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This is Awkward: An enemies-to-lovers workplace romance set behind the scenes of a British TV drama
- GenresContemporary
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
About the author
Laura Ives
3 books3 followersLaura lives in North Wales in an old house that she will probably never quite finish doing up. She’ll never quite finish the house, because she’s too busy cooking up stories, building up the courage to go on social media to promote her books, and being walked by her dog, Milo.
Laura’s family and friends assume that writing involves her sitting at her computer and cheerfully churning out chapters, when it mainly involves lying awake in the middle of the night worrying about plot, and looking for the Post-it note she scribbled that great piece of dialogue on…
The longest love affair of Laura's life has been with romance novels - firstly reading them (she knows parts of Pride and Prejudice off by heart and read some very instructive Jackie Collins at a young age...) and now, finally, writing them. She found such joy, hope and laughter in those stories of love - she hopes her books can offer the same to you.
Laura’s family and friends assume that writing involves her sitting at her computer and cheerfully churning out chapters, when it mainly involves lying awake in the middle of the night worrying about plot, and looking for the Post-it note she scribbled that great piece of dialogue on…
The longest love affair of Laura's life has been with romance novels - firstly reading them (she knows parts of Pride and Prejudice off by heart and read some very instructive Jackie Collins at a young age...) and now, finally, writing them. She found such joy, hope and laughter in those stories of love - she hopes her books can offer the same to you.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 12, 2026
Despite a slow start and pacing issues that took me a few chapters to get fully hooked, I ended up really enjoying this book! The story follows Finn, now a successful celebrity, and Violet, who is very relatably trying to rebuild her career from scratch in her 30s. While I felt Violet was a bit too defensive early on and tended to unfairly blame Finn for life choices that were ultimately hers, the emotional depth of their complicated second-chance dynamic completely won me over by the end.
I really understood where both characters were coming from, and I loved how they still supported and covered for one another even when they weren't on good terms. Finn celebrating all of Violet's career achievements was incredibly sweet. A major highlight for me was the reveal of why he was that way back in their younger years, and the scene where Violet helps him cope with a last-minute schedule change for a scene he wasn't prepared for was handled so well. Toss in an unexpected twist regarding Violet's background and some beautifully angsty dialogue, and this turned into a fantastic, heartfelt read.
Many thanks to the author for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest and summarized reaction to the story.
For longer review check out : https://pagesofyue.com/review-this-is...
I really understood where both characters were coming from, and I loved how they still supported and covered for one another even when they weren't on good terms. Finn celebrating all of Violet's career achievements was incredibly sweet. A major highlight for me was the reveal of why he was that way back in their younger years, and the scene where Violet helps him cope with a last-minute schedule change for a scene he wasn't prepared for was handled so well. Toss in an unexpected twist regarding Violet's background and some beautifully angsty dialogue, and this turned into a fantastic, heartfelt read.
Many thanks to the author for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest and summarized reaction to the story.
For longer review check out : https://pagesofyue.com/review-this-is...
May 15, 2026
Reviewed as an ARC 3.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
As a huge fan of romantic comedies and work-place romance I really enjoyed both aspects of this book.
One of the strenghts of this work is that the characters‘ actions and motivations are believeable and reasonable. Especially for people in their thirties. No tantrums, no unnecessary miscommunications! ⭐️
The characters are flawed but mature and while a love Story, their love life is not their sole focus. ⭐️
I was also excited about a MMC that redeemed himself and his early comments to the FMC, quite timely and purposefully. Finn was ready to acknowledge his interest in and feelings for Violet relatively quickly and respected her decisions and Timeline (her reasons were also refreshingly valid). ⭐️
While not reading I found myself thinking about the characters (especially around the 30-60% mark) a lot. However, the only reason I could not round up to 4 Stars is, that I had trouble staying with the Story while reading. Somehow the many very detailed descriptions took me out of the flow and got my mind to wander. This, however, reflects more on my reading preferences and habits than the author‘s ability.
As a huge fan of romantic comedies and work-place romance I really enjoyed both aspects of this book.
One of the strenghts of this work is that the characters‘ actions and motivations are believeable and reasonable. Especially for people in their thirties. No tantrums, no unnecessary miscommunications! ⭐️
The characters are flawed but mature and while a love Story, their love life is not their sole focus. ⭐️
I was also excited about a MMC that redeemed himself and his early comments to the FMC, quite timely and purposefully. Finn was ready to acknowledge his interest in and feelings for Violet relatively quickly and respected her decisions and Timeline (her reasons were also refreshingly valid). ⭐️
While not reading I found myself thinking about the characters (especially around the 30-60% mark) a lot. However, the only reason I could not round up to 4 Stars is, that I had trouble staying with the Story while reading. Somehow the many very detailed descriptions took me out of the flow and got my mind to wander. This, however, reflects more on my reading preferences and habits than the author‘s ability.
August 16, 2026
Good read
When they were at school together Violet detested Finn Ellington, she thought he was lazy and slapdash and blamed him for her poor grades which meant that she lost her place at her preferred drama school. Nonetheless, she got into a drama school and had a successful career as a stage manager but after eighteen years she decided to be brave and try for a post on a film set. She got the job, she would be starting at the bottom again, but it was the job she wanted and it was at home in Yorkshire, all positives she thought.
Well, that was until she met Finn Ellington on her first day.
They weren’t happy to be reunited and neither of them were very polite nor professional to each other, but eventually they realised that they needed to change their behaviour or one of them would be unemployed.
This was a fun story and I enjoyed it.
When they were at school together Violet detested Finn Ellington, she thought he was lazy and slapdash and blamed him for her poor grades which meant that she lost her place at her preferred drama school. Nonetheless, she got into a drama school and had a successful career as a stage manager but after eighteen years she decided to be brave and try for a post on a film set. She got the job, she would be starting at the bottom again, but it was the job she wanted and it was at home in Yorkshire, all positives she thought.
Well, that was until she met Finn Ellington on her first day.
They weren’t happy to be reunited and neither of them were very polite nor professional to each other, but eventually they realised that they needed to change their behaviour or one of them would be unemployed.
This was a fun story and I enjoyed it.
May 6, 2026
Received as an ARC
I really enjoyed this! Romantic, funny, with great chemistry and likeable, well-rounded characters.
The setting was super fun, and I liked how the book explored Violet’s experience and her new start as a rookie in the tv&film world after giving up on her already successful career in stage production (could also personally relate…)- it was just enough to build context without taking focus away from the romance.
The slow-burn attraction between Violet and Finn felt realistic, but not so drawn-out that it became frustrating to read.
Overall, a fun, light, and satisfying read. I’d definitely recommend it!
I really enjoyed this! Romantic, funny, with great chemistry and likeable, well-rounded characters.
The setting was super fun, and I liked how the book explored Violet’s experience and her new start as a rookie in the tv&film world after giving up on her already successful career in stage production (could also personally relate…)- it was just enough to build context without taking focus away from the romance.
The slow-burn attraction between Violet and Finn felt realistic, but not so drawn-out that it became frustrating to read.
Overall, a fun, light, and satisfying read. I’d definitely recommend it!
September 4, 2026
I do love British humour and books that happen outside of North America. Found this rom-com and thought I'd give it a go. Fun read about Finn and Violet who knew, and didn't like, each other when they were 16. Now 18 years later their paths cross and they might see things a bit differently. Entertaining and light, for the most part. Solid writing and characters. 4 stars.
May 22, 2026
Really enjoyed the peek behind the scenes of the tv production and the lovely characters of Vi and Finn.
July 13, 2026
Loved all the details about being on a TV set. I liked the characters, although they seemed much younger than mid-30s to me.
July 17, 2026
I finished it! I FINISHED IT AFTER A LONG AS* SLUMP I FINISHED A BOOK.
It was funny and sweet and just what i needed.
It was funny and sweet and just what i needed.
May 16, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
I loved getting to see the behind the scenes aspects on a TV set (with the added bonus of workplace AND enemies to lovers romance)! This book is in 3rd person, double POV, with some spice. It took me a little while to get into, but I loved the characters, Violet's growth, and watching Violet and Finn's friendship and then relationship unfold!
4.5 ⭐️
I loved getting to see the behind the scenes aspects on a TV set (with the added bonus of workplace AND enemies to lovers romance)! This book is in 3rd person, double POV, with some spice. It took me a little while to get into, but I loved the characters, Violet's growth, and watching Violet and Finn's friendship and then relationship unfold!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews