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Conflict of Interest
A delightful fake dating contemporary romance set at the intersection of law, medicine, and the heart.
What happens when falling in love means choosing sides?
Attorney Audra Tay hates being caught off guard, both in law and in life. But her armour of respectability threatens to crack when an old law school crush resurfaces with the power to resurrect an embarrassing secret. Audra panics and blurts out a lie: she’s seeing someone.
That someone turns out to be Dr Wesley Yeoh, a complete stranger she met just hours earlier at an alumni event. To Audra’s surprise, Wesley agrees to play along, but his cooperation comes at a price. Their fake relationship quickly convinces everyone until an unexpected kiss and a chance encounter in Vienna spark undeniable chemistry.
As their pretend romance begins to feel real, Audra lands a career-defining medical negligence case, only to discover her client is Wesley’s former patient. With love and loyalty pulling them in opposite directions, Audra and Wesley must decide whether their relationship can survive when the law demands one of them lose.
Set in modern, multicultural Singapore, CONFLICT OF INTEREST is a witty and heartfelt story brimming with fake dating, forced proximity, sharp banter, and the irresistible tension of love on the wrong side of the courtroom.
The Law-Med Games is a rom-com series featuring sharp-witted lawyer heroines, charming doctor heroes, and interconnected love stories set in modern-day Singapore. Each book can be read as a standalone.
What happens when falling in love means choosing sides?
Attorney Audra Tay hates being caught off guard, both in law and in life. But her armour of respectability threatens to crack when an old law school crush resurfaces with the power to resurrect an embarrassing secret. Audra panics and blurts out a lie: she’s seeing someone.
That someone turns out to be Dr Wesley Yeoh, a complete stranger she met just hours earlier at an alumni event. To Audra’s surprise, Wesley agrees to play along, but his cooperation comes at a price. Their fake relationship quickly convinces everyone until an unexpected kiss and a chance encounter in Vienna spark undeniable chemistry.
As their pretend romance begins to feel real, Audra lands a career-defining medical negligence case, only to discover her client is Wesley’s former patient. With love and loyalty pulling them in opposite directions, Audra and Wesley must decide whether their relationship can survive when the law demands one of them lose.
Set in modern, multicultural Singapore, CONFLICT OF INTEREST is a witty and heartfelt story brimming with fake dating, forced proximity, sharp banter, and the irresistible tension of love on the wrong side of the courtroom.
The Law-Med Games is a rom-com series featuring sharp-witted lawyer heroines, charming doctor heroes, and interconnected love stories set in modern-day Singapore. Each book can be read as a standalone.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2026
About the author
Naomi Chen
1 book8 followersNaomi Chen is the pen name of a Singapore-based author of contemporary romance novels with equal parts humour and heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 9, 2026
I picked up Conflict of Interest because I wanted to try a book from a different culture - is this case, with Singaporean influences. As, a non-romance reader who doesn't tend to go for comfy reads, I was pleasently surprised to find I absolutely adored it!
The chemistry between the characters was developed perfectly through banter and shared challenges. I really enjoyed that they had their ups and downs, and appreciated that the romance was character-driven.
As a woman in STEM, I get so excited to read about female characters that are strong and intelligent. Audra - is a lawyer, and Wes is a doctor - both high-powered, high energy jobs and I absolutely adored seeing how they both handled the challenge of a relationship where both characters have an intense work-life balance. Both Wes and Audra stayed true to their career interests, whilst taking time for each other - and Wes is just the cutest, love interest - I will take one of him please, thank you!
Each chapter was fast paced, and kept me engaged! I often find with romance books that I lose interest pretty swiftly, but I whizzed through this one, and am desperate for the next in the series!
There were a lot of Singaporean references - but I read it for this reason - yes, I was googling terms, but oh my goodness, I ADORED learning new phrases, fashion and food items; the cultural references added to the novel 100% and I enjoyed it immensely! I'd encourage anyone wanted to appreciate a novel from a different culture to pick it up! (And from talking to a Singaporean reader, she said that the cultural references were on point!).
Also - if you're a fantasy reader, and want to dip your toe into the contemptory romance field - this is the first one of its genre that I enjoyed, so I would recommend it!
This was an arc read, and I'm now off to beg Naomi Chen for her next book (please!).
The chemistry between the characters was developed perfectly through banter and shared challenges. I really enjoyed that they had their ups and downs, and appreciated that the romance was character-driven.
As a woman in STEM, I get so excited to read about female characters that are strong and intelligent. Audra - is a lawyer, and Wes is a doctor - both high-powered, high energy jobs and I absolutely adored seeing how they both handled the challenge of a relationship where both characters have an intense work-life balance. Both Wes and Audra stayed true to their career interests, whilst taking time for each other - and Wes is just the cutest, love interest - I will take one of him please, thank you!
Each chapter was fast paced, and kept me engaged! I often find with romance books that I lose interest pretty swiftly, but I whizzed through this one, and am desperate for the next in the series!
There were a lot of Singaporean references - but I read it for this reason - yes, I was googling terms, but oh my goodness, I ADORED learning new phrases, fashion and food items; the cultural references added to the novel 100% and I enjoyed it immensely! I'd encourage anyone wanted to appreciate a novel from a different culture to pick it up! (And from talking to a Singaporean reader, she said that the cultural references were on point!).
Also - if you're a fantasy reader, and want to dip your toe into the contemptory romance field - this is the first one of its genre that I enjoyed, so I would recommend it!
This was an arc read, and I'm now off to beg Naomi Chen for her next book (please!).
Review of advance copy
3⭐️
Thank you Naomi and Booksiren for this ARC!
I was hooked from the blurb; faking dating? Singapore setting? Conflict of Interest? These sound so good and I was intrigued.
I enjoyed how playful and adorable their dialogues were with each other, there were more than a few lines from their conversations that made me giggle. Their banters and teases were so good. Also quite a handful that made me swoon. Gosh the things that he says to her!!
An example, 'Stop being stubborn and let me take care of you.'
Sir??? Oh, and he has dimples. Goodness gracious.
I just wanted to say this first— this may not be a book for me, but I genuinely appreciated the fun and swoon-y bits from this story! I do think that it is a great debut book. I didn't click with the characters and the story as much as I wanted to, hence it stood at a 3⭐️. But I also want to say that, Wesley gave me corgi energy🤣 Cheeky, playful but also very interested in napping time. And Audra felt like the black cat he wanted to annoy initially but ended up wanting to win her over instead.
This story did lean into the Crazy Rich Asian vibe quite a bit, although it was not applicable to our MCs— Audra and Wesley, which I didn't mind. Audra was trying to hide her shame from Nick, her crush, and somehow let Nick believe that she was seeing Wesley just to avoid discussing or acknowledging that embarrassing moment of her life. I couldn't really say 'feelings for Nick' either because it didn't feel that serious. When she began using Wesley as her shield, I was under the impression she wanted to avoid Nick and through avoidance, move past the whole thing. But when she brought up Nick to Wes on more than one occasion, or just the way she thought about Nick, it spotlighted her crush on Nick more than the fake relationship with Wesley. Her crush on Nick felt like a huge shadow that never really left when I was hoping to see more of Audra and Wes navigating their relationship.
When reading, it did cross my mind that those who enjoyed Emily Henry's books might enjoy this. It felt reminiscent of Book Lovers but Wesley was a whole lot more playful from the get-go. Which may I add, I truly felt the Singaporean vibe coming from him. I'm not sure if it is because of how he was portrayed in the book or how I imagined him in my mind, perhaps both, it somehow really gave the Singaporean feels. I could totally see his demeanour in those I know in real life😂 Except... the hygiene bit. Oh my god. Okay, it is real life but also do I want to be reading about a man wiping his hands down the front of his trousers and his nose into his sleeve after sneezing? No, not really. It was bearable but the inner dialogues from Audra made it seem grosser, as if it was really that bad and I couldn't help but feel a little perturbed.
As mentioned, I didn't think the book was for me. I found myself liking the MCs, then not. Then adoring them again, and back to questioning them. It was a weird ride with the characters and I didn't particularly enjoy being in Audra's mind as well, after a good while. I think it's just the character I didn't quite connect with. Not connect as in relate to, but more about clicking with this character. I also found it odd that Wesley would agree to fake-date Audra when he supposedly has a vendetta against lawyers. I didn't think much of it until this was something that came between them, which really left question marks trailing the scene I just read. There is a third-act breakup in this book! I am not particular about it, but the scene felt slightly out-of-the-blue for me? It gave the feeling that the characters truly didn't know each other enough and created friction which led to the breakup within an instant.
I finished the last leg of this book with a C-Drama OST playing in the background and I have to say though, the way the scenes flowed felt like a C-Drama; we have Nick the looming shadow of a crush, Wesley our MMC, Audra our FMC, both our MCs aren't that familiar with each other especially about each other's career which seemed like big parts of their lives, lacking familiarity led to further misunderstandings and emphasis on different beliefs, cute banters that sometimes seem like 'taking out on each other' because it is easy to snipe at the other— am I making sense of how it feels like a C-Drama? Hehe it is not a bad thing, I actually quite like it and thought it was cute and cinematic in that sense.
Thank you Naomi and Booksiren for this ARC!
I was hooked from the blurb; faking dating? Singapore setting? Conflict of Interest? These sound so good and I was intrigued.
I enjoyed how playful and adorable their dialogues were with each other, there were more than a few lines from their conversations that made me giggle. Their banters and teases were so good. Also quite a handful that made me swoon. Gosh the things that he says to her!!
An example, 'Stop being stubborn and let me take care of you.'
Sir??? Oh, and he has dimples. Goodness gracious.
I just wanted to say this first— this may not be a book for me, but I genuinely appreciated the fun and swoon-y bits from this story! I do think that it is a great debut book. I didn't click with the characters and the story as much as I wanted to, hence it stood at a 3⭐️. But I also want to say that, Wesley gave me corgi energy🤣 Cheeky, playful but also very interested in napping time. And Audra felt like the black cat he wanted to annoy initially but ended up wanting to win her over instead.
This story did lean into the Crazy Rich Asian vibe quite a bit, although it was not applicable to our MCs— Audra and Wesley, which I didn't mind. Audra was trying to hide her shame from Nick, her crush, and somehow let Nick believe that she was seeing Wesley just to avoid discussing or acknowledging that embarrassing moment of her life. I couldn't really say 'feelings for Nick' either because it didn't feel that serious. When she began using Wesley as her shield, I was under the impression she wanted to avoid Nick and through avoidance, move past the whole thing. But when she brought up Nick to Wes on more than one occasion, or just the way she thought about Nick, it spotlighted her crush on Nick more than the fake relationship with Wesley. Her crush on Nick felt like a huge shadow that never really left when I was hoping to see more of Audra and Wes navigating their relationship.
When reading, it did cross my mind that those who enjoyed Emily Henry's books might enjoy this. It felt reminiscent of Book Lovers but Wesley was a whole lot more playful from the get-go. Which may I add, I truly felt the Singaporean vibe coming from him. I'm not sure if it is because of how he was portrayed in the book or how I imagined him in my mind, perhaps both, it somehow really gave the Singaporean feels. I could totally see his demeanour in those I know in real life😂 Except... the hygiene bit. Oh my god. Okay, it is real life but also do I want to be reading about a man wiping his hands down the front of his trousers and his nose into his sleeve after sneezing? No, not really. It was bearable but the inner dialogues from Audra made it seem grosser, as if it was really that bad and I couldn't help but feel a little perturbed.
As mentioned, I didn't think the book was for me. I found myself liking the MCs, then not. Then adoring them again, and back to questioning them. It was a weird ride with the characters and I didn't particularly enjoy being in Audra's mind as well, after a good while. I think it's just the character I didn't quite connect with. Not connect as in relate to, but more about clicking with this character. I also found it odd that Wesley would agree to fake-date Audra when he supposedly has a vendetta against lawyers. I didn't think much of it until this was something that came between them, which really left question marks trailing the scene I just read. There is a third-act breakup in this book! I am not particular about it, but the scene felt slightly out-of-the-blue for me? It gave the feeling that the characters truly didn't know each other enough and created friction which led to the breakup within an instant.
I finished the last leg of this book with a C-Drama OST playing in the background and I have to say though, the way the scenes flowed felt like a C-Drama; we have Nick the looming shadow of a crush, Wesley our MMC, Audra our FMC, both our MCs aren't that familiar with each other especially about each other's career which seemed like big parts of their lives, lacking familiarity led to further misunderstandings and emphasis on different beliefs, cute banters that sometimes seem like 'taking out on each other' because it is easy to snipe at the other— am I making sense of how it feels like a C-Drama? Hehe it is not a bad thing, I actually quite like it and thought it was cute and cinematic in that sense.
Review of advance copy
Conflict of interest 4 stars.
I haven't read contemporary romance in a very long time but i was hooked on this book because I liked the cover. I wasn't expecting to finish this book as quickly as i did but i ended up reading it through the night. The book was off to a slow start but I'm not complaining.
First off, what i really loved about the book is the witty banter. Some sentences had me squealing because Wes and Audra are so cute when they argue. Wesley had my favourite lines:
"Because everyone is competing against my stunning girlfriend.” when Wes said this. I threw my phone squealing. Chills! Literal chills! I think this was the point where i fully committed to the story at 2am lol.
There are other various points at which I tried not to wake everyone with my screams. The private property line was my favourite😂
Audra's personality is refreshing because she can be both cute and bold. She doesn’t really have any glaring problems except her workaholism and her issues with her parents which was kind of anticlimatic. I do want to point out how much i love how rich her social life is and the relationships she has with her friends. I'm all for girlfriends.
As for lukewarm coffee guy AKA Wesley yeoh, his character was so dynamic and kind of unpredictable. Once I solidified him as a cool nonchalant guy (which is unheard of amongst the med students i know), he shows off a caring soft side. When i think he's the cute, suddenly he's withdrawn, jealous and hard to see clearly. I wish Nick was more present in this book and they had a confrontation, that would have been fun to read.
On the writing, i found it to be quite dialogue heavy but it has it's own charm(perhaps this is common in contemporary romance and I'm just not used to it). The author also has a very visual writing style so it felt like i was watching a show. I really liked it. Definitely in the vein of Crazy rich asians but less avant-garde as the author promised. I loved that it's set in Singapore and I've watched way too many SNU vlogs that i could picture exact places on the campus and the city even though I've never been there.
My only grievance is that I feel like there are some scenes that could be cut or at least summarised especially when it goes too hard into lawyer territory which can be harder to read through as someone that isn't a lawyer and some scenes where characters that don't really serve the plot take up space. Finally, i read a review where someone was asking what some words like Fuerdai and some other words meant, I get how that can be an issue for people that aren't from that culture but isn't that the point of reading books from other cultures?
Overall i found the book very cute and entertaining. Loved the romance and how the book showed that you don't really need to go through all the "arbitrary steps" of dating lol. If you like reading light hearted romance with no toxic characters then you should definitely check this one out.
Thank you to Book sirens for the free advance copy
I haven't read contemporary romance in a very long time but i was hooked on this book because I liked the cover. I wasn't expecting to finish this book as quickly as i did but i ended up reading it through the night. The book was off to a slow start but I'm not complaining.
First off, what i really loved about the book is the witty banter. Some sentences had me squealing because Wes and Audra are so cute when they argue. Wesley had my favourite lines:
"Because everyone is competing against my stunning girlfriend.” when Wes said this. I threw my phone squealing. Chills! Literal chills! I think this was the point where i fully committed to the story at 2am lol.
There are other various points at which I tried not to wake everyone with my screams. The private property line was my favourite😂
Audra's personality is refreshing because she can be both cute and bold. She doesn’t really have any glaring problems except her workaholism and her issues with her parents which was kind of anticlimatic. I do want to point out how much i love how rich her social life is and the relationships she has with her friends. I'm all for girlfriends.
As for lukewarm coffee guy AKA Wesley yeoh, his character was so dynamic and kind of unpredictable. Once I solidified him as a cool nonchalant guy (which is unheard of amongst the med students i know), he shows off a caring soft side. When i think he's the cute, suddenly he's withdrawn, jealous and hard to see clearly. I wish Nick was more present in this book and they had a confrontation, that would have been fun to read.
On the writing, i found it to be quite dialogue heavy but it has it's own charm(perhaps this is common in contemporary romance and I'm just not used to it). The author also has a very visual writing style so it felt like i was watching a show. I really liked it. Definitely in the vein of Crazy rich asians but less avant-garde as the author promised. I loved that it's set in Singapore and I've watched way too many SNU vlogs that i could picture exact places on the campus and the city even though I've never been there.
My only grievance is that I feel like there are some scenes that could be cut or at least summarised especially when it goes too hard into lawyer territory which can be harder to read through as someone that isn't a lawyer and some scenes where characters that don't really serve the plot take up space. Finally, i read a review where someone was asking what some words like Fuerdai and some other words meant, I get how that can be an issue for people that aren't from that culture but isn't that the point of reading books from other cultures?
Overall i found the book very cute and entertaining. Loved the romance and how the book showed that you don't really need to go through all the "arbitrary steps" of dating lol. If you like reading light hearted romance with no toxic characters then you should definitely check this one out.
Thank you to Book sirens for the free advance copy
Review of advance copy
4.5⭐️ rounded up!
still grinning from ear to ear and crying!!! booking the next flight to singapore bc where do i find a dr. wesley yeoh irl !!!
this was the cutest fake dating romance between audra tay, a medical negligence litigator, and wesley yeoh, a hepatobiliary surgeon set in singapore. i had been wanting to read a doctor-lawyer romance for the longest time and this felt like a dream come true (cherry on top with it being set in singapore!)<3 the banter was SO good - so entertaining, funny, and witty, i was giggling so much while reading. i loved how badass, independent, strong, and such a workaholic audra is. and ofc i loved how playful, passionate, dedicated, and what a sentimental softie wes is, esp. towards audra, particularly in the way that he cares for her and worries about her health (and if he can make the time as a busy surgeon to check in on her, any guy can)! most of all, i loved how audra grew as a person, learned to find herself outside of work, and ultimately choose herself at the end. i loved how both audra and wes gradually opened up about their trauma and the book's progression and pace was just right.
what really got me loving this book is all the small details and personal connection i had with audra - the way that both audra and wes remember the things they've said in their banter. audra is basically a taller version of me in a firm setting. i'm also extremely type A, workaholic, perfectionist, and a litigator/trial attorney myself albeit in a different country's legal system/on the public interest side. (i loved learning more about the singapore legal system and the firm life that i could've pursued :P). in particular, i loved that audra is also a no notifications gal - i cannot fathom how ppl with thousands of notifications survive - does that red notification number not bother you?! audra also is an eldest daughter and oldest sister (like me) and i believe that informed so much of how she approached her work - always fixing others' mistakes/work while people either quit or slack off, being the go-to person that the firm depended on because of her quality work, etc. and so, i'm so glad that she found wes, who loves her for the hilarious sassy gal she is, lets her be herself and who takes care of her in a way that she never usually does.
(also this was so important to me as a classical musician/arts aficionado, but when the characters were in vienna aka the birthplace of mozart, wes remembers such a small aside that audra said and actually takes her to said event - don't want to spoil - that literally gave me butterflies and i couldn't stop swooning. THIS is how you care for us girlies<3)
thank you to naomi chen herself for reaching out to my insta account thru dms + BookSirens for the e-ARC! i cannot wait for cass's story in book 2!
still grinning from ear to ear and crying!!! booking the next flight to singapore bc where do i find a dr. wesley yeoh irl !!!
this was the cutest fake dating romance between audra tay, a medical negligence litigator, and wesley yeoh, a hepatobiliary surgeon set in singapore. i had been wanting to read a doctor-lawyer romance for the longest time and this felt like a dream come true (cherry on top with it being set in singapore!)<3 the banter was SO good - so entertaining, funny, and witty, i was giggling so much while reading. i loved how badass, independent, strong, and such a workaholic audra is. and ofc i loved how playful, passionate, dedicated, and what a sentimental softie wes is, esp. towards audra, particularly in the way that he cares for her and worries about her health (and if he can make the time as a busy surgeon to check in on her, any guy can)! most of all, i loved how audra grew as a person, learned to find herself outside of work, and ultimately choose herself at the end. i loved how both audra and wes gradually opened up about their trauma and the book's progression and pace was just right.
what really got me loving this book is all the small details and personal connection i had with audra - the way that both audra and wes remember the things they've said in their banter. audra is basically a taller version of me in a firm setting. i'm also extremely type A, workaholic, perfectionist, and a litigator/trial attorney myself albeit in a different country's legal system/on the public interest side. (i loved learning more about the singapore legal system and the firm life that i could've pursued :P). in particular, i loved that audra is also a no notifications gal - i cannot fathom how ppl with thousands of notifications survive - does that red notification number not bother you?! audra also is an eldest daughter and oldest sister (like me) and i believe that informed so much of how she approached her work - always fixing others' mistakes/work while people either quit or slack off, being the go-to person that the firm depended on because of her quality work, etc. and so, i'm so glad that she found wes, who loves her for the hilarious sassy gal she is, lets her be herself and who takes care of her in a way that she never usually does.
(also this was so important to me as a classical musician/arts aficionado, but when the characters were in vienna aka the birthplace of mozart, wes remembers such a small aside that audra said and actually takes her to said event - don't want to spoil - that literally gave me butterflies and i couldn't stop swooning. THIS is how you care for us girlies<3)
thank you to naomi chen herself for reaching out to my insta account thru dms + BookSirens for the e-ARC! i cannot wait for cass's story in book 2!
May 24, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC opportunity!
I’ve been loving contemporary romance lately, so I was really excited to receive this ARC, especially since this is my very first ARC review!
Reading a book that felt so close to home was incredibly refreshing. As a Filipina, while there were many Singaporean themes and concepts that were unfamiliar to me, there were also similarities in culture, values, and family dynamics that felt comforting and relatable. Even the lawyer workplace culture reminded me so much of working in external audit, and some scenes and lines hit a little too close to home in the best way.
This story was heartwarming, funny, and honestly so kilig at times. I was giggling and kicking my feet during several scenes.
I really admired Audra as a main character. Having experienced toxic workplace culture myself, I genuinely don’t think I would survive in that environment as long as she did. She was resilient, hardworking, and deeply committed to her career, while still navigating complicated family relationships and unexpected feelings along the way. I also found it hilarious that someone so intelligent and composed at work somehow decided fake dating was the best solution to avoid an awkward situation involving someone from her past.
And of course, Wesley completely won me over as the green flag MMC. I loved how he initially came across as reserved and serious, but gradually became softer, sweeter, and more thoughtful around Audra. Their chemistry and banter made their relationship so enjoyable to read, and I especially loved their quieter and more intimate moments together. Some readers may find certain scenes cheesy, but honestly, this story felt like it was written for readers exactly like me.
Also, as someone who absolutely adores her husband, I completely melted reading the dedication and learning that Wesley was also a lukewarm coffee guy. It’s such a small detail, but it made me so kilig for some reason. I genuinely don’t understand how something so simple managed to send me into a spiral, but it absolutely did.
One of my funniest reading experiences was during the first chapter because I was genuinely confused by the funeral metaphor and briefly thought this was going to be a paranormal romance. The unexpected international trip later in the story ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. Unrealistic? Maybe. But incredibly fun and romantic to read. I honestly didn’t want the story to end once I reached the epilogue.
Overall, this was such an easy and enjoyable read. It’s a lighthearted romance, but the emotional conflicts still kept me invested without becoming overwhelmingly heavy. The writing was easy to follow, the scenes felt vivid, and I connected well with the characters throughout the story.
I genuinely enjoyed this book, and it felt like it was written for readers exactly like me.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you enjoy emotionally grounded romances with green flag MMCs, fake dating, and relatable career pressures, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC opportunity!
I’ve been loving contemporary romance lately, so I was really excited to receive this ARC, especially since this is my very first ARC review!
Reading a book that felt so close to home was incredibly refreshing. As a Filipina, while there were many Singaporean themes and concepts that were unfamiliar to me, there were also similarities in culture, values, and family dynamics that felt comforting and relatable. Even the lawyer workplace culture reminded me so much of working in external audit, and some scenes and lines hit a little too close to home in the best way.
This story was heartwarming, funny, and honestly so kilig at times. I was giggling and kicking my feet during several scenes.
I really admired Audra as a main character. Having experienced toxic workplace culture myself, I genuinely don’t think I would survive in that environment as long as she did. She was resilient, hardworking, and deeply committed to her career, while still navigating complicated family relationships and unexpected feelings along the way. I also found it hilarious that someone so intelligent and composed at work somehow decided fake dating was the best solution to avoid an awkward situation involving someone from her past.
And of course, Wesley completely won me over as the green flag MMC. I loved how he initially came across as reserved and serious, but gradually became softer, sweeter, and more thoughtful around Audra. Their chemistry and banter made their relationship so enjoyable to read, and I especially loved their quieter and more intimate moments together. Some readers may find certain scenes cheesy, but honestly, this story felt like it was written for readers exactly like me.
Also, as someone who absolutely adores her husband, I completely melted reading the dedication and learning that Wesley was also a lukewarm coffee guy. It’s such a small detail, but it made me so kilig for some reason. I genuinely don’t understand how something so simple managed to send me into a spiral, but it absolutely did.
One of my funniest reading experiences was during the first chapter because I was genuinely confused by the funeral metaphor and briefly thought this was going to be a paranormal romance. The unexpected international trip later in the story ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. Unrealistic? Maybe. But incredibly fun and romantic to read. I honestly didn’t want the story to end once I reached the epilogue.
Overall, this was such an easy and enjoyable read. It’s a lighthearted romance, but the emotional conflicts still kept me invested without becoming overwhelmingly heavy. The writing was easy to follow, the scenes felt vivid, and I connected well with the characters throughout the story.
I genuinely enjoyed this book, and it felt like it was written for readers exactly like me.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you enjoy emotionally grounded romances with green flag MMCs, fake dating, and relatable career pressures, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
May 14, 2026
ARC Review
The story follows Audra, a medical negligence litigator, and Wes, a hepatobiliary surgeon. Hoping to impress her crush Nick, Audra becomes entangled in a misunderstanding that leads her and Wes into a fake relationship. When they unexpectedly find themselves in Vienna together, their pretend romance begins to develop into something genuine. Meanwhile, Audra takes on a major medical negligence case only to discover that her client is suing Wes and his colleagues. With their personal and professional lives suddenly at odds, can their growing relationship survive this conflict (of interest)?
I’m a big fan of fake-dating romances, so picking up this book was an easy choice. I was especially excited to read about a fmc who’s a lawyer, since I’m a lawyer myself. The depiction of legal work felt incredibly authentic – the long hours, endless conflict checks, weekend work, and the struggle to maintain any sort of personal life. I also really appreciated that Audra is tall. As a tall woman myself, it was refreshing to see a fmc openly reflect on the challenges that come with being tall (“It’s hard to feel feminine and beautiful when you grow up towering over the boys in your class.”).
Wesley, aka the “lukewarm coffee guy,” came across as deeply passionate and dedicated. He takes his work very seriously, sometimes even too personally, shaped by the pain of losing someone he once loved. The way he takes care of Audra is unmatched. How he worries about her health and wants to take care of her. And those dimples? Definitely a major bonus („Confession time: I’ve always had a thing for guys with dimples“).
The chemistry between Audra and Wes was one of my favorite parts of the story. Wes’s care for Audra was so evident, and despite Audra’s attempts to appear indifferent, her feelings were just as clear. This was also my first time reading a book set in Singapore, and I really enjoyed discovering more about its culture. On top of that, I was thrilled that the author included entire chapters set in Vienna, featuring various activities around the city. I’ve never come across a romance novel that mentioned Vienna before, let alone one where the characters actually spent time there. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a wholesome, lighthearted fake-dating romance.
The story follows Audra, a medical negligence litigator, and Wes, a hepatobiliary surgeon. Hoping to impress her crush Nick, Audra becomes entangled in a misunderstanding that leads her and Wes into a fake relationship. When they unexpectedly find themselves in Vienna together, their pretend romance begins to develop into something genuine. Meanwhile, Audra takes on a major medical negligence case only to discover that her client is suing Wes and his colleagues. With their personal and professional lives suddenly at odds, can their growing relationship survive this conflict (of interest)?
I’m a big fan of fake-dating romances, so picking up this book was an easy choice. I was especially excited to read about a fmc who’s a lawyer, since I’m a lawyer myself. The depiction of legal work felt incredibly authentic – the long hours, endless conflict checks, weekend work, and the struggle to maintain any sort of personal life. I also really appreciated that Audra is tall. As a tall woman myself, it was refreshing to see a fmc openly reflect on the challenges that come with being tall (“It’s hard to feel feminine and beautiful when you grow up towering over the boys in your class.”).
Wesley, aka the “lukewarm coffee guy,” came across as deeply passionate and dedicated. He takes his work very seriously, sometimes even too personally, shaped by the pain of losing someone he once loved. The way he takes care of Audra is unmatched. How he worries about her health and wants to take care of her. And those dimples? Definitely a major bonus („Confession time: I’ve always had a thing for guys with dimples“).
The chemistry between Audra and Wes was one of my favorite parts of the story. Wes’s care for Audra was so evident, and despite Audra’s attempts to appear indifferent, her feelings were just as clear. This was also my first time reading a book set in Singapore, and I really enjoyed discovering more about its culture. On top of that, I was thrilled that the author included entire chapters set in Vienna, featuring various activities around the city. I’ve never come across a romance novel that mentioned Vienna before, let alone one where the characters actually spent time there. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a wholesome, lighthearted fake-dating romance.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and BookSirens for this lovely ARC!
I started reading this book in the train and loved the opening. As someone who lives in Singapore, it felt like I was watching the opening unfold in front of me. However, I had to stop briefly for a few days because of life commitments so when I finally picked up this book again, I devoured it in one sitting. No regrets there!
Firstly, we have Audra a.k.a. the workaholic lawyer lady and Wesley, resident doctor filled with puppy energy. As someone who is also working in healthcare (and admittedly, also a slight workaholic), I was excited to know how their relationship would develop. I was delighted to see the reality and struggle of balancing such intense jobs while handling their complicated arrangement being described in great detail.
Secondly, I adored all of the many Singaporean-coded phrases and terminology dispersed throughout the book. It made me feel like Audra was retelling her story to me directly while having a coffee break at the nearby local hawker centre. I bet that I would be smiling ear to ear the whole time and throwing in a few "Ha! I knew it!" in between.
Thirdly, Wesley, where can I order one of you? Caring, observant, filled with puppy energy AND having dimples. Need I say more? Both characters had such dynamic personalities and it was clear from the get-go that one of them was bound to fall hard despite the not so ideal beginning of their fake relationship. I was happy to see the gradual development in their relationship which felt realistic and authentic. Audra and Wesley had plenty of playful banter, subtle flirting and swoon worthy interactions. I loved every single moment between them.
This book is set in the local Singapore background so some terminology may be a little confusing to understand but it is also a pretty nice exposure to the local culture. This book is for you if you enjoy funny banter, fake dating, career-focused characters and adorable romcoms.
I started reading this book in the train and loved the opening. As someone who lives in Singapore, it felt like I was watching the opening unfold in front of me. However, I had to stop briefly for a few days because of life commitments so when I finally picked up this book again, I devoured it in one sitting. No regrets there!
Firstly, we have Audra a.k.a. the workaholic lawyer lady and Wesley, resident doctor filled with puppy energy. As someone who is also working in healthcare (and admittedly, also a slight workaholic), I was excited to know how their relationship would develop. I was delighted to see the reality and struggle of balancing such intense jobs while handling their complicated arrangement being described in great detail.
Secondly, I adored all of the many Singaporean-coded phrases and terminology dispersed throughout the book. It made me feel like Audra was retelling her story to me directly while having a coffee break at the nearby local hawker centre. I bet that I would be smiling ear to ear the whole time and throwing in a few "Ha! I knew it!" in between.
Thirdly, Wesley, where can I order one of you? Caring, observant, filled with puppy energy AND having dimples. Need I say more? Both characters had such dynamic personalities and it was clear from the get-go that one of them was bound to fall hard despite the not so ideal beginning of their fake relationship. I was happy to see the gradual development in their relationship which felt realistic and authentic. Audra and Wesley had plenty of playful banter, subtle flirting and swoon worthy interactions. I loved every single moment between them.
This book is set in the local Singapore background so some terminology may be a little confusing to understand but it is also a pretty nice exposure to the local culture. This book is for you if you enjoy funny banter, fake dating, career-focused characters and adorable romcoms.
Review of advance copy
Chanced upon this ARC about a modern romance story based in Singapore and it immediately caught my attention as a Singaporean. The story sets out in a modern city with Audra, a high achieving lawyer, accidentally lying about being in a fake relationship with a stranger she met in order to avoid her old law school crush. The stranger, Wesley, a surgical resident agreed to their pretense and we see things start to unfold as both of them starts to violate the terms they initially agreed on for their fake relationship. While the start of the story is quite slow and cliche, I started to get hooked onto the romance portion once the relationship between Wesley and Audra starts to develop. There were some bumps that surface as the relationship progresses, which I thought were a tad too easily resolved somehow. Nevertheless, I am glad that there was no major miscommunication that causes the relationship to breakdown.
“Stop being so stubborn and let me take care of you” - This one sentence from Wesley that caught my attention. It is definitely something that a workaholic such as Audra would definitely appreciate. As the story progresses, we see how Audra slowly changes her worldview and eventually has to decide what is truly important to her. I like how the characters develop in the second half, where we also get introduced to the backstory of the main characters to further understand their personalities.
All in all, this book will be great for people looking for lighthearted romance books! If you love Crazy Rich Asians, I think this book will definitely fit your reading tastebuds.
“Stop being so stubborn and let me take care of you” - This one sentence from Wesley that caught my attention. It is definitely something that a workaholic such as Audra would definitely appreciate. As the story progresses, we see how Audra slowly changes her worldview and eventually has to decide what is truly important to her. I like how the characters develop in the second half, where we also get introduced to the backstory of the main characters to further understand their personalities.
All in all, this book will be great for people looking for lighthearted romance books! If you love Crazy Rich Asians, I think this book will definitely fit your reading tastebuds.
Review of advance copy
Received a DM from the author to check out her work on Instagram and so I proceeded to download this from Book Sirens. As someone with a minor stint in the legal industry and now healthcare, this felt both relatable and nostalgic more so with the fact that this was set in home ground, Singapore!
The cityscapes, mentions of the Marina Bay Financial Tower, Queenstown, Peranakan cuisine, and bread ice cream brought me great joy. I also appreciated the popculture and local entertainment scene references like Legally Blonde, Pierre Png and Andrea D'Cruz's story etcetera.
About the characters, Audra is such a workaholic and the constant barrage of emails with unreasonable deadlines gave me anxiety as a reader (so glad I am not a lawyer). Wes was such a cutiepie and I love it when two clearly very intelligent, opinionated and sharp-witted people banter. Wes's -10 to 10 rating scale makes so much sense to me haha! Because this book is from Audra's pov, we know him purely from her perspective.
Audra enters a fake dating agreement with Wes over her colleague, crush and fellow wedding guest, Nick. But the fake dating didnt go past two wedding events and the execution of the trope somewhat paled. The climax of this book mainly focuses on a "conflict of interest" between Audra and Wes but because it sort of moved pretty quickly, barely felt like much of a conflict. These didnt ruin my reading experience as there were many cute scenes between.
I liked the end tho and i squealed internally when we find out what Wes did to help Audra. Having a doctor boyfriend sounds so cute. Overall, this was a pretty fun read and I cant wait for Cass and KGB Eric's story!
The cityscapes, mentions of the Marina Bay Financial Tower, Queenstown, Peranakan cuisine, and bread ice cream brought me great joy. I also appreciated the popculture and local entertainment scene references like Legally Blonde, Pierre Png and Andrea D'Cruz's story etcetera.
About the characters, Audra is such a workaholic and the constant barrage of emails with unreasonable deadlines gave me anxiety as a reader (so glad I am not a lawyer). Wes was such a cutiepie and I love it when two clearly very intelligent, opinionated and sharp-witted people banter. Wes's -10 to 10 rating scale makes so much sense to me haha! Because this book is from Audra's pov, we know him purely from her perspective.
Audra enters a fake dating agreement with Wes over her colleague, crush and fellow wedding guest, Nick. But the fake dating didnt go past two wedding events and the execution of the trope somewhat paled. The climax of this book mainly focuses on a "conflict of interest" between Audra and Wes but because it sort of moved pretty quickly, barely felt like much of a conflict. These didnt ruin my reading experience as there were many cute scenes between.
I liked the end tho and i squealed internally when we find out what Wes did to help Audra. Having a doctor boyfriend sounds so cute. Overall, this was a pretty fun read and I cant wait for Cass and KGB Eric's story!
June 21, 2026
It all starts with our female lead, Audra, a sophisticated and workaholic lawyer, met a Lukewarm Coffee guy, Wes and mistaken him to be a troubled student , offered to pay for his coffee, and AGAIN, met him at their friends pre-wedding party , suddenly got stumbled into a fake dating plan with him.
It goes both ways, she got her benefits and he got his free rides.(Don't take it otherwise guyss, Yes these are truly cab rides).
The point which stands out the most for me was their dedication and devotion to their profession. No one was wining, they both were totally worked up and yet, they seems to enjoy their time.
Another thing I noted- Wes was NOT described as some mighty ultra alpha man, the common descriptions where the man is instantly attractive or unwordly handsome. His physical description was given much late, a twin dimple guy. This gives Genuine warmth to the story and makes it more realistic.
It's so cozy and witty, both being able to use their wits to the fullest and constantly giving back and forth. I got Wes's reference more and giggled to the fullest.
Easy 4.5 stars
Why not 5:
The story premises and delivery is TOP notch and the different culture references i find were so well researched and thorough.
But Audra being a lawyer and story was going through her pov, I feel slightly less connected to her world and wanted Wes's pov more. I know this is totally on me but I wasn't able to get many lawyer-thingy references and wanted more and more of medical field ones.
Other than that, A total gem of a piece and Wes being a major Green flag, is such a joy to read.
It goes both ways, she got her benefits and he got his free rides.(Don't take it otherwise guyss, Yes these are truly cab rides).
The point which stands out the most for me was their dedication and devotion to their profession. No one was wining, they both were totally worked up and yet, they seems to enjoy their time.
Another thing I noted- Wes was NOT described as some mighty ultra alpha man, the common descriptions where the man is instantly attractive or unwordly handsome. His physical description was given much late, a twin dimple guy. This gives Genuine warmth to the story and makes it more realistic.
It's so cozy and witty, both being able to use their wits to the fullest and constantly giving back and forth. I got Wes's reference more and giggled to the fullest.
Easy 4.5 stars
Why not 5:
The story premises and delivery is TOP notch and the different culture references i find were so well researched and thorough.
But Audra being a lawyer and story was going through her pov, I feel slightly less connected to her world and wanted Wes's pov more. I know this is totally on me but I wasn't able to get many lawyer-thingy references and wanted more and more of medical field ones.
Other than that, A total gem of a piece and Wes being a major Green flag, is such a joy to read.
Review of advance copy
‘Conflict of interest’ is a fake dating romance story based in Singapore. It is about Audra, who is an attorney, and Wesley, a surgical resident. Audra has had feelings for her old high school crush Nick, who joins her firm. Because she feels that might be awkward because he knew about her feelings, she lies that she’s in a relationship with Wes, whom she just met. What follows is a lot of banter about all sorts of things, which all cumulate into a situation where Audra is representing a client who is a former patient of Wes.
I found the setup original, Audra’s work schedule and the pressures that come with it were stressful and authentic.
The story is set in Singapore which means there were some terms I didn’t understand, like “a secret Fuerdai on an extended rumspringa”, “cheongsams” and “Rongbao Hotpot”. It must be fun for someone from Singapore or Malaysia but I didn’t get it.
The pace was a bit slow, as was the romantic development between Audra and Wes. But the build up towards the point where everything clicks into place and Audra and Wes realize they have a lawsuit between the two of them and the conflict of interest that comes with that is very well done. There was also a lot going on at Audra’s work which slowed the pace but towards the end of the book everything comes together in the end.
Overall a nice, clean story, well constructed and thought over with a happily ever after.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found the setup original, Audra’s work schedule and the pressures that come with it were stressful and authentic.
The story is set in Singapore which means there were some terms I didn’t understand, like “a secret Fuerdai on an extended rumspringa”, “cheongsams” and “Rongbao Hotpot”. It must be fun for someone from Singapore or Malaysia but I didn’t get it.
The pace was a bit slow, as was the romantic development between Audra and Wes. But the build up towards the point where everything clicks into place and Audra and Wes realize they have a lawsuit between the two of them and the conflict of interest that comes with that is very well done. There was also a lot going on at Audra’s work which slowed the pace but towards the end of the book everything comes together in the end.
Overall a nice, clean story, well constructed and thought over with a happily ever after.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
This was such a fun read! I went in with no expectations and I wasn’t disappointed. It had a lot of things I look for in romance - diversity (takes place in Singapore, with multiple cultural groups and belief systems), comedy, true romance story with highs and lows, actual love - not just lust.
The story is modern and sweet - no spice at all; which has become a common expectation in romance. It was refreshing to just have a love story that is about the best parts of just meeting someone and navigating the journey. From strangers to acquaintances to friends to lovers. The friendships felt genuine, the interactions believable and relatable. Best of all - THE BANTER. The Banter between the 2 main characters was so entertaining and funny. I also loved the narration of the main character - listening to her thoughts and analysis of situations.
The only reason I have this 4 stars is because I felt that certain foods and cultural specific items could have been explained a bit more, to help the reader fully follow and understand. I came across this more in the beginning of the book and felt it happened more later in the book. Outside of that, it was great learning some about life and culture in Singapore through this book.
All in all it was fun, cute and once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. A book for the summer and easy weekend read to relax. This book will definitely lift your spirits, leave you feeling happy and maybe…just maybe - help you believe in love again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is modern and sweet - no spice at all; which has become a common expectation in romance. It was refreshing to just have a love story that is about the best parts of just meeting someone and navigating the journey. From strangers to acquaintances to friends to lovers. The friendships felt genuine, the interactions believable and relatable. Best of all - THE BANTER. The Banter between the 2 main characters was so entertaining and funny. I also loved the narration of the main character - listening to her thoughts and analysis of situations.
The only reason I have this 4 stars is because I felt that certain foods and cultural specific items could have been explained a bit more, to help the reader fully follow and understand. I came across this more in the beginning of the book and felt it happened more later in the book. Outside of that, it was great learning some about life and culture in Singapore through this book.
All in all it was fun, cute and once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. A book for the summer and easy weekend read to relax. This book will definitely lift your spirits, leave you feeling happy and maybe…just maybe - help you believe in love again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved EVERY BIT of this book.
I usually don't review romance books because that is one genre that I just have really high standards for and going into this book, even though I liked the writing style, I thought this would be a 4 star read at best but as the book kept progressing I just fell in love with the setting, the characters and their CHEMISTRY (like, excuse me? The author has no right to make them THIS GOOD).
The book is a well-paced, little-to-no spice contemporary romance. The writing is beautiful but sometimes, it may come off as a bit too casual (which threw me a bit off guard at first) but that is because it is written from the FMC's POV. Everything flows naturally together and falls into place. The characters, the plot, the progression...nothing seems forced and that is also something I adored about this book.
Now, the MCs...Oh my god, I LOVE the banter! It's crazy good, believe me! This book, their chemistry...absolutely had me giggling and kicking my feet all the time and I kid you not when I say that I was busy reading this book all night because I was just so invested! Audra and Wes have my heart and I loved their story.
I absolutely, most definitely recommend this book to romance book lovers and even the ones who are new to this genre. You will not be disappointed!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I usually don't review romance books because that is one genre that I just have really high standards for and going into this book, even though I liked the writing style, I thought this would be a 4 star read at best but as the book kept progressing I just fell in love with the setting, the characters and their CHEMISTRY (like, excuse me? The author has no right to make them THIS GOOD).
The book is a well-paced, little-to-no spice contemporary romance. The writing is beautiful but sometimes, it may come off as a bit too casual (which threw me a bit off guard at first) but that is because it is written from the FMC's POV. Everything flows naturally together and falls into place. The characters, the plot, the progression...nothing seems forced and that is also something I adored about this book.
Now, the MCs...Oh my god, I LOVE the banter! It's crazy good, believe me! This book, their chemistry...absolutely had me giggling and kicking my feet all the time and I kid you not when I say that I was busy reading this book all night because I was just so invested! Audra and Wes have my heart and I loved their story.
I absolutely, most definitely recommend this book to romance book lovers and even the ones who are new to this genre. You will not be disappointed!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 13, 2026
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for an eARC of this book. My opinions and thoughts are my own.
This is a cute story about two professionals fake dating so one of them can avoid confronting an embarrassing “past” crush. Audra is an organized, overworked litigator and Wes is boyish, slightly uptight surgeon. They are both attending a mutual friend’s wedding and one thing leads to another causing them to end up “announcing their relationship” to Audra’s crush, Nick. They agree to kept the facade going till after the wedding.
I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys the push and pull of fake dating. One of the best attributes of fake dating is the routine of it all. When these two characters grow more and more used to each other, they fall without even realizing and that is my favorite part. In my opinion, there wasn’t much present that made me root for them. I wish there was a little more focus on the fake dating aspect. It felt incidental which could make sense due to them of doing for Nick, but just didn’t click enough with me. If they would have conflicts with each other, it felt a little like there wasn’t much connection for it to be something to want back, just me personally. I liked the inclusion of her job and how demanding it was. The journey of her juggling work/life balance was interesting and relatable. Her complex relationship with her parents was touched on as well and that was engaging to read. Overall, it was good and works for anyone who likes friends to lovers, fake dating, two book smart people trying to figure out how to be people smart.
This is a cute story about two professionals fake dating so one of them can avoid confronting an embarrassing “past” crush. Audra is an organized, overworked litigator and Wes is boyish, slightly uptight surgeon. They are both attending a mutual friend’s wedding and one thing leads to another causing them to end up “announcing their relationship” to Audra’s crush, Nick. They agree to kept the facade going till after the wedding.
I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys the push and pull of fake dating. One of the best attributes of fake dating is the routine of it all. When these two characters grow more and more used to each other, they fall without even realizing and that is my favorite part. In my opinion, there wasn’t much present that made me root for them. I wish there was a little more focus on the fake dating aspect. It felt incidental which could make sense due to them of doing for Nick, but just didn’t click enough with me. If they would have conflicts with each other, it felt a little like there wasn’t much connection for it to be something to want back, just me personally. I liked the inclusion of her job and how demanding it was. The journey of her juggling work/life balance was interesting and relatable. Her complex relationship with her parents was touched on as well and that was engaging to read. Overall, it was good and works for anyone who likes friends to lovers, fake dating, two book smart people trying to figure out how to be people smart.
Review of advance copy
Stars: 3.25
Spice: 1 🔥 (glimpses and kisses)
Tropes: fake dating, slow burn
Recommend? Maybe
Overall, this was a cute book. The FMC is a lawyer who is actively trying to avoid her longtime crush who has made her way into her life again. She ends up in a fake dating scenario with the doctor MMC. Throughout the book, we see a lot of twists and turns involving both of their careers and how the FMC navigates her other relationships.
There were some parts that I felt missed the bar though. Throughout the first half of the book, the FMC mentioned how her parents' choices affected different aspects of her life. However, I was very confused if I missed something or if it wasn't something told to the reader yet. I think making it clearer that this was something to be revealed later would help clear up some of that confusion. Additionally, it felt like the main concept (avoiding the crush) was missed for most of the book. Things felt shoved in that weren't needed and made the book feel very chunky. I feel like it would have been almost more enjoyable if it had either been focused on fake dating and exploring the relationships more OR focused more on exploring a new relationship while balancing a career.
Thank you to BookSirens for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Spice: 1 🔥 (glimpses and kisses)
Tropes: fake dating, slow burn
Recommend? Maybe
Overall, this was a cute book. The FMC is a lawyer who is actively trying to avoid her longtime crush who has made her way into her life again. She ends up in a fake dating scenario with the doctor MMC. Throughout the book, we see a lot of twists and turns involving both of their careers and how the FMC navigates her other relationships.
There were some parts that I felt missed the bar though. Throughout the first half of the book, the FMC mentioned how her parents' choices affected different aspects of her life. However, I was very confused if I missed something or if it wasn't something told to the reader yet. I think making it clearer that this was something to be revealed later would help clear up some of that confusion. Additionally, it felt like the main concept (avoiding the crush) was missed for most of the book. Things felt shoved in that weren't needed and made the book feel very chunky. I feel like it would have been almost more enjoyable if it had either been focused on fake dating and exploring the relationships more OR focused more on exploring a new relationship while balancing a career.
Thank you to BookSirens for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2026
This book gave me a crush, a travel wishlist, and a food wishlist. 🤷🏼♀️
I’m a little late getting this review up because summer has been absolute chaos over here. 🫣 But if this book is any indication, Naomi Chen is definitely an author I’ll be keeping an eye on.
One thing I loved was how naturally the story incorporated both the medical and legal worlds. The medical details were especially fascinating to me (I could listen to people talk about the human body all day 😂), and the legal side was easy to follow too. I really appreciated how their careers weren’t just background details—they actually added depth to the story and shaped the characters. It was also so fun knowing that Naomi is a lawyer and her husband is a doctor, so she clearly knows what she’s talking about!
And can we talk about Wesley for a second? Because I have the biggest crush on this man. 😍 He’s smart, confident, knows exactly what he wants, but is also genuinely kind and openly intimidated by Audra. Honestly, that combination is undefeated.
Another thing I loved was the setting. This is the first book I’ve read that takes place in an Asian country with characters who actually live there rather than just visiting. Getting a glimpse of life in Singapore was so interesting, and now I desperately want to try all the food that was mentioned. 🤤
My one tiny complaint? The kisses. Listen… I need details. 😂 As a certified kissing-scene enthusiast, I was left wanting just a little more. Add that to future books and they’ll be practically perfect. 👌🏻
I’m a little late getting this review up because summer has been absolute chaos over here. 🫣 But if this book is any indication, Naomi Chen is definitely an author I’ll be keeping an eye on.
One thing I loved was how naturally the story incorporated both the medical and legal worlds. The medical details were especially fascinating to me (I could listen to people talk about the human body all day 😂), and the legal side was easy to follow too. I really appreciated how their careers weren’t just background details—they actually added depth to the story and shaped the characters. It was also so fun knowing that Naomi is a lawyer and her husband is a doctor, so she clearly knows what she’s talking about!
And can we talk about Wesley for a second? Because I have the biggest crush on this man. 😍 He’s smart, confident, knows exactly what he wants, but is also genuinely kind and openly intimidated by Audra. Honestly, that combination is undefeated.
Another thing I loved was the setting. This is the first book I’ve read that takes place in an Asian country with characters who actually live there rather than just visiting. Getting a glimpse of life in Singapore was so interesting, and now I desperately want to try all the food that was mentioned. 🤤
My one tiny complaint? The kisses. Listen… I need details. 😂 As a certified kissing-scene enthusiast, I was left wanting just a little more. Add that to future books and they’ll be practically perfect. 👌🏻
Review of advance copy
#ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Conflict of interest is by far my best read in academic experience field I genuinely enjoyed reading it
It's a complete package
It has friendships, art, fake dating, trauma, dedicated lawyer, lukewarm coffee guy , humor, conflict, communication, worklife experienced seniors, bitchy team heads, adventure, 🇨🇳 dressing styles, dishes, restaurants .
I suggest to go into the novel with patience.
And this is totally not for the people with faint of heart it is work environment in lawyer field in full glory.
I really really loved it .
Would really read it once again!
If you are looking for playful- banter, slow -burn chemistry & rom-com with emotional depth
I really think when they are together they act as black cat x gilden retriever couple
I really really like reading writings like that of Authors Naomi chen takes you through experiences with her words so beautifully that we are able to actually imagine without any trouble
And I am so so grateful for letting me have ARC for Conflict of interest
Law games book 1
So excited for the nest book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Conflict of interest is by far my best read in academic experience field I genuinely enjoyed reading it
It's a complete package
It has friendships, art, fake dating, trauma, dedicated lawyer, lukewarm coffee guy , humor, conflict, communication, worklife experienced seniors, bitchy team heads, adventure, 🇨🇳 dressing styles, dishes, restaurants .
I suggest to go into the novel with patience.
And this is totally not for the people with faint of heart it is work environment in lawyer field in full glory.
I really really loved it .
Would really read it once again!
If you are looking for playful- banter, slow -burn chemistry & rom-com with emotional depth
I really think when they are together they act as black cat x gilden retriever couple
I really really like reading writings like that of Authors Naomi chen takes you through experiences with her words so beautifully that we are able to actually imagine without any trouble
And I am so so grateful for letting me have ARC for Conflict of interest
Law games book 1
So excited for the nest book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Otros
The cover and the title... Don't they grab your attention already?
If not, here I am to convince you.
Here we have Audra, a lawyer who discovers that her longtime crush, with who she had quite an embarrasing situation some time ago, will be working in the same company as her for three months. And what does she do? She says she is seeing someone.
Someone? You might ask. Doctor Wesley, who she met that very day amid several misunderstandings. He accepts the story and the now fake relationship for a price.
And this situation convinces everyone surprisingly easily, so now they have to play along, even if some conflict of interest gets in the way.
I simply loved the characters. Audra and Wesley were so funny and easy to read about. The banter and teasing between them? I was LIVING it.
And the rest of the characters, as Cass, Audra's best friend, she is the BEST, I love her; also Oliver, he is so cute; or Brianna, Wesley's sister, the biggest shipper.
Set in Singapore, with a trip to Vienna that I can't forget. A fake dating romance with all the vibes of a k-drama, which I absolutely adored.
Now I need my own Lukewarm coffee guy...
This is the debut novel of the author, and I am already impatient for the second one, where we'll get the story of Cass.
I'll be reading everything she writes for sure.
Thanks to the author, Naomi Chen, and to Booksirens for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
If not, here I am to convince you.
Here we have Audra, a lawyer who discovers that her longtime crush, with who she had quite an embarrasing situation some time ago, will be working in the same company as her for three months. And what does she do? She says she is seeing someone.
Someone? You might ask. Doctor Wesley, who she met that very day amid several misunderstandings. He accepts the story and the now fake relationship for a price.
And this situation convinces everyone surprisingly easily, so now they have to play along, even if some conflict of interest gets in the way.
I simply loved the characters. Audra and Wesley were so funny and easy to read about. The banter and teasing between them? I was LIVING it.
And the rest of the characters, as Cass, Audra's best friend, she is the BEST, I love her; also Oliver, he is so cute; or Brianna, Wesley's sister, the biggest shipper.
Set in Singapore, with a trip to Vienna that I can't forget. A fake dating romance with all the vibes of a k-drama, which I absolutely adored.
Now I need my own Lukewarm coffee guy...
This is the debut novel of the author, and I am already impatient for the second one, where we'll get the story of Cass.
I'll be reading everything she writes for sure.
Thanks to the author, Naomi Chen, and to Booksirens for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the moment Audra met Lukewarm Coffee Guy (Wesley) at the coffee vending machine, I was all in. How could I not be as she helped him get a cup of coffee while also trying to convince him he needed a phone upgrade? But he would have none of it.
Wesley’s grumpy, overtired, surgical resident persona was the perfect combination to spar with Audra’s witty, intelligent, stubborn lawyer personality. Putting them together in a fake relationship provided everything I was looking for. Their interactions were the best. I loved their witty banter, initial dislike of each other, and obvious chemistry.
As the story progressed, I became invested in the characters and wanted everything to work out for them. The medical perspective and lawyer perspective were something I really enjoyed.
If you're looking for a book with fantastic banter, humor, and a fun setting in Singapore, this book is for you! I was given a complimentary copy of Conflict of Interest. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Contains: moderate language, mild innuendo, past death of parent, kisses only
Wesley’s grumpy, overtired, surgical resident persona was the perfect combination to spar with Audra’s witty, intelligent, stubborn lawyer personality. Putting them together in a fake relationship provided everything I was looking for. Their interactions were the best. I loved their witty banter, initial dislike of each other, and obvious chemistry.
As the story progressed, I became invested in the characters and wanted everything to work out for them. The medical perspective and lawyer perspective were something I really enjoyed.
If you're looking for a book with fantastic banter, humor, and a fun setting in Singapore, this book is for you! I was given a complimentary copy of Conflict of Interest. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Contains: moderate language, mild innuendo, past death of parent, kisses only
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a delight from start to finish. I was laughing by page 2; I read it in one sitting because I didn't want to stop! I was originally interested in this book because the cover is so cute. Romance is not a genre I usually reach for, but I was in the mood to try something new and I'm SO glad I did.
Naomi did an excellent job of keeping the book realistic (descriptions of Lawyer & Medical careers) without making it boring. The characters were unique and memorable, even the side characters (idk why but Adam is my favourite LOL.) The family and friend dynamics were refreshing; if you read Crazy Rich Asians and wanted a more wholesome storyline, this book would be my first suggestion.
One reason I avoid the Romance genre is because of how predictable many of the storylines have become. Naomi made every trope she used feel like the first time I was reading it. I loved this book and I am excited for Book 2!!!
Naomi did an excellent job of keeping the book realistic (descriptions of Lawyer & Medical careers) without making it boring. The characters were unique and memorable, even the side characters (idk why but Adam is my favourite LOL.) The family and friend dynamics were refreshing; if you read Crazy Rich Asians and wanted a more wholesome storyline, this book would be my first suggestion.
One reason I avoid the Romance genre is because of how predictable many of the storylines have become. Naomi made every trope she used feel like the first time I was reading it. I loved this book and I am excited for Book 2!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I loved that this story was set in Singapore! Getting a glimpse into a different culture was such a treat, and I really appreciated how the author wove in explanations of traditions in a way that felt natural and seamlessly tied into the story.
The banter in this book was absolutely perfect! Audra, a lawyer, finds herself in a situation that leads her to fake date Wesley, a doctor—and I loved every second of it. Wesley is so adorable and a total green flag! Their dynamic definitely gives off grumpy x sunshine vibes, which is one of my favorite tropes.
There was even a point in the story where I found myself getting nervous, just watching everything unfold. It really kept me on my toes! Overall, I had such a fun time following Audra and Wesley’s journey and seeing their story come to life.
This is an ARC review - all thoughts and opinions are my own!
The banter in this book was absolutely perfect! Audra, a lawyer, finds herself in a situation that leads her to fake date Wesley, a doctor—and I loved every second of it. Wesley is so adorable and a total green flag! Their dynamic definitely gives off grumpy x sunshine vibes, which is one of my favorite tropes.
There was even a point in the story where I found myself getting nervous, just watching everything unfold. It really kept me on my toes! Overall, I had such a fun time following Audra and Wesley’s journey and seeing their story come to life.
This is an ARC review - all thoughts and opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy
This was a treat! Ate this up in 2 days! The concept was executed so well, depicting various inflection points in which there was a question of conflict of interest. The main characters navigated these moments with maturity and empathy amidst their budding connection. Their backstories were moving, and they explained their reactions effectively. Their relationship developed naturally and realistically, and the story had a reliable pace.
The cast of side characters was also a positive presence in the story. I felt their kindness and warmth, definitely friendship goals. I found each of them interesting in their own right, and I'm glad that this is a series with the hope that we will meet them again in future books.
This novel succeeded in authentically showing how multicultural Singapore is. Even the small details of surnames, cuisines, and wedding traditions gave the story a strong sense of place. The fashion and food were described in beautiful detail, so I hope Singaporean readers will feel represented and that other international readers will learn something new about the country!
Conflict of Interest is an excellent contemporary romance, perfect for fans of Sonali Dev or even Ali Hazelwood's romances featuring professional women. And of course, for fans of novels set in Singapore, such as Crazy Rich Asians. Brava!
The cast of side characters was also a positive presence in the story. I felt their kindness and warmth, definitely friendship goals. I found each of them interesting in their own right, and I'm glad that this is a series with the hope that we will meet them again in future books.
This novel succeeded in authentically showing how multicultural Singapore is. Even the small details of surnames, cuisines, and wedding traditions gave the story a strong sense of place. The fashion and food were described in beautiful detail, so I hope Singaporean readers will feel represented and that other international readers will learn something new about the country!
Conflict of Interest is an excellent contemporary romance, perfect for fans of Sonali Dev or even Ali Hazelwood's romances featuring professional women. And of course, for fans of novels set in Singapore, such as Crazy Rich Asians. Brava!
Review of advance copy received from Author
CONFLICT OF INTEREST- Release Date 5/31/2026
SYNOPSIS
Audra is a lawyer working within the corporate law world. She keeps her life very controlled and very structured. Until she keeps running into Wesley, a surgical resident with an infuriatingly calm persona. With their careers clashing constantly, getting to know each other isn’t exactly easy.
REVIEW
I loved the romance in this book. It was very thoughtful and emotionally satisfying. The chemistry between Audra and Wesley was so natural. Usually, I’m not a huge fan of the slow burn trope but this book showcased the great parts of the trope. The way that their relationship developed through conversation and gradual trust which is something I liked. I also loved the way that the two careers were portrayed. As a nurse, I appreciate that the work-life balance was seen as a very real struggle.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Definitely Recommend!
SYNOPSIS
Audra is a lawyer working within the corporate law world. She keeps her life very controlled and very structured. Until she keeps running into Wesley, a surgical resident with an infuriatingly calm persona. With their careers clashing constantly, getting to know each other isn’t exactly easy.
REVIEW
I loved the romance in this book. It was very thoughtful and emotionally satisfying. The chemistry between Audra and Wesley was so natural. Usually, I’m not a huge fan of the slow burn trope but this book showcased the great parts of the trope. The way that their relationship developed through conversation and gradual trust which is something I liked. I also loved the way that the two careers were portrayed. As a nurse, I appreciate that the work-life balance was seen as a very real struggle.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Definitely Recommend!
June 1, 2026
It is possible that I’m biased coming into this book as nearly every single one of my friends from undergrad went into law and I’m the lone wolf who went to medical school but I found this one sharp, hilarious, and definitely worth a read. You can tell that the author is intimately familiar with the high stakes training environments and stress of being an early career professional.
Outside of their career identities, Audra and Wes had a very imperfect but realistic feel. I immediately felt connected to the characters and would honestly have read another 100 pages just exploring their backstories.
This book read like a 2000’s rom-com and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, honest, and hilarious read.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
Outside of their career identities, Audra and Wes had a very imperfect but realistic feel. I immediately felt connected to the characters and would honestly have read another 100 pages just exploring their backstories.
This book read like a 2000’s rom-com and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, honest, and hilarious read.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy
When I first saw this cover and the title I was very intrigued. Plus a book that was set in Singapore sounded so good I had to read. Learning about other cultures is something that will always appeal to me. Audra and Wes were such a wonderful pair, the banter between them was chef kiss, and the story itself was really good and had entertained me since page one. Audra - lawyer, Wes- doctor. And even though it was a fake relationship, I love the way they manage the load of their work to still find time to spend together. These stories captivated my heart, the main characters, the side characters, the story behind why they decided to spend time together, the beautiful wedding they helped plan and put together. It was all so so good♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story kept me hooked from beginning to end—an edge-of-your-seat read, even from the comfort of a cozy chair. The storyline itself was insightful and interesting. The main characters, Audra & Wesley were both lovable and realistic. The cultural elements throughout, made the book feel unique and authentic. I felt like I was in the book at times, feeling the joys & pains the characters felt. Audra, Wes and their family & friends felt warm, familiar, and fun to spend time with. I enjoyed the funny banter of all the characters.
As someone in the medical field myself, Naomi captured the reality of long hospital shifts and the many challenges that come with the job so well. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author!
As someone in the medical field myself, Naomi captured the reality of long hospital shifts and the many challenges that come with the job so well. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝑰 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 by @naomichenwrites is a cozy realistic contemporary romance set in Singapore. 🇸🇬 Why realistic? coz it’s something that can actually happen in a person’s life (except in some part ofc). This is actually a great thing for me as I love how characters being relatable in real life— especially Audra. The plot was smooth sailing because it really depicts the title itself unlike other romance novels the title is somewhat different but not too far from it. The writing was okay for me, some are redundant but understandable throughout. If you’re looking for something cozy and realistic, I highly recommend this book.
4.1 ★
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 by @naomichenwrites is a cozy realistic contemporary romance set in Singapore. 🇸🇬 Why realistic? coz it’s something that can actually happen in a person’s life (except in some part ofc). This is actually a great thing for me as I love how characters being relatable in real life— especially Audra. The plot was smooth sailing because it really depicts the title itself unlike other romance novels the title is somewhat different but not too far from it. The writing was okay for me, some are redundant but understandable throughout. If you’re looking for something cozy and realistic, I highly recommend this book.
4.1 ★
June 8, 2026
This was such a cute read! At first, I honestly thought Nick was the ML, but I found Wesley intriguing the moment he was introduced! And then the fake dating situation and all. More than anything, I loved the Singaporean elements added, and a touch of others that made the book stand out on its own. I also enjoyed the legal and medical aspects the book highlighted. The author definitely did a good job there! And the romance was beautifully done, had me grinning at a few scenes. Over all, I definitely enjoyed the book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first Naomi Chen read and I thoroughly enjoyed the opposites attract, fake dating story. I loved the international setting (it's set in Singapore and I'm in US) and the bits of culture I got to experience through the setting. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes so seeing the lawyer (heroine) slowly falling for the doctor (hero) was great and getting a peek at their work was cool as well.
All in all, a five-star read.
*I received an ARC from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
All in all, a five-star read.
*I received an ARC from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
Review of advance copy
This was an adorable book! I loved the main characters; their stories and conflicts were realistic and I do love a fake dating trope. The Singapore setting and cultural components brought me back to one of my favourite cities in the world and truly my favourite thing about this book.
If I could have a minor gripe - I wanted to see more of how the connection between developed. How did they end up chatting for so long, for example, when they disagreed about everything on spec? However, that's also because I loved reading about them.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
If I could have a minor gripe - I wanted to see more of how the connection between developed. How did they end up chatting for so long, for example, when they disagreed about everything on spec? However, that's also because I loved reading about them.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
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