it does not take the reader along on their journey. This makes it seem like she did over react to the in ident that led to their break up.This could have been a great story but needed a lot more angst. That is what we come to betray and grovel books for.
June 9, 2026
oh reid you big dumb man
oh reid you big dumb man! I love this story. Yes it’s super short. Yes, it is a very abbreviated story. But, I loved it. Reid is a smoking hottie who is blind and dumb. Lila is adorable and loving! I love them together. I love that Reid preemptively put himself in therapy when things fell apart without Lila having to request it or mention it. I love that Reid’s family especially his mom lets him have it on the daily because he messed up. I love that they take time apart and make sure that they want the same things. I just love the story!
oh reid you big dumb man! I love this story. Yes it’s super short. Yes, it is a very abbreviated story. But, I loved it. Reid is a smoking hottie who is blind and dumb. Lila is adorable and loving! I love them together. I love that Reid preemptively put himself in therapy when things fell apart without Lila having to request it or mention it. I love that Reid’s family especially his mom lets him have it on the daily because he messed up. I love that they take time apart and make sure that they want the same things. I just love the story!
June 6, 2026
Emotional affairs are real and painful.
The story has been well described in many other reviews. Many refer to the FMC's as over reacting and her as a doormat. Having walked a while in her shoes, I feel she is neither. Yes, she was not the favored child and her entire family put her down...painfully. She obviously loved the MMC but was conscious of his pulling away and putting another's feelings above her own. Folks it hurts. Obviously it does not matter how rich or educated a man is, for some reason, many are susceptible to these women (many of whom are experienced predators).
He did finally wake up when his own mother gave him what for and the FMC left. Only then did he start to examine his behaviors....only then!
The story has been well described in many other reviews. Many refer to the FMC's as over reacting and her as a doormat. Having walked a while in her shoes, I feel she is neither. Yes, she was not the favored child and her entire family put her down...painfully. She obviously loved the MMC but was conscious of his pulling away and putting another's feelings above her own. Folks it hurts. Obviously it does not matter how rich or educated a man is, for some reason, many are susceptible to these women (many of whom are experienced predators).
He did finally wake up when his own mother gave him what for and the FMC left. Only then did he start to examine his behaviors....only then!
June 14, 2026
kinda of ok. But, i felt th FMC is a bit weak
June 30, 2026
3 stars
Skimmed the entire story. I did feel she over reacted. But I also found it odd how quickly the OW was just reassigned at work and never heard from again. If it was that easy, then why didn’t he just do it sooner? Calling off an entire relationship because the OW posted on social media and the caption said work hubby is kinda odd. He clearly can’t control that crazy ladies actions? It’s not like he commented on it and agreed. He was just as weirded out? If anything he was kinda sexually harassed by this ow.. he was actually very respectable with boundaries and even in the photo he stood away so he wasn’t touching her. What did he do wrong? BUT I’m an avid angsty reader so I live for the heartbroken drama stories. This just was TOO easy for me. I don’t feel like he did much wrong..
Skimmed the entire story. I did feel she over reacted. But I also found it odd how quickly the OW was just reassigned at work and never heard from again. If it was that easy, then why didn’t he just do it sooner? Calling off an entire relationship because the OW posted on social media and the caption said work hubby is kinda odd. He clearly can’t control that crazy ladies actions? It’s not like he commented on it and agreed. He was just as weirded out? If anything he was kinda sexually harassed by this ow.. he was actually very respectable with boundaries and even in the photo he stood away so he wasn’t touching her. What did he do wrong? BUT I’m an avid angsty reader so I live for the heartbroken drama stories. This just was TOO easy for me. I don’t feel like he did much wrong..
July 18, 2026
quick read purely for the angst
June 11, 2026
There just want anything to hook my attention. This felt very thin as plots go. Wasn’t able to really connect with or care about the characters.
June 15, 2026
I hate the phrase work wife. I hate that this guy was so blind.
July 4, 2026
Did she overreact? Maybe but we don’t see any of the issues they had prior to this which I think would have made this story better
June 30, 2026
A disappointing story that leaned more on repetitive drama than meaningful character growth. The conflict dragged on, the romance never fully won me over, and the emotional payoff just wasn't enough to make the journey worthwhile.
June 10, 2026
I feel like with this book Idk I could see it both ways. But we have lila and Reid. Lila is a makeup artist for celebrities on movie sets and Reid is a celebrity lawyer. They are engaged. Now lila has been growing more distant because Reid has this paralegal named Kaylee who is flirty, getting him coffee, perching on the edge of his desk with her shirt unbuttoned, spending late nights, texting when it’s after hours and no other paralegal is texting him. So, she tells him her concerns and reid shrugs it off saying lila is overreacting and kaylee is like that with everyone. The work place is casual. Which idk how it’s casual when your professional lawyers but whatever.
This all comes to a head when Reid goes to a work dinner and Kaylee gets a picture with the celebrity client and then asks reid for a picture. Which of course he doesn’t touch her but she makes it look like they are close. Then kaylee posts the picture and captions it something about celebrating with work hubby. So lila takes this to reid. Who is shocked but then instantly is like it’s obviously a joke. Um what. I’m sorry I might understand this if lila was also close with kaylee and it’s a joke they all have put to post this to social media to me is just weird behavior. She then asks if she posted a pic with a man and said something similar would he like it. Which he would obviously not. So she ends to engagement. Hands him her ring and leaves.
Here is my thing. I kinda agree with everyone saying she might be overreacting a tad. Like Someone said it and I agree that she should of maybe asked for a break so he could take her concerns seriously and if they came back and he hadn’t changed his mind then call it off. Or give him an ultimatum that he either puts boundaries in place or she walks. Cause nothing really did happen between him and kaylee. Like yes he shouldn’t have let her sit too close and shouldn’t answer her messages after hours but he really saw kaylee as this hardworking paralegal, but the social media post was weird to me at least, especially when it’s not a joke they all laugh at together. but it did feel like an overreaction to call it the wedding off. I know he wasn’t listening to her and making her smaller, so take a break.
But Lila also had to deal with her family who actually support reid saying she overreacted. While reid’s mom yells at him that he should of set boundaries with kaylee. Reid does grovel greatly in my opinion. He gives her space to think while he works on himself. He transfers kaylee that next day at work. which this felt anticlimactic as kaylee really didn’t fight or make a big fuss about it at all. So i’m really not sure what her motivations and intentions were for this. Then he starts therapy and I agree that im not sure why. The man just needed to listen and respect boundaries. Then brings her food. stands up to her family that also talk down to her and we find out he never stood up for her against them before. Not sure why he never did, maybe he didn’t want to rock the boat. He writes her a letter saying what he did wrong. He never pushes but let’s her lead until they casually date and then she gives him a chance and get engaged again.
I will say I feel like it’s missing something and it’s something I noticed the author doesn’t write for some reason. A confrontation with the ow. like in this one kaylee and lila met once when lila brought reid lunch and kaylee was there but no conversation. Then all this happens but there’s no after confrontation with kaylee just her tagging lila in a post. There’s never no big talk or fight with the ow after the big gut punch and I felt like in this one there wasn’t really a big gut punch. A social media post isn’t a gut punch. Yeah it would make me mad but it doesn’t make me say how could you do this. Then kaylee disappears. I would of loved for lila to show up when kaylee tried it again on reid and he set clear boundaries and told her off. Even in the last book I don’t think the ex wife and the h had one conversation. In my opinion the big confrontation gives everyone involved closure, the h and us. It lets us know why the ow was doing what she was doing. like what was her end goal here and it lets the h or/and H put her in her place. I’ve honestly felt it’s been needed in all these books. Especially in the book where the ex wife literally tried to ruin the h’s baking career. There needed to be some confrontation there.
But over all it was good short book that I read in two hours. I loved the drama and seeing reid grovel. It was still a good book and I’m interested in the next one.
This all comes to a head when Reid goes to a work dinner and Kaylee gets a picture with the celebrity client and then asks reid for a picture. Which of course he doesn’t touch her but she makes it look like they are close. Then kaylee posts the picture and captions it something about celebrating with work hubby. So lila takes this to reid. Who is shocked but then instantly is like it’s obviously a joke. Um what. I’m sorry I might understand this if lila was also close with kaylee and it’s a joke they all have put to post this to social media to me is just weird behavior. She then asks if she posted a pic with a man and said something similar would he like it. Which he would obviously not. So she ends to engagement. Hands him her ring and leaves.
Here is my thing. I kinda agree with everyone saying she might be overreacting a tad. Like Someone said it and I agree that she should of maybe asked for a break so he could take her concerns seriously and if they came back and he hadn’t changed his mind then call it off. Or give him an ultimatum that he either puts boundaries in place or she walks. Cause nothing really did happen between him and kaylee. Like yes he shouldn’t have let her sit too close and shouldn’t answer her messages after hours but he really saw kaylee as this hardworking paralegal, but the social media post was weird to me at least, especially when it’s not a joke they all laugh at together. but it did feel like an overreaction to call it the wedding off. I know he wasn’t listening to her and making her smaller, so take a break.
But Lila also had to deal with her family who actually support reid saying she overreacted. While reid’s mom yells at him that he should of set boundaries with kaylee. Reid does grovel greatly in my opinion. He gives her space to think while he works on himself. He transfers kaylee that next day at work. which this felt anticlimactic as kaylee really didn’t fight or make a big fuss about it at all. So i’m really not sure what her motivations and intentions were for this. Then he starts therapy and I agree that im not sure why. The man just needed to listen and respect boundaries. Then brings her food. stands up to her family that also talk down to her and we find out he never stood up for her against them before. Not sure why he never did, maybe he didn’t want to rock the boat. He writes her a letter saying what he did wrong. He never pushes but let’s her lead until they casually date and then she gives him a chance and get engaged again.
I will say I feel like it’s missing something and it’s something I noticed the author doesn’t write for some reason. A confrontation with the ow. like in this one kaylee and lila met once when lila brought reid lunch and kaylee was there but no conversation. Then all this happens but there’s no after confrontation with kaylee just her tagging lila in a post. There’s never no big talk or fight with the ow after the big gut punch and I felt like in this one there wasn’t really a big gut punch. A social media post isn’t a gut punch. Yeah it would make me mad but it doesn’t make me say how could you do this. Then kaylee disappears. I would of loved for lila to show up when kaylee tried it again on reid and he set clear boundaries and told her off. Even in the last book I don’t think the ex wife and the h had one conversation. In my opinion the big confrontation gives everyone involved closure, the h and us. It lets us know why the ow was doing what she was doing. like what was her end goal here and it lets the h or/and H put her in her place. I’ve honestly felt it’s been needed in all these books. Especially in the book where the ex wife literally tried to ruin the h’s baking career. There needed to be some confrontation there.
But over all it was good short book that I read in two hours. I loved the drama and seeing reid grovel. It was still a good book and I’m interested in the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2026
I wanted to continue the series and read about Lila’s story, and it turned out to be another four-star read for me. I still enjoyed the angst and drama, but I also started noticing some repeated patterns in the author’s writing.
Lila and Reid were already engaged, and their relationship started to fall apart because of Reid’s lack of boundaries with his paralegal. It was easy to understand why Lila felt hurt and dismissed, especially when Reid didn’t take her concerns seriously and made her feel like she was overreacting.
At the same time, I wish we had seen more of how their issues built up before everything reached that breaking point. We only got one moment between Reid and Kaylee that led to Lila ending the engagement, and it felt a bit sudden without more context of what had been happening before.
Reid frustrated me at times, especially because he didn’t realize how inappropriate the situation was until it was almost too late. However, I liked seeing his growth once he understood what he had done wrong. I appreciated that his mother helped him see things clearly and that he took real steps to fix his behavior, including going to therapy and learning to listen to Lila instead of dismissing her.
Lila was strong in the way she handled everything. I liked that she didn’t immediately forgive Reid and took her time before considering a second chance. She wanted to feel secure in their relationship again, and I enjoyed seeing her stand her ground and refuse to settle for less.
I also didn’t like how Lila’s family treated her. It was frustrating to see them prioritize Reid’s status over her feelings, especially when she was clearly hurt. On the other hand, I loved how Reid defended her and supported her decision to distance herself from them.
Even though the story followed a similar structure to the previous books, I still enjoyed seeing how Reid worked to rebuild Lila’s trust. He made an effort to show her that she was his priority, and I liked watching them slowly find their way back to each other.
Overall, this was another angsty and engaging read. While I would have liked something a bit different from the previous books, I still enjoyed the emotional moments and the focus on rebuilding trust. I loved how their story ended, especially with them choosing a more peaceful wedding surrounded only by the people who truly cared about them.
The next book comes out in a couple of months, and while the series hasn’t been a favorite, I’m still excited to read what happens between Bennett and his wife, Laina, especially after the final scene in this book.
Lila and Reid were already engaged, and their relationship started to fall apart because of Reid’s lack of boundaries with his paralegal. It was easy to understand why Lila felt hurt and dismissed, especially when Reid didn’t take her concerns seriously and made her feel like she was overreacting.
At the same time, I wish we had seen more of how their issues built up before everything reached that breaking point. We only got one moment between Reid and Kaylee that led to Lila ending the engagement, and it felt a bit sudden without more context of what had been happening before.
Reid frustrated me at times, especially because he didn’t realize how inappropriate the situation was until it was almost too late. However, I liked seeing his growth once he understood what he had done wrong. I appreciated that his mother helped him see things clearly and that he took real steps to fix his behavior, including going to therapy and learning to listen to Lila instead of dismissing her.
Lila was strong in the way she handled everything. I liked that she didn’t immediately forgive Reid and took her time before considering a second chance. She wanted to feel secure in their relationship again, and I enjoyed seeing her stand her ground and refuse to settle for less.
I also didn’t like how Lila’s family treated her. It was frustrating to see them prioritize Reid’s status over her feelings, especially when she was clearly hurt. On the other hand, I loved how Reid defended her and supported her decision to distance herself from them.
Even though the story followed a similar structure to the previous books, I still enjoyed seeing how Reid worked to rebuild Lila’s trust. He made an effort to show her that she was his priority, and I liked watching them slowly find their way back to each other.
Overall, this was another angsty and engaging read. While I would have liked something a bit different from the previous books, I still enjoyed the emotional moments and the focus on rebuilding trust. I loved how their story ended, especially with them choosing a more peaceful wedding surrounded only by the people who truly cared about them.
The next book comes out in a couple of months, and while the series hasn’t been a favorite, I’m still excited to read what happens between Bennett and his wife, Laina, especially after the final scene in this book.
June 8, 2026
I'm DONE. I just can't with this author. She writes the tropes I love, but she doesn't write them well. Her stories are boring and WAY too safe. NOTHING happens in them.
The beta Hero of this story was a dumbass, and he seriously did NOT realize his paralegal was hitting on him. He thought she was just joking around, and he was so busy he didn't realize his paralegal was doing anything wrong. His fiance had other ideas though, and this Hero didn't take her warnings seriously, so she dumps him and cancels the wedding. She run to her family to get sympathy from them. The family saw things the same as I did. This woman was being over the top ridiculous. Never fear though. This HERO rushes himself into a therapist for therapy to change his ways of not realizing when a woman he's not interested AT ALL and who he doesn't even want (HELL, he even moved her completely out of his department and blocked her in every way necessary after she posted a picture on line, making it out to be something it was not) is hitting on him. 🙄 I do NOT understand why he needed a therapist when his biggest crime was him being to busy and into his job that he didn't realize that his paralegal was trying to get his attention. He gets therapy and the Hero and the heroine get an HEA.
This is the last book I read by this author. The stories are just too boring, too safe, and too bleh.
June 8, 2026
Most of the reviews are spoken like their from someone who doesn't know what person growth is and has conformed to a world that says what's right and what isn't instead listening to their own instincts. Working with someone doesn't excuse boundaries not being set and someone's decisions and feelings are always valid regardless if anyone else agrees. That's where personal growth comes in. Agreeing with sienna essentially is saying you agree with making someone feel small when their decisions don't match what you would do. A sister/FAMILY should always be on your side and validate you feelings whether they agree or not. I would not have married him either. Agreeing to marry him knowing he doesn't listen and take her concerns seriously, knowing he'll always side with the least confrontational is agreeing to live with that the rest of her life. Why would anyone want that. I would say that since he didn't understand boundaries had she stayed the way things were a bigger betrayal and possible infidelity would have happened eventually. That's what happens when boundaries aren't set. Instead of ignoring it she took the hard way I think. He wasn't listening so she wasn't staying just to get hurt harder later. She shouldn't have to give an ultimatum to get him to understand. The betrayal didn't read big I understand that and it didn't have any real angst. It wasn't what I was expecting but it was still good and it read smooth. He took responsibility and then went deeper to understand why he made the decisions he did because he wanted to do better and be better for her if he got a chance. I would say my only real critique would be I wished that he had come to the conclusions himself instead of his mother leading him to it. I felt like he wasn't getting it and still didn't get it until his mother laid it out for him. Having it spoken the same way just from a third party should not have made it clearer. If he had been listening he would have heard her the same way. But... She was overthinking and overreacting his mother on the other hand (someone he respected) he didn't think that about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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