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Not Today Satan
One gossip column photo. One meddling family. One fake relationship that got way out of hand.
With no job, no apartment, and no money in the bank, unemployed chef Harley Plotkin didn't think her life could get any worse. Until she accidentally destroyed a high fashion photoshoot and got one of her best friends fired.
Now she has exactly one chance to repay her debt and get her friend his job back. All Harley has to do is survive ten weeks working for Santana Torres, legendary fashion designer, control freak, and all-around boss from hell. Santana has the warmth of a glacier, and Harley will be at her beck and call, day and night, from Manhattan ateliers to the runways of Paris.
But when menial servitude turns into tabloid fodder, suddenly Satan herself needs a favor. And for the first time, Harley has the upper hand.
The rules are simple. No feelings. No complications. Absolutely no funny business.
The problem? Harley never did know how to follow the rules.
A hilarious sapphic romance about fake relationships, real feelings, and the alarming discovery that this job from hell might lead to a match made in heaven.
With no job, no apartment, and no money in the bank, unemployed chef Harley Plotkin didn't think her life could get any worse. Until she accidentally destroyed a high fashion photoshoot and got one of her best friends fired.
Now she has exactly one chance to repay her debt and get her friend his job back. All Harley has to do is survive ten weeks working for Santana Torres, legendary fashion designer, control freak, and all-around boss from hell. Santana has the warmth of a glacier, and Harley will be at her beck and call, day and night, from Manhattan ateliers to the runways of Paris.
But when menial servitude turns into tabloid fodder, suddenly Satan herself needs a favor. And for the first time, Harley has the upper hand.
The rules are simple. No feelings. No complications. Absolutely no funny business.
The problem? Harley never did know how to follow the rules.
A hilarious sapphic romance about fake relationships, real feelings, and the alarming discovery that this job from hell might lead to a match made in heaven.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2026
About the author
T.B. Markinson
78 books1,194 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 23, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Fashion designer Santana, the epitome of an ice queen, clashes—almost literally—with the sharp-tongued chef Harley. The perfect ingredients for a hilarious rom-com.
I know just as little about fashion as Harley, am a bit less creative in the kitchen, but I can keep my job for longer than a few months, so I was able to relate to her quite well. Harley, with her heart in the right place, who is sometimes a bit clumsy but always stands up for others without regard for her own job, wins my heart very quickly. Because she often gets in her own way, she’s struggling to find the right path for herself in life; she needs to figure that out soon, or she’ll never be able to stand on her own two feet and will end up couch-surfing at friends’ places her whole life.
On the other hand, the icy-cold Ice Queen Santana, whose sharp words can cut as deep as Harley’s kitchen knives, is a different story. She unfairly takes out her frustration on her employees, making few friends in the process. Betrayal and disloyalty have hardened her, and no one dares to stand up to her—except Harley. It took me much longer to see beyond her impossible behavior and understand her better. And I loved her little dachshund, Luca.
Due to a special deal, Harley ends up having to work for Santana. Harley tries not to let Santana’s harassment get her down, which was by no means always easy. By biting her tongue with great effort at times and through small gestures, she slowly but surely becomes an indispensable muse.
This story comes alive not only through the actions of the characters but above all through the dialogues and verbal sparring between Harley and Santana, and through Harley’s inner monologues and commentary. I have rarely laughed or smiled so often. And the fact that fashion design and culinary arts can complement and inspire each other so well was a surprise at first, but upon closer inspection, I recognized the similarities.
Another highlight is Santana’s family; I would have loved to spend more time with them, not only because they helped me understand Santana better, but because they are such a multifaceted, lovable, and humorous family.
The fact that we experience the entire story from Harley’s perspective has its charm and makes sense in many ways. But sometimes I would have liked to know what Santana was thinking in various situations; that would certainly have been a story worth telling as well.
The only minor complaint I have is that, toward the end, it felt a bit rushed the way Harley discovers and pursues her calling in her job. In contrast, we see Santana’s character develop over a longer period of time.
Another great collaboration by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod. I can imagine that this story, as an audiobook with perfect narration, will be even better than it already is.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
Fashion designer Santana, the epitome of an ice queen, clashes—almost literally—with the sharp-tongued chef Harley. The perfect ingredients for a hilarious rom-com.
I know just as little about fashion as Harley, am a bit less creative in the kitchen, but I can keep my job for longer than a few months, so I was able to relate to her quite well. Harley, with her heart in the right place, who is sometimes a bit clumsy but always stands up for others without regard for her own job, wins my heart very quickly. Because she often gets in her own way, she’s struggling to find the right path for herself in life; she needs to figure that out soon, or she’ll never be able to stand on her own two feet and will end up couch-surfing at friends’ places her whole life.
On the other hand, the icy-cold Ice Queen Santana, whose sharp words can cut as deep as Harley’s kitchen knives, is a different story. She unfairly takes out her frustration on her employees, making few friends in the process. Betrayal and disloyalty have hardened her, and no one dares to stand up to her—except Harley. It took me much longer to see beyond her impossible behavior and understand her better. And I loved her little dachshund, Luca.
Due to a special deal, Harley ends up having to work for Santana. Harley tries not to let Santana’s harassment get her down, which was by no means always easy. By biting her tongue with great effort at times and through small gestures, she slowly but surely becomes an indispensable muse.
This story comes alive not only through the actions of the characters but above all through the dialogues and verbal sparring between Harley and Santana, and through Harley’s inner monologues and commentary. I have rarely laughed or smiled so often. And the fact that fashion design and culinary arts can complement and inspire each other so well was a surprise at first, but upon closer inspection, I recognized the similarities.
Another highlight is Santana’s family; I would have loved to spend more time with them, not only because they helped me understand Santana better, but because they are such a multifaceted, lovable, and humorous family.
The fact that we experience the entire story from Harley’s perspective has its charm and makes sense in many ways. But sometimes I would have liked to know what Santana was thinking in various situations; that would certainly have been a story worth telling as well.
The only minor complaint I have is that, toward the end, it felt a bit rushed the way Harley discovers and pursues her calling in her job. In contrast, we see Santana’s character develop over a longer period of time.
Another great collaboration by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod. I can imagine that this story, as an audiobook with perfect narration, will be even better than it already is.
ARC provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review
May 13, 2026
This honestly had all the potential to become a 5-star read for me, but there were a few things that held me back from fully giving it that rating. That being said, this is easily my favorite book from these two authors so far, and considering how many of their books I’ve already read, that genuinely surprised me. Going into this, I was expecting a fun fake dating romance with entertaining banter, but I ended up getting so much more than that. One of the biggest surprises for me was the romcom tone because while the authors have included humor in previous books before, I had never seen them lean into it this much. I genuinely lost track of how many times this book made me laugh, which is saying something because I normally struggle to enjoy comedy in books. Thankfully, the humor here felt really natural and never forced or over-the-top.
Another thing I unexpectedly loved was the fashion aspect of the story. You can really tell the authors put effort into researching the fashion industry because every design, gala, and creative process felt detailed and immersive. As someone who usually has almost no interest in fashion, I was surprised by how invested I became in that side of the story. Honestly, this book feels just as much about fashion and creativity as it does about romance. I also really enjoyed the parallels between fashion and cooking because it was fascinating seeing how two completely different forms of art could inspire one another.
The characters were a little more complicated for me though. I absolutely loved Harley’s chaotic and genuinely kind personality. She constantly tried to make the best out of every messy situation she found herself in, which made her incredibly easy to root for. At the same time, I felt conflicted about her character growth because it seemed to stagnate for a large portion of the book. Harley spent so much time putting everyone else first that when she finally made decisions about her own future, it felt abrupt and lacked the emotional buildup I was hoping for. I would’ve preferred seeing her slowly work through those realizations instead of suddenly reaching them near the end, so that aspect of her arc left me feeling a bit unsatisfied overall.
Santana was an even harder character for me to connect with emotionally because she was truly an ice queen from beginning to end. While we do gradually see her open up to Harley, I still felt like she never completely let her walls down, so I never connected with her on the same level as Harley. Even so, I still think her character arc was handled well for the most part.
The romance itself started out incredibly strong for me. The tension, banter, and slow-burn buildup were honestly some of my favorite parts of the book, and I was so excited to see how their relationship would eventually evolve into something real. Unfortunately, around the middle of the story, things started to feel repetitive because they kept refusing to acknowledge their feelings for each other. At first, I didn’t mind the denial because it added tension to the fake dating dynamic, but after a while it became frustrating watching them repeatedly avoid admitting what was obviously happening between them, especially Harley. Because the same conflict kept repeating itself, the final confession didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to. Instead of feeling like an inevitable emotional payoff, it came across as somewhat rushed and underwhelming. I honestly think an epilogue would’ve helped a lot because it could’ve made their relationship feel more complete and emotionally satisfying by the end, but unfortunately we never got that closure.
I also wish we had gotten more scenes with Santana’s family because those moments showed a softer and more human side of her character that I really enjoyed. Their connection with Harley was also genuinely sweet, and I think more scenes with them could’ve strengthened Santana’s emotional development even further. I was also surprised by how little Dustin actually appeared in the story considering Harley enters the arrangement because of him in the first place. The story emphasizes how important he is to Harley, but after the setup he barely shows up, so all that focus on him ended up feeling a little unnecessary in hindsight.
While it didn’t fully hit 5 stars for me, I still had such a good time with this one! It’s a solid, engaging read, and I’m pretty sure most readers will love it even more. If the premise catches your eye, I highly recommend picking it up, as it delivers way more than it suggests!
Another thing I unexpectedly loved was the fashion aspect of the story. You can really tell the authors put effort into researching the fashion industry because every design, gala, and creative process felt detailed and immersive. As someone who usually has almost no interest in fashion, I was surprised by how invested I became in that side of the story. Honestly, this book feels just as much about fashion and creativity as it does about romance. I also really enjoyed the parallels between fashion and cooking because it was fascinating seeing how two completely different forms of art could inspire one another.
The characters were a little more complicated for me though. I absolutely loved Harley’s chaotic and genuinely kind personality. She constantly tried to make the best out of every messy situation she found herself in, which made her incredibly easy to root for. At the same time, I felt conflicted about her character growth because it seemed to stagnate for a large portion of the book. Harley spent so much time putting everyone else first that when she finally made decisions about her own future, it felt abrupt and lacked the emotional buildup I was hoping for. I would’ve preferred seeing her slowly work through those realizations instead of suddenly reaching them near the end, so that aspect of her arc left me feeling a bit unsatisfied overall.
Santana was an even harder character for me to connect with emotionally because she was truly an ice queen from beginning to end. While we do gradually see her open up to Harley, I still felt like she never completely let her walls down, so I never connected with her on the same level as Harley. Even so, I still think her character arc was handled well for the most part.
The romance itself started out incredibly strong for me. The tension, banter, and slow-burn buildup were honestly some of my favorite parts of the book, and I was so excited to see how their relationship would eventually evolve into something real. Unfortunately, around the middle of the story, things started to feel repetitive because they kept refusing to acknowledge their feelings for each other. At first, I didn’t mind the denial because it added tension to the fake dating dynamic, but after a while it became frustrating watching them repeatedly avoid admitting what was obviously happening between them, especially Harley. Because the same conflict kept repeating itself, the final confession didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to. Instead of feeling like an inevitable emotional payoff, it came across as somewhat rushed and underwhelming. I honestly think an epilogue would’ve helped a lot because it could’ve made their relationship feel more complete and emotionally satisfying by the end, but unfortunately we never got that closure.
I also wish we had gotten more scenes with Santana’s family because those moments showed a softer and more human side of her character that I really enjoyed. Their connection with Harley was also genuinely sweet, and I think more scenes with them could’ve strengthened Santana’s emotional development even further. I was also surprised by how little Dustin actually appeared in the story considering Harley enters the arrangement because of him in the first place. The story emphasizes how important he is to Harley, but after the setup he barely shows up, so all that focus on him ended up feeling a little unnecessary in hindsight.
While it didn’t fully hit 5 stars for me, I still had such a good time with this one! It’s a solid, engaging read, and I’m pretty sure most readers will love it even more. If the premise catches your eye, I highly recommend picking it up, as it delivers way more than it suggests!
July 3, 2026
4.5
I absolutely flew through this, reading it in a day because I couldn't put it down. It's a really well-written and funny ice queen, boss-employee, fake dating romance. I loved Santana as an MC and honestly wish this had been dual POV because I would have loved to spend more time in her head.
My only real gripe was the other MC, Harley. She felt really immature and spent a lot of the book feeling sorry for herself, which got frustrating. Why everyone felt the need to baby her is beyond me.
Thankfully, Santana more than made up for it and I'd recommend this one to anyone who liked films like The Proposal and The Devil Wears Prada (which gets a few fun nods in here).
I absolutely flew through this, reading it in a day because I couldn't put it down. It's a really well-written and funny ice queen, boss-employee, fake dating romance. I loved Santana as an MC and honestly wish this had been dual POV because I would have loved to spend more time in her head.
My only real gripe was the other MC, Harley. She felt really immature and spent a lot of the book feeling sorry for herself, which got frustrating. Why everyone felt the need to baby her is beyond me.
Thankfully, Santana more than made up for it and I'd recommend this one to anyone who liked films like The Proposal and The Devil Wears Prada (which gets a few fun nods in here).
July 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4 (4.75 stars, rounded up here)
The full review comes in the morning but know that it’s been a long while since I’ve been so obsessed with a book that I actually longed to be able to read it whenever I had something to do. For the last 24h I did feel like a woman on a drug. But more about that tomorrow ;)
The full review comes in the morning but know that it’s been a long while since I’ve been so obsessed with a book that I actually longed to be able to read it whenever I had something to do. For the last 24h I did feel like a woman on a drug. But more about that tomorrow ;)
May 15, 2026
This was a delightfully fun age gap, ice queen rom-com.
May 22, 2026
Harley is, in her own opinion, a loser. She has had many jobs in the one decade of her adult life, and most have ended in disaster, or in her leaving in anticipation of a probable disaster. Since she was young she has wanted to be a chef, and her skills and knowledge are extensive. She just can’t get the personal side of holding down a job.
Santana is a fashion designer, running her own top brand in New York. However, mixing business and pleasure six years earlier nearly made her company fold, and so now she micro-controls everything and plays it excessively safe with her designs, because she still hasn’t recovered from the hurt.
When Harley has a temporary job as a photographer’s assistant which ends in a total disaster with Harley unwittingly destroying much of Santana’s designs for that season, Harley has to go talk to Santana to make amends. The photographer on the shoot had been her late brother’s best friend Dustin, and now because of her, Dustin is out of a job.
There are so many layers in this story. The comedy, almost getting into slapstick at the photoshoot, and continuing throughout the story. The plays on words, especially with both Harley’s and Santana’s names. Santana’s slowly thawing ice queen persona, and how she sometimes shows the beautiful vulnerability under her sarcastic exterior. Harley, with her chaotic, deeply rooted fear of abandonment and being seen. All of these and many more are interlaced in this wonderful deep story.
Santana is a fashion designer, running her own top brand in New York. However, mixing business and pleasure six years earlier nearly made her company fold, and so now she micro-controls everything and plays it excessively safe with her designs, because she still hasn’t recovered from the hurt.
When Harley has a temporary job as a photographer’s assistant which ends in a total disaster with Harley unwittingly destroying much of Santana’s designs for that season, Harley has to go talk to Santana to make amends. The photographer on the shoot had been her late brother’s best friend Dustin, and now because of her, Dustin is out of a job.
There are so many layers in this story. The comedy, almost getting into slapstick at the photoshoot, and continuing throughout the story. The plays on words, especially with both Harley’s and Santana’s names. Santana’s slowly thawing ice queen persona, and how she sometimes shows the beautiful vulnerability under her sarcastic exterior. Harley, with her chaotic, deeply rooted fear of abandonment and being seen. All of these and many more are interlaced in this wonderful deep story.
June 1, 2026
Soooo good!! I absolutely loved every page of this brilliantly written story!! This is definitely my favorite book of the year. Every character had a purpose. When I first started reading this, it felt like it was going all in one direction, but by the end it had so many layers that unfolded and ended up with me wanting to read more. I’ll miss the quirky and composed characters and hope there will be a sequel.
June 15, 2026
Not a fan
May 30, 2026
I always like DWP-like romances, and I think it's difficult to write something that adds to the infinite number of fanfics and novels that took inspiration from it.
What I liked of it?
Harley has a fire in her at the beginning that I really enjoyed. The novel is written in first person from her POV and we get to experience all that she thinks of Santana Torres, aka Ice Queen, aka the Devil, and what Harley would like to do to her if she could. Harley can't stabd bullies, and well, Santana had a reputation of always getting what she wants, the way she wants it. No one has the guts to stand up against her, but hurricane, clumsy Harley will bulldoze her ways into Santana's life.
I wonder if this novel isn't a tribute to all Ice Queen novels we all love. It has so many tropes in it that reminded me of some of my favs readings. From enemies to lovers, to fake dating, to only one bed etc etc...
One thing about the melter... I usually want to read more concrete actions of the character's individual growth, especially from a career point of view. And, I usually prefer some more angst and difficulties in the romance, but I am sure many other readers will love this low angst aspect. Torture the cinnamon roll lol.
I have to say that both Harley and Santana made me laugh quite a lot in the beginning. Those sharp comments, back and forth... Love feisty women.
The mix of fashion and culinary worlds was very pleasant, and you can never have enough cheese in the world. Go Harley... and... Ratatouille awwww
On another note, one thing puzzled me and wanted to highlight it, because words are powerful and even if it's a 29 years old character saying them, they carry the wrong perception.
This is the quote, Harley thinking:
Now I was babbling. To myself. In my head. Like a crazy person.
"Crazy", "Babbling to myself".... "Like a crazy person".
From someone that after this feels strong about women working in fashion having to lose so much weight so they can wear designers clothes on the runaway.... Giving a message that some of them might be push their bodies to the limits... It seemed to me that Harley knew hoe to use words and she had strong values. Why would she then use "babbling in my head like a crazy person"?
No one is crazy. People get sick, and some people are lucky enough to be supported by the health system in their countries. Crazy is such an outdated and wrong word to use when comparing what is normal and what is not. There could have been million other ways to convey that Harley was a mess and that her mind was speeding like 100 miles per hour, rather than say "crazy".
Sometimes we use words just because everybody else does. Next time, we might want to think how those words will be received by people who can be sensitive about the subject.
A 3.8 stars read for me.
What I liked of it?
Harley has a fire in her at the beginning that I really enjoyed. The novel is written in first person from her POV and we get to experience all that she thinks of Santana Torres, aka Ice Queen, aka the Devil, and what Harley would like to do to her if she could. Harley can't stabd bullies, and well, Santana had a reputation of always getting what she wants, the way she wants it. No one has the guts to stand up against her, but hurricane, clumsy Harley will bulldoze her ways into Santana's life.
I wonder if this novel isn't a tribute to all Ice Queen novels we all love. It has so many tropes in it that reminded me of some of my favs readings. From enemies to lovers, to fake dating, to only one bed etc etc...
One thing about the melter... I usually want to read more concrete actions of the character's individual growth, especially from a career point of view. And, I usually prefer some more angst and difficulties in the romance, but I am sure many other readers will love this low angst aspect. Torture the cinnamon roll lol.
I have to say that both Harley and Santana made me laugh quite a lot in the beginning. Those sharp comments, back and forth... Love feisty women.
The mix of fashion and culinary worlds was very pleasant, and you can never have enough cheese in the world. Go Harley... and... Ratatouille awwww
On another note, one thing puzzled me and wanted to highlight it, because words are powerful and even if it's a 29 years old character saying them, they carry the wrong perception.
This is the quote, Harley thinking:
Now I was babbling. To myself. In my head. Like a crazy person.
"Crazy", "Babbling to myself".... "Like a crazy person".
From someone that after this feels strong about women working in fashion having to lose so much weight so they can wear designers clothes on the runaway.... Giving a message that some of them might be push their bodies to the limits... It seemed to me that Harley knew hoe to use words and she had strong values. Why would she then use "babbling in my head like a crazy person"?
No one is crazy. People get sick, and some people are lucky enough to be supported by the health system in their countries. Crazy is such an outdated and wrong word to use when comparing what is normal and what is not. There could have been million other ways to convey that Harley was a mess and that her mind was speeding like 100 miles per hour, rather than say "crazy".
Sometimes we use words just because everybody else does. Next time, we might want to think how those words will be received by people who can be sensitive about the subject.
A 3.8 stars read for me.
June 28, 2026
Harley the outspoken unemployed chef meets Santana the aloof fashion designer with trust issues and a dachshund.
Its really well written and an easy page turner. I think the problem is I've read quite a few by these two good authors and they do follow the same kinda format.
A mix of wit, sarcasm and minimal spice. I maybe struggled to stick with the setting, I'm not really into couture fashion nor culinary food personally.
But I loved the great characters and chemistry build up. Overall its a good enjoyable read.
Its really well written and an easy page turner. I think the problem is I've read quite a few by these two good authors and they do follow the same kinda format.
A mix of wit, sarcasm and minimal spice. I maybe struggled to stick with the setting, I'm not really into couture fashion nor culinary food personally.
But I loved the great characters and chemistry build up. Overall its a good enjoyable read.
May 24, 2026
Loved it. It’s a lighthearted and fun read. Loved the characters too. Can’t wait for the next book from the writers.
Recommend
Recommend
May 15, 2026
Love a chaos
The story has a lot of great banter between the main characters. Harley stands up for what’s right and called Santana out on her bullying. You can tell they have a mutual love/hate relationship going on. It’s fun to watch the tension between them. I really enjoyed this book.
The story has a lot of great banter between the main characters. Harley stands up for what’s right and called Santana out on her bullying. You can tell they have a mutual love/hate relationship going on. It’s fun to watch the tension between them. I really enjoyed this book.
June 12, 2026
This lighthearted rom-com combines an age-gap romance, an icy protagonist, against a backdrop of the fashion industry with all its glam and glitter and a saboteur in the mix. Expect plenty of laughter and very little angst—a thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 18, 2026
I had such a good time reading this book and I won't rattle one too much about it, so I'll just say:
Harley gives us a lot of great internal monologue and snarky comments that are so relatable. I love that she's so ride or die with the few people she loves and cares about. She's supportive and passionate, even if she isn't quite sure how to find the passion for her own career just yet.
Seeing the way Santana thaws toward Harley is really cute. She's stubborn and a bit of a hard ass, pushing everyone's buttons, especially Harley's. I liked that the second MC (who's POV we don't get to experience) is the one to declare her feelings first. I feel like it's a bit more rare to read that in contemp romances-in my experience, anyway.
I feel like overall it wrapped up well and the authors do a great job of making the reader feel like they're immersed in the world of fashion.
If you want something that's lighthearted and comical, Not Today Satan is a great choice.
Harley gives us a lot of great internal monologue and snarky comments that are so relatable. I love that she's so ride or die with the few people she loves and cares about. She's supportive and passionate, even if she isn't quite sure how to find the passion for her own career just yet.
Seeing the way Santana thaws toward Harley is really cute. She's stubborn and a bit of a hard ass, pushing everyone's buttons, especially Harley's. I liked that the second MC (who's POV we don't get to experience) is the one to declare her feelings first. I feel like it's a bit more rare to read that in contemp romances-in my experience, anyway.
I feel like overall it wrapped up well and the authors do a great job of making the reader feel like they're immersed in the world of fashion.
If you want something that's lighthearted and comical, Not Today Satan is a great choice.
June 27, 2026
A fantastic ice queen romance. I have read almost all of T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod's books and enjoyed them all. This one is also my favorite of all of them.
It easily makes my all-time-favorite list.
It easily makes my all-time-favorite list.
May 24, 2026
Great book.
It's no secret that I love the way these two authors co-write and it's because they're a proven, dependable, awesome writing duo.
I'm no fashion guru. But that mattered little as one of the MCs was as clueless as me. I learned the ropes along with her and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the journey.
Highly recommended.
It's no secret that I love the way these two authors co-write and it's because they're a proven, dependable, awesome writing duo.
I'm no fashion guru. But that mattered little as one of the MCs was as clueless as me. I learned the ropes along with her and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the journey.
Highly recommended.
May 27, 2026
Fantastic
I've read and enjoyed many of Markinson's and MacLeod's books, but this one really hit home. The style of sarcasm, events, and side character personalities just landed perfectly to me.
I've read and enjoyed many of Markinson's and MacLeod's books, but this one really hit home. The style of sarcasm, events, and side character personalities just landed perfectly to me.
June 19, 2026
4.5 stars
June 23, 2026
A story with a lot of humor. Loved it
July 3, 2026
A fun romance that hit so many of the right notes. It drags a little a one point and a few minor things but bumping up to 5 stars because it was just a great time
June 20, 2026
You know when you start a book and immediately know where it is headed? Well. Sometimes that irks, but sometimes, like with this book, the journey is entirely satisfying. This was so much fun!
May 14, 2026
So good
Absolutely loved this book, same as any book these authors team up for. The characters were so fun, and their chemistry was ridiculous. Even the dog had a unique personality. Definite Devil Wears Prada vibes.
Absolutely loved this book, same as any book these authors team up for. The characters were so fun, and their chemistry was ridiculous. Even the dog had a unique personality. Definite Devil Wears Prada vibes.
May 20, 2026
Not Today Satan by T.B. Markinson & Miranda MacLeod
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! Like, the kind of love where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 am and you’re emotionally attached to women named for motorcycles and demons, plus a scene-stealing dachshund in a bespoke vest.
IMHO, this is one of TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod’s best books ever, and that’s saying a lot. It’s warm, laugh-out-loud funny, and completely captivating from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down, and when I did, I had a full-on take two aspirin, drink plenty of water, and read it again, book hangover.
The first-person POV works so well here, insightful and full of sharper-than-a-chef ’s-knife snarky observations and banter. Harley leaps off the page. She’s righteous chaos in curvy, human form, impulsive, self-destructive, but a profoundly good person who cares deeply and stands up when others get treated badly, even if it costs her own job and stability. And the way she slowly starts to understand why she is the way she is is genuinely beautiful.
Then there’s Santana, aka Satan, sealed inside her carefully constructed emotional fortress, built from heartbreak, betrayal, and the decision never to risk that again. She’s successful, controlled, and keeps everyone at a distance best measured in miles. Until Harley shows up, pushing, challenging, and calling her out on her behavior. Though loath to admit it, Santana doesn’t just need that; she relishes it.
Their dynamic is a chef’s kiss. Enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, boss/employee, fake relationship, age gap, rich/poor, and one very small bed all come together seamlessly. The slow burn works so well because both have built their walls for good reasons, and it takes time for them to question that, let alone break their own rules. Plus, their slow unraveling is impossible to look away from.
Other small but important details that made this even more fun:
• The mystery perfume drifting through the story.
• The unexpected power of a London Fog (which I immediately had to learn how to make).
• The cheese obsession, dairy-free me, didn’t know I needed.
Not Today Satan is proof that a job from Hell can be exactly what you need, and happily ever after is always possible.
I received an ARC of this book, but my opinions (and my strong recommendation to read it ASAP) are entirely my own. Just maybe clear your schedule first.
#TBMarkinson, #MirandaMacLeod, #NotTodaySatan, #dachshund, #5Stars, #Books, #BookReview, #SapphicBooks, #SapphicBookReview, #IHeartSapphic, #LGBTQbooks, #SapphicRomance, #WLWlovestories, #WLW, #SapphicFiction, #QueerRomance, WLWfiction, #LisaB_ReviewsBooks, #ARC, #AdvanceReaderCopy, #Amazon, #BookBub, #Goodreads, #bookstagram, #indieauthors, #BookFunnel, #IceQueen, #Chef, #CulinaryArts, #HEA, #OneBed, #Fashion, #FashionWeek
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! Like, the kind of love where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 am and you’re emotionally attached to women named for motorcycles and demons, plus a scene-stealing dachshund in a bespoke vest.
IMHO, this is one of TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod’s best books ever, and that’s saying a lot. It’s warm, laugh-out-loud funny, and completely captivating from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down, and when I did, I had a full-on take two aspirin, drink plenty of water, and read it again, book hangover.
The first-person POV works so well here, insightful and full of sharper-than-a-chef ’s-knife snarky observations and banter. Harley leaps off the page. She’s righteous chaos in curvy, human form, impulsive, self-destructive, but a profoundly good person who cares deeply and stands up when others get treated badly, even if it costs her own job and stability. And the way she slowly starts to understand why she is the way she is is genuinely beautiful.
Then there’s Santana, aka Satan, sealed inside her carefully constructed emotional fortress, built from heartbreak, betrayal, and the decision never to risk that again. She’s successful, controlled, and keeps everyone at a distance best measured in miles. Until Harley shows up, pushing, challenging, and calling her out on her behavior. Though loath to admit it, Santana doesn’t just need that; she relishes it.
Their dynamic is a chef’s kiss. Enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, boss/employee, fake relationship, age gap, rich/poor, and one very small bed all come together seamlessly. The slow burn works so well because both have built their walls for good reasons, and it takes time for them to question that, let alone break their own rules. Plus, their slow unraveling is impossible to look away from.
Other small but important details that made this even more fun:
• The mystery perfume drifting through the story.
• The unexpected power of a London Fog (which I immediately had to learn how to make).
• The cheese obsession, dairy-free me, didn’t know I needed.
Not Today Satan is proof that a job from Hell can be exactly what you need, and happily ever after is always possible.
I received an ARC of this book, but my opinions (and my strong recommendation to read it ASAP) are entirely my own. Just maybe clear your schedule first.
#TBMarkinson, #MirandaMacLeod, #NotTodaySatan, #dachshund, #5Stars, #Books, #BookReview, #SapphicBooks, #SapphicBookReview, #IHeartSapphic, #LGBTQbooks, #SapphicRomance, #WLWlovestories, #WLW, #SapphicFiction, #QueerRomance, WLWfiction, #LisaB_ReviewsBooks, #ARC, #AdvanceReaderCopy, #Amazon, #BookBub, #Goodreads, #bookstagram, #indieauthors, #BookFunnel, #IceQueen, #Chef, #CulinaryArts, #HEA, #OneBed, #Fashion, #FashionWeek
May 8, 2026
Another hilarious romance co-write with an unlikely pairing that works
TB and Miranda's latest co-write is set in the world of fashion and is both hilarious (prepare to laugh, out loud and frequently) and totally bingeable. From one helluva opening chapter I got pulled into this story despite having zero interest in anything to do with fashion or the people who make it. Some chapter endings were cliff hanger-ish enough to nudge me to read 'just one more chapter' until hours had passed. If you love drama and verbal and barbs being tossed around by and between characters this hits the spot even if fashion isn't your jam. Main characters Harley and Santana had some characters attributes I found irritating initially but it didn't take long for me to root for them sorting out their issues and individual baggage along with other complications so they could be and stay together as a couple. The cast of secondary characters is filled with all sorts, with Luca the dapper dog, Santana's sister Carmen and Harley's friend Jade standouts and scene stealers among them. Aside from the ice queen there are other tropes I won't specify to avoid spoilers but suffice it to say this book is downright entertaining and addictive to read. It may end up being quotable in circles of readers for years to come especially if the audiobook performer mines those nuggets of sass and deadpan and elevates them even further than the words on the page. In addition to the romance, there is some office and fashion related drama at play and other plot threads, some of which I cared less about once Santana and Harley started to get intimate, physically and otherwise. They have some steamy scenes, at least one in a novel location but the emotional intimacy is heart tugging as well. If you love fashion, cheese, food of any kind, London Fogs, color, dogs in couture, or snark this book delivers along with enough plot twists to keep you guessing how it's all going to end/work out. I had such a good time reading this book I almost wish it was longer just so I could hang out with these characters some more. For some readers this will be a definite re-read. I highly recommend this and their other co-writes along with the books they've written separately; TB and Miranda write seamlessly so it's easy to forget there are two authors both of whom know how to craft stories you don't want to stop reading.
TB and Miranda's latest co-write is set in the world of fashion and is both hilarious (prepare to laugh, out loud and frequently) and totally bingeable. From one helluva opening chapter I got pulled into this story despite having zero interest in anything to do with fashion or the people who make it. Some chapter endings were cliff hanger-ish enough to nudge me to read 'just one more chapter' until hours had passed. If you love drama and verbal and barbs being tossed around by and between characters this hits the spot even if fashion isn't your jam. Main characters Harley and Santana had some characters attributes I found irritating initially but it didn't take long for me to root for them sorting out their issues and individual baggage along with other complications so they could be and stay together as a couple. The cast of secondary characters is filled with all sorts, with Luca the dapper dog, Santana's sister Carmen and Harley's friend Jade standouts and scene stealers among them. Aside from the ice queen there are other tropes I won't specify to avoid spoilers but suffice it to say this book is downright entertaining and addictive to read. It may end up being quotable in circles of readers for years to come especially if the audiobook performer mines those nuggets of sass and deadpan and elevates them even further than the words on the page. In addition to the romance, there is some office and fashion related drama at play and other plot threads, some of which I cared less about once Santana and Harley started to get intimate, physically and otherwise. They have some steamy scenes, at least one in a novel location but the emotional intimacy is heart tugging as well. If you love fashion, cheese, food of any kind, London Fogs, color, dogs in couture, or snark this book delivers along with enough plot twists to keep you guessing how it's all going to end/work out. I had such a good time reading this book I almost wish it was longer just so I could hang out with these characters some more. For some readers this will be a definite re-read. I highly recommend this and their other co-writes along with the books they've written separately; TB and Miranda write seamlessly so it's easy to forget there are two authors both of whom know how to craft stories you don't want to stop reading.
May 12, 2026
T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod add another hit to their ever-expanding roster - and "Not Today Satan" is a heavenly addition! Harley Plotkin is a gifted and creative chef, who cannot hold a job. Because Harley Plotkin doesn't plan her life, doesn't pay a lot of attention to the necessary details of life, maybe just doesn't care enough. That's why, when best friend Dustin calls last minute, asking her to be a substitute assistant that day, for an important fashion photo shoot, Harley says yes - because not only has she been couch surfing for too long, but she's gotta get enough dough to be able to pay rent! At the shoot site, Harley catches her first glimpse of the notoriously talented, famous, and irrascible designer, Santana Torres. And on top of all that, Torres "might have been a goddess in a former life, or perhaps now"! But also the quintessential "ice queen". Dustin warns Harley "don't make eye contact with her, don't speak unless spoken to...". What the heck! Anyway, it's all business, all good, until Santana Torres rips a temp assistant a new one, over a mistake with the Manolos. That's when Harley just has to call her out - "you're a bully ... engaging in public humiliation like it's a blood sport". Right after that, everything falls apart - clothing racks topple, lighting rig falls into fragile fabrics, triggering a fire. That disaster ends the shoot. Dustin gets fired (for having brought Harley in the first place). Guilty, Harley presents herself to Santana, to make things right. Somehow, Harley ends up working for Santana as her personal assistant ... unpaid ... for a year. So, we have the impossibly rigid Santana Torres and the impossibly impossible Hartley Plotkin actually living under the same roof. How the heck does that work out? You might be surprised! You can be certain, with Markinson's and MacLeod's characteristic humor and plot planning, you will be totally captivated by "Not Today Satan" - I promise! I enjoyed an advance reader copy of this book, and this is my wholeheartedly enthusiastic review.
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May 28, 2026TB Markinson and Miranda Macleod deliver a great story once again.
Harley Plotkin is wandering through life without a clear plan at 29 years old. She makes any attempt at establishing a plan impossible because she lets her sense of righteousness and her temper get the best of her when she sees people in positions of authority being cruel to those under them.
When she’s short on rent money, her friend, Dustin offers to pay her for a day as a photographer’s assistant. He’s been hired to shoot the spring collection of Santana Torres, a legendary fashion designer and all around ice queen.
When another temp makes a mistake and Santana tears into the young woman, Harley can’t help herself and goes head to head with Santana Torres, telling her in front of the whole world that she’s cruel and a bully.
Santana fires Harley in the spot and as she’s exiting the location, where boxes, cables, racks of clothes, and far more are making a dangerous mess, she falls and sets off a chain reaction that destroys Santana’s entire spring collection samples.
Dustin is also fired which leaves himself and his wife without health insurance at the same time that Carly, Dustin’s wife, is pregnant.
Desperate to fix things for Dustin and Carly, Harley lies her way into an interview with Santana for her personal assistant position. When Santana sees her, instead of throwing her out, she offers Harley a deal - be Santana’s personal assistant without pay for 24 hours a day for ten weeks, and she’ll ensure that Dustin gets rehired.
This entire complex setup is just the first few chapters of this book and it sets the stage for a funny, sweet slow burn Sapphic romance that had me cheering for them the entire book.
And there’s no third act breakup although there is a scheming conniving villain looking to use Harley Plotkin to take down the illustrious Santana Torres.
This book was a fun read and I’ll recommend it to anyone who wants a crazy slow burn ragamuffin meets ice queen story!
Harley Plotkin is wandering through life without a clear plan at 29 years old. She makes any attempt at establishing a plan impossible because she lets her sense of righteousness and her temper get the best of her when she sees people in positions of authority being cruel to those under them.
When she’s short on rent money, her friend, Dustin offers to pay her for a day as a photographer’s assistant. He’s been hired to shoot the spring collection of Santana Torres, a legendary fashion designer and all around ice queen.
When another temp makes a mistake and Santana tears into the young woman, Harley can’t help herself and goes head to head with Santana Torres, telling her in front of the whole world that she’s cruel and a bully.
Santana fires Harley in the spot and as she’s exiting the location, where boxes, cables, racks of clothes, and far more are making a dangerous mess, she falls and sets off a chain reaction that destroys Santana’s entire spring collection samples.
Dustin is also fired which leaves himself and his wife without health insurance at the same time that Carly, Dustin’s wife, is pregnant.
Desperate to fix things for Dustin and Carly, Harley lies her way into an interview with Santana for her personal assistant position. When Santana sees her, instead of throwing her out, she offers Harley a deal - be Santana’s personal assistant without pay for 24 hours a day for ten weeks, and she’ll ensure that Dustin gets rehired.
This entire complex setup is just the first few chapters of this book and it sets the stage for a funny, sweet slow burn Sapphic romance that had me cheering for them the entire book.
And there’s no third act breakup although there is a scheming conniving villain looking to use Harley Plotkin to take down the illustrious Santana Torres.
This book was a fun read and I’ll recommend it to anyone who wants a crazy slow burn ragamuffin meets ice queen story!
June 26, 2026
Look, I went into this one mildly suspicious of the ice queen setup — it's a trope that can go very wrong, very fast. But this one worked for me. Because Santana never reads as actually cold. The cracks are there from the first chapter, visible to the reader even when they're invisible to everyone else in the room. So the thaw isn't a reveal so much as a slow confirmation of what you already suspected, which makes watching it happen all the more satisfying.
Harley is sweet, genuinely warm, with a backstory that's relevant without being weaponized for drama. Together, they have a dynamic that commits fully to the slow burn. We're talking 60% romantic foreplay before anything actually happens, and it works really well. What I loved most is that the relationship doesn't arrive via The Conversation, with the awkward label-defining scene, and the big shiny moment of declaration. They just fall into each other gradually and inevitably. When it works like that, it means the writing has done its job.
I'll also award personal bonus points for the chapters set in Paris, specifically on the street I grew up on, which I was not expecting and which sent me into a full nostalgic spiral. That's not in the star rating, that's just for me!
So why not 5 stars? A few filler chapters. A final act that outstays its welcome by about 15%. And a slight absence of the one perfectly-timed gut-punch moment that would have elevated a very good book into an unforgettable one.
Still: funny (properly, out-loud funny), well-paced for most of its runtime, and anchored by two characters who feel genuinely distinct and real. A very solid read.
Harley is sweet, genuinely warm, with a backstory that's relevant without being weaponized for drama. Together, they have a dynamic that commits fully to the slow burn. We're talking 60% romantic foreplay before anything actually happens, and it works really well. What I loved most is that the relationship doesn't arrive via The Conversation, with the awkward label-defining scene, and the big shiny moment of declaration. They just fall into each other gradually and inevitably. When it works like that, it means the writing has done its job.
I'll also award personal bonus points for the chapters set in Paris, specifically on the street I grew up on, which I was not expecting and which sent me into a full nostalgic spiral. That's not in the star rating, that's just for me!
So why not 5 stars? A few filler chapters. A final act that outstays its welcome by about 15%. And a slight absence of the one perfectly-timed gut-punch moment that would have elevated a very good book into an unforgettable one.
Still: funny (properly, out-loud funny), well-paced for most of its runtime, and anchored by two characters who feel genuinely distinct and real. A very solid read.
May 15, 2026
While working for her pal Dustin, Harley accidentally destroys a rack of expensive fashion, getting him fired and blacklisted. To save his job she contacts the boss, Santana, and pretty much puts herself into slavery for ten weeks.
This also apparently involves moving into her apartment for the duration. Admittedly, Sabtana's place is huge and she has the room. So, she goes along with that too.
(Santana tries to come across as a Ice Queen, but she's really more of a slushie. She's much more considerate to Harley than she needs to be.)
Harley gets along with the staff, and starts making the tea Santana likes. She also starts cooking for her, as she appears to live off energy bars.
Santana needs a plus one for a huge gala, and Harley is it. She also creates a new outfit for her, supposedly just to show off the brand.
The event goes well, except the media assumes Harley is her date. And Santana's sister Carmen hears, who tells their Mom, and soon the entire extended family knows.
So Satana asks Harley to fake date to keep her family happy. Which goes surprisingly well... alas, one if the investors at Santana's company also hears, so now fake dating at work too.
(In exchange Santana agrees to get Dustin retired immediately. Which means Harley could walk at any time, which maybe the writers forgot?)
As they race to get ready for Fashion Week, the two finally admits they like each other and sleep together.
Wrap up...
3.5 stars. A fun, entertaining book, but don't think about it too much or you'll kill suspension of disbelief.
This also apparently involves moving into her apartment for the duration. Admittedly, Sabtana's place is huge and she has the room. So, she goes along with that too.
(Santana tries to come across as a Ice Queen, but she's really more of a slushie. She's much more considerate to Harley than she needs to be.)
Harley gets along with the staff, and starts making the tea Santana likes. She also starts cooking for her, as she appears to live off energy bars.
Santana needs a plus one for a huge gala, and Harley is it. She also creates a new outfit for her, supposedly just to show off the brand.
The event goes well, except the media assumes Harley is her date. And Santana's sister Carmen hears, who tells their Mom, and soon the entire extended family knows.
So Satana asks Harley to fake date to keep her family happy. Which goes surprisingly well... alas, one if the investors at Santana's company also hears, so now fake dating at work too.
(In exchange Santana agrees to get Dustin retired immediately. Which means Harley could walk at any time, which maybe the writers forgot?)
As they race to get ready for Fashion Week, the two finally admits they like each other and sleep together.
Wrap up...
3.5 stars. A fun, entertaining book, but don't think about it too much or you'll kill suspension of disbelief.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2026
T.B. and Miranda have truly created the ultimate Ice Queen in Santana. From the very beginning, she embodies the cold, untouchable persona that makes this trope so irresistible to read. Watching her walls slowly come down throughout the story was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Harley's determination, patience, and ability to see beyond Santana's icy exterior made their journey together both heartwarming and captivating. It was incredibly satisfying to watch Harley gradually break through Santana's defenses and reveal the person hidden beneath the Ice Queen façade.
As a fan of the Ice Queen trope, this book delivered everything I could have hoped for and more. The chemistry between the characters, the emotional growth, and the perfectly paced development of their relationship kept me invested from start to finish.
T.B. and Miranda have once again proven why they are such talented authors. Their storytelling, character development, and ability to create unforgettable romances make this an absolute must-read.
If you love the Ice Queen trope, this book deserves a place at the top of your reading list.
Harley's determination, patience, and ability to see beyond Santana's icy exterior made their journey together both heartwarming and captivating. It was incredibly satisfying to watch Harley gradually break through Santana's defenses and reveal the person hidden beneath the Ice Queen façade.
As a fan of the Ice Queen trope, this book delivered everything I could have hoped for and more. The chemistry between the characters, the emotional growth, and the perfectly paced development of their relationship kept me invested from start to finish.
T.B. and Miranda have once again proven why they are such talented authors. Their storytelling, character development, and ability to create unforgettable romances make this an absolute must-read.
If you love the Ice Queen trope, this book deserves a place at the top of your reading list.
June 28, 2026
3.75 ⭐
This was a cute rom-com. I did try to turn my brain off but the literal idea of the mc basically being an unpaid assistant was something else especially since she was flat out broke. There were also a lot of tropes that were noticeable but to be honest I just laughed when I noticed them. Also I do feel like this book did have a bit of an issue when it came to telling the story instead of just showing it to us. And the ending felt a bit rushed because when did Harley want to become a dog chef lmao???? It came out of no where. And also the main antagonist (?) was pretty one-note like I did expect more from her and the comeuppance that she got was fun but not that crazy. The other characters were really nice though. I really did have a lot of fun reading this book after I got over my cringe at the start. The fact that there was no third act break-up is tempting to me to just make this a 5 star honestly. A lot of books with this type of premise would not let the relationship go unscathed so I'm really happy that Harley and Santana were able to work through their issues. Overall this was a really solid book :)))
This was a cute rom-com. I did try to turn my brain off but the literal idea of the mc basically being an unpaid assistant was something else especially since she was flat out broke. There were also a lot of tropes that were noticeable but to be honest I just laughed when I noticed them. Also I do feel like this book did have a bit of an issue when it came to telling the story instead of just showing it to us. And the ending felt a bit rushed because when did Harley want to become a dog chef lmao???? It came out of no where. And also the main antagonist (?) was pretty one-note like I did expect more from her and the comeuppance that she got was fun but not that crazy. The other characters were really nice though. I really did have a lot of fun reading this book after I got over my cringe at the start. The fact that there was no third act break-up is tempting to me to just make this a 5 star honestly. A lot of books with this type of premise would not let the relationship go unscathed so I'm really happy that Harley and Santana were able to work through their issues. Overall this was a really solid book :)))
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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