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Calendar Girl
For Addison Fairchild, success is a guarantee. Groomed since childhood to run a division of Fairchild Enterprises, she takes her birthright seriously. Maybe a little too seriously if you ask her friends. But work is so much easier than the rest of her life. Her employees hate her, her best friend is worried about her, and her last date was hide-in-the-restroom awkward. If all that wasn't bad enough, she's stuck with a new cheerful-happy-annoyingly-morning-person assistant just when the head of FE is about to choose a successor―a job Addison wants so badly, she can taste it.
For Katie Cooper, money has never been important. That is, until her father gets dementia and needs full-time care. As the bills start to pile up, Katie takes a second job as a temporary personal assistant. Two minutes and one spilled cup of coffee later, she's sure she's not ready for Addison Fairchild―her hard head, her know-it-all attitude, or her gorgeous face.
Forced to work together, Addison and Kate discover that opposites really do attract.
For Katie Cooper, money has never been important. That is, until her father gets dementia and needs full-time care. As the bills start to pile up, Katie takes a second job as a temporary personal assistant. Two minutes and one spilled cup of coffee later, she's sure she's not ready for Addison Fairchild―her hard head, her know-it-all attitude, or her gorgeous face.
Forced to work together, Addison and Kate discover that opposites really do attract.
233 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2018
93 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
61 books1,505 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
October 25, 2018
3.25 Stars. I’m a Beers fan. I think she is very talented. I thought this was a sweet story but I did feel a bit let down at the end. I just didn’t care for all of Beers story choices and was hoping for something more. It’s still a good read, just not one of my favorites by Beers.
This is a romance with an ice queen character. Addison definitely fits that mold and I love to read good ice queen characters. Due to Addison’s health, she is forced to take on an assistant named Katie. Katie has a lot going on in her life and needs this job to help her family. The more time they spend together the more an attraction builds, the problem is the job has a strict no fraternizing policy. Is there a chance at a relationship or are the doomed from the start?
I enjoyed most of the main storyline. I liked these two characters as a potential couple and I enjoyed watching Addison’s walls come down. The problem I have is with the story being very predictable. I literally kept saying to myself what I thought would happen and it did. I wanted something more. I want to be wowed by the books I read. I wanted Addison to fight for what she deserved. Where was the ice queen when I really needed her? And not only did the book become very predictable, it felt really short. All these things were happening at the end of the book and it felt like we ran out of time.
The premise and the characters in this book were well done. It was classic Beers to me. I felt like this could have been a story I loved, but it really petered out at the end for me. It is still a good read that I think people will enjoy; I just wanted it to be great.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
This is a romance with an ice queen character. Addison definitely fits that mold and I love to read good ice queen characters. Due to Addison’s health, she is forced to take on an assistant named Katie. Katie has a lot going on in her life and needs this job to help her family. The more time they spend together the more an attraction builds, the problem is the job has a strict no fraternizing policy. Is there a chance at a relationship or are the doomed from the start?
I enjoyed most of the main storyline. I liked these two characters as a potential couple and I enjoyed watching Addison’s walls come down. The problem I have is with the story being very predictable. I literally kept saying to myself what I thought would happen and it did. I wanted something more. I want to be wowed by the books I read. I wanted Addison to fight for what she deserved. Where was the ice queen when I really needed her? And not only did the book become very predictable, it felt really short. All these things were happening at the end of the book and it felt like we ran out of time.
The premise and the characters in this book were well done. It was classic Beers to me. I felt like this could have been a story I loved, but it really petered out at the end for me. It is still a good read that I think people will enjoy; I just wanted it to be great.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
March 28, 2020
Georgia Beers is back with another sweet romance. I'd suggest giving it a read if you want something to take your mind off...whatever is happening in the world. In the latest book, we follow the relationship between Addison Fairchild (good name!), a workaholic businesswoman of a family empire of sorts, and Katie Cooper, a highly competent new assistant whose dad suffers from dementia.
The layer of the sick dad was a nice, albeit sad addition. It definitely changed the stakes of why Katie needed her job. Addison's issues were understandable, too, even when she was working herself into a very unhealthy state. I'm into the boss/employee taboo subject and I'm kind of relieved the product of that wasn't as problematic as it could've been, taking into account this should be a pleasant read.
Overall, I enjoyed this. It could've been a stronger story. Certain aspects felt forgotten , even the Calendar Girl nickname that could've been mentioned a tad more. Addison had the ability to be SQ fic's Regina Mills-level hot, but sadly, she wasn't built up as attractively as I'd hoped. More push and pull would've elevated Addison and Katie's relationship.
Big complaint about the sexual nature of their relationship:
Good, yet not amazing book. I anticipate the next because Georgia Beers is great.
3.3 stars!
☆The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review.☆
The layer of the sick dad was a nice, albeit sad addition. It definitely changed the stakes of why Katie needed her job. Addison's issues were understandable, too, even when she was working herself into a very unhealthy state. I'm into the boss/employee taboo subject and I'm kind of relieved the product of that wasn't as problematic as it could've been, taking into account this should be a pleasant read.
Overall, I enjoyed this. It could've been a stronger story. Certain aspects felt forgotten , even the Calendar Girl nickname that could've been mentioned a tad more. Addison had the ability to be SQ fic's Regina Mills-level hot, but sadly, she wasn't built up as attractively as I'd hoped. More push and pull would've elevated Addison and Katie's relationship.
Big complaint about the sexual nature of their relationship:
Good, yet not amazing book. I anticipate the next because Georgia Beers is great.
3.3 stars!
☆The copy provided by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. in exchange for an honest review.☆
October 19, 2018
Addison is a workaholic but her lifestyle is taking a toll on her health. When her mother insists she take on an assistant she is put out but not really given a choice, not if she hopes to take over from her mother when she retires. Katie Cooper is more than Addison bargained for although behind her sunny disposition, her life is more complicated than it seems.
What makes this good is that the writing flows well, the story is engaging and the characters draw you in. While I was reading it I was invested and never in any doubt that I wanted to finish it. What bothered me once I was finished is that there were no surprises. Everything happened exactly as I had anticipated. There's a definite comfort in a read that plays out exactly as you'd expect but there's a part of me that wants the good writing to be accompanied by something unexpected.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
What makes this good is that the writing flows well, the story is engaging and the characters draw you in. While I was reading it I was invested and never in any doubt that I wanted to finish it. What bothered me once I was finished is that there were no surprises. Everything happened exactly as I had anticipated. There's a definite comfort in a read that plays out exactly as you'd expect but there's a part of me that wants the good writing to be accompanied by something unexpected.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 19, 2018
I could never make up my mind if Too Close to Touch or Turning the Page was my favorite Georgia Beers book, but I think this one won (so far, at least)..
For me, the name Georgia Beers on the cover means that I will lose myself in a story for a couple of days with characters that I would very much enjoy to spend time with in real life. This one is no exception. This time around, we get to know Addison Fairchild, a workaholic control freak and her charming assistant Katie Cooper in a sweet office romance. The characters felt real, the story was great, and the pacing was just right, and as usual, I kept getting anxious as I approached the end of the book because I didn’t want it to end :)
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a sweet romance story.
And now I must sit calm for a few months until we get a new Georgia Beers novel. Again.
For me, the name Georgia Beers on the cover means that I will lose myself in a story for a couple of days with characters that I would very much enjoy to spend time with in real life. This one is no exception. This time around, we get to know Addison Fairchild, a workaholic control freak and her charming assistant Katie Cooper in a sweet office romance. The characters felt real, the story was great, and the pacing was just right, and as usual, I kept getting anxious as I approached the end of the book because I didn’t want it to end :)
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a sweet romance story.
And now I must sit calm for a few months until we get a new Georgia Beers novel. Again.
November 17, 2018
When I shifted from solely reading fan fic to les fic I was a solid Beers fan. Most of her stuff was 5 star material to me. Even her Puppy Love Romance Series, even though I began to notice her tendency to repeat her scenes to eek out the book, was still enjoyable. But maybe that was because of the animal farm being such a fun subject, I don’t know.
I didn’t like Right Here, Right Now. The repetitive actions really bothered me then and it seems she is continuing this trend with her latest Calendar Girl. There is a lot of Addison Fairchild stubbornly working herself into an early grave. The people in her employ dislike her. The people closest to her (her family) tell her she needs to slow down but she doesn’t listen. Addison gets a health scare and her mother appoints her a personal assistant to lighten the load so her daughter can ease up a bit and recover. Addison just keeps doing what she did before.
Katie Cooper has a lot of talent but they are underused because of reasons. She is a likeable character where Addison is not. She tries really hard to make the best of things but Addison treats her like a serf through most of the book, until she briefly gives in to this attraction she feels towards Katie. Then we’re back to square one.
Side-plot is Katie’s dad suffering from dementia - and what impact it has on her and her mom - which was sad. That part was well written. To be honest, it’s not that Beers can’t write. There were some parts that I enjoyed but it’s not enough to make this a good book. It meanders, it babbles, it’s predictable, nothing much really happens. Or maybe I’m too harsh and have just outgrown Beers and her formula.
f/f
Themes: Addison had potential to be a real ice-queen but her character lacked spunk, rinse repeat plotline, dementia is a bitch, one meager love scene, a cameo for June bug Farms, forgettable read.
3.3 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
I didn’t like Right Here, Right Now. The repetitive actions really bothered me then and it seems she is continuing this trend with her latest Calendar Girl. There is a lot of Addison Fairchild stubbornly working herself into an early grave. The people in her employ dislike her. The people closest to her (her family) tell her she needs to slow down but she doesn’t listen. Addison gets a health scare and her mother appoints her a personal assistant to lighten the load so her daughter can ease up a bit and recover. Addison just keeps doing what she did before.
Katie Cooper has a lot of talent but they are underused because of reasons. She is a likeable character where Addison is not. She tries really hard to make the best of things but Addison treats her like a serf through most of the book, until she briefly gives in to this attraction she feels towards Katie. Then we’re back to square one.
Side-plot is Katie’s dad suffering from dementia - and what impact it has on her and her mom - which was sad. That part was well written. To be honest, it’s not that Beers can’t write. There were some parts that I enjoyed but it’s not enough to make this a good book. It meanders, it babbles, it’s predictable, nothing much really happens. Or maybe I’m too harsh and have just outgrown Beers and her formula.
f/f
Themes: Addison had potential to be a real ice-queen but her character lacked spunk, rinse repeat plotline, dementia is a bitch, one meager love scene, a cameo for June bug Farms, forgettable read.
3.3 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
December 3, 2018
Georgia Beers writes a dang good story. You know that when you pick up one of her books you are going to get a quality story with interesting characters that have dynamite chemistry. I would be hard-pressed to find a Beers book I’ve not adored but this is quality stuff that every romance junkie will love.
Addison Fairchild is the runs one of the three branches of the Fairchild Empire, Fairchild Rentals. She is an absolute ice-queen that is cold and aloof. Trained from birth to run her mother’s real estate corporation she has learned to become hard-nosed and closed off. Since her mother has decided to retire, Addison has increased her workload with no breaks, zero fun, and life that is nothing but work, emails and phone calls. What this does is takes a toll on her health and leaves everyone who loves her petrified.
Katie Coper is the exact opposite of Addison. She has a magnetic personality that draws people to her. She lovable, cheerful and radiates positivity. Katie has every reason to be down on her luck but she still has that sunny disposition. Katie recently gave up a job she loved in the tech sector to take a part-time nanny position watching pre-school twins. Her father had been diagnosed with early onset dementia and Katie put her career on hold to move in with her parents to help be there for both of them during this trying time. After a while, the bills pile up and Katie needs to help with the financial load, when her bestie at Fairchild offers her a well-paying personal assistant job to the distant Addison, Katie has no choice but to jump at the opportunity.
These two get off on the wrong foot, mostly because Addison is a control freak who is being forced by her mother/boss to have a PA. Katie has big ideas of how to help her new boss but Addison is hesitant to change anything. These two butt heads, but as their time together increases they begin to see each other in a new light. The walls fall, and perceptions fall away. The chemistry between these two is seriously dynamic and sexy.
I adored this book. The two mains were written beautifully and the whole opposites attracts thing is always a winner in my book. Loved the amped up tension with some angst! The connection between Addison and Katie is palpable. You can feel the chemistry coming right off the page. Loved it!
Addison Fairchild is the runs one of the three branches of the Fairchild Empire, Fairchild Rentals. She is an absolute ice-queen that is cold and aloof. Trained from birth to run her mother’s real estate corporation she has learned to become hard-nosed and closed off. Since her mother has decided to retire, Addison has increased her workload with no breaks, zero fun, and life that is nothing but work, emails and phone calls. What this does is takes a toll on her health and leaves everyone who loves her petrified.
Katie Coper is the exact opposite of Addison. She has a magnetic personality that draws people to her. She lovable, cheerful and radiates positivity. Katie has every reason to be down on her luck but she still has that sunny disposition. Katie recently gave up a job she loved in the tech sector to take a part-time nanny position watching pre-school twins. Her father had been diagnosed with early onset dementia and Katie put her career on hold to move in with her parents to help be there for both of them during this trying time. After a while, the bills pile up and Katie needs to help with the financial load, when her bestie at Fairchild offers her a well-paying personal assistant job to the distant Addison, Katie has no choice but to jump at the opportunity.
These two get off on the wrong foot, mostly because Addison is a control freak who is being forced by her mother/boss to have a PA. Katie has big ideas of how to help her new boss but Addison is hesitant to change anything. These two butt heads, but as their time together increases they begin to see each other in a new light. The walls fall, and perceptions fall away. The chemistry between these two is seriously dynamic and sexy.
I adored this book. The two mains were written beautifully and the whole opposites attracts thing is always a winner in my book. Loved the amped up tension with some angst! The connection between Addison and Katie is palpable. You can feel the chemistry coming right off the page. Loved it!
November 15, 2018
Addison Fairchild has spent her whole life trying to impress her powerful mother, creator of the extremely successful Fairchild empire. Now her mother has announced her retirement Addison has given up all semblance of a real life and is working herself into the ground to show she deserves to step into the top job. When her health collapses under the strain Addison is forced to accept an assistant but determined to use her in the most basic ways, collecting her dry cleaning and picking up her groceries.
Katie Cooper accepts the part-time second job at Fairchild Enterprises because, quite frankly, her family need the money. Her father’s dementia is deteriorating and they need full time care, but the bills are mounting. Having given up her business degree to move home and help her mum, Katie will put up with almost anything to hold on to the well paid PA job, however difficult her new boss is to work for.
This is a classic office “ice queen” romance and an excellent example of opposites attract. The main characters are likeable and well developed, Katie’s backstory is particularly poignant and Beers explores the impact of dementia on a family with subtle but keen observation. Addison’s relationship with her Mother and sibling rivalry are the building blocks of her character and her intensity has made her blinkered to the fact they are, first and foremost, a family that love and care about her. And thus the stage is set for Katie to find room for her own life while also helping her family and Addison to find that her family desperately want her to have a life.
Both families are important to the story and again reinforce the “opposites” theme, the Fairchild’s as high powered business people who can barely meet once a month at a restaurant for dinner and whose absentee father never appears; the Coopers, warm, domestic, welcoming and close-knit where caring for each other comes first. I also really liked our main characters BFFs and there is definitely room for a follow up to allow Sophie and Samantha’s stories to develop.
Georgia Beers writes some damn fine romances, we all know where this is going and how it will end, but there as some fun moments along the way. The cast are loveable and the main characters have genuine journeys they need to take. I thoroughly enjoyed it, excellent ‘happy place’ reading.
Katie Cooper accepts the part-time second job at Fairchild Enterprises because, quite frankly, her family need the money. Her father’s dementia is deteriorating and they need full time care, but the bills are mounting. Having given up her business degree to move home and help her mum, Katie will put up with almost anything to hold on to the well paid PA job, however difficult her new boss is to work for.
This is a classic office “ice queen” romance and an excellent example of opposites attract. The main characters are likeable and well developed, Katie’s backstory is particularly poignant and Beers explores the impact of dementia on a family with subtle but keen observation. Addison’s relationship with her Mother and sibling rivalry are the building blocks of her character and her intensity has made her blinkered to the fact they are, first and foremost, a family that love and care about her. And thus the stage is set for Katie to find room for her own life while also helping her family and Addison to find that her family desperately want her to have a life.
Both families are important to the story and again reinforce the “opposites” theme, the Fairchild’s as high powered business people who can barely meet once a month at a restaurant for dinner and whose absentee father never appears; the Coopers, warm, domestic, welcoming and close-knit where caring for each other comes first. I also really liked our main characters BFFs and there is definitely room for a follow up to allow Sophie and Samantha’s stories to develop.
Georgia Beers writes some damn fine romances, we all know where this is going and how it will end, but there as some fun moments along the way. The cast are loveable and the main characters have genuine journeys they need to take. I thoroughly enjoyed it, excellent ‘happy place’ reading.
November 27, 2018
I enjoy this author and was looking forward to reading this. I have to admit that I was a little let down.
I liked Katie a lot and seeing her home life was heart wrenching, but it was a good vehicle to understand the character. Addison, Addison, Addison, you had the makings of an ice queen. But alas, you were instead just stupidly stubborn ignoring advice from doctors, family, friends, etc.
The characters had good chemistry. I would have just like to see way less stubbornness on Addison's part.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I liked Katie a lot and seeing her home life was heart wrenching, but it was a good vehicle to understand the character. Addison, Addison, Addison, you had the makings of an ice queen. But alas, you were instead just stupidly stubborn ignoring advice from doctors, family, friends, etc.
The characters had good chemistry. I would have just like to see way less stubbornness on Addison's part.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
November 16, 2018
This was a sweet story. Not bad at all. But I expected something big to happen in this book. Or at least "something" to happen.
November 7, 2018
I loved this book… It was sweet girl meets Ice Queen trope with a side of sexy office romance and boss falls for employee. Perfecto!
Addison is in the running to run her families company Fairchild Enterprises. She lives and breaths her job and has no time for social life. All she wants is to get her place as the head of the company, even If that means ignoring her health. When Addison's health stops her in her tracks, her mother (and current head of Fairchild Enterprises) demands she get an assistant and a life, Addison has no other option much to her chagrin. In walks the beautiful and intelligent, Kate Cooper. Kate’s life is on hold currently as she helps take care of her ailing father. The job with Addison will help her pay some of the medical bills that are mounting for her mother. But being Addison's assistant is anything but easy. Addison is stand offish and clearly would do anything but have an assistant however, when they start to work together it’s clear there is an underlying attraction that neither of them expected.
What a great premise and I thoroughly enjoyed Kate and Addison figuring each other out. My favourite part of the story was each and every time Kate found a way to impress Addison, thus impressing Addison enough to lower her walls... slightly.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, they were excellent in this book, especially Addisons best friend, Sophie and Kates friend, Samantha. At seperate times during the book I thought these women would make for a good toaster oven romance if Georgia Beers ever decided to work on their stories.
Lastly, I enjoyed how much the back stories of both characters drove their personalities. Kate who is caring and loving, who spends time looking after her dad, she was the perfect person to aide Addison back to health and work after her health issues. They really were perfect for each other and the chemistry in the bedroom was hot!
Great book and as usual, I am excited to see what come next from Georgia Beers.
4.5 stars
Addison is in the running to run her families company Fairchild Enterprises. She lives and breaths her job and has no time for social life. All she wants is to get her place as the head of the company, even If that means ignoring her health. When Addison's health stops her in her tracks, her mother (and current head of Fairchild Enterprises) demands she get an assistant and a life, Addison has no other option much to her chagrin. In walks the beautiful and intelligent, Kate Cooper. Kate’s life is on hold currently as she helps take care of her ailing father. The job with Addison will help her pay some of the medical bills that are mounting for her mother. But being Addison's assistant is anything but easy. Addison is stand offish and clearly would do anything but have an assistant however, when they start to work together it’s clear there is an underlying attraction that neither of them expected.
What a great premise and I thoroughly enjoyed Kate and Addison figuring each other out. My favourite part of the story was each and every time Kate found a way to impress Addison, thus impressing Addison enough to lower her walls... slightly.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, they were excellent in this book, especially Addisons best friend, Sophie and Kates friend, Samantha. At seperate times during the book I thought these women would make for a good toaster oven romance if Georgia Beers ever decided to work on their stories.
Lastly, I enjoyed how much the back stories of both characters drove their personalities. Kate who is caring and loving, who spends time looking after her dad, she was the perfect person to aide Addison back to health and work after her health issues. They really were perfect for each other and the chemistry in the bedroom was hot!
Great book and as usual, I am excited to see what come next from Georgia Beers.
4.5 stars
May 11, 2019
I was immediately sucked into Calendar Girl and had a hard time putting it down! Georgia Beers did a fab job with this one, because the pacing is absolutely perfect, the story is compelling, and the character development is excellent. Nothing was spare in the book and it all added up to a great reading experience.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/cale...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/cale...
November 3, 2018
I must say it was kind of a struggle for me to get through the beginning of this book but I continue on because I haven’t read a book yet by Georgia Beers that I didn’t enjoy! I told myself this can’t be real and I agreed to continue reading to prove myself wrong. This book started to catch my interest a little bit more during the middle and much much more towards the end. They say opposites attract and Katie brung our the best in Addison. I loved how stubborn Addison finally came to her senses and confessed what she was going through and put all her raw feelings out on the table to Katie. I also love Katie for being so strong-hearted and loving despite things she was going threw at home and the challenges she faced with Addison. She remain the same sweet, caring, and affectionate person always true to herself. They are perfect for each other in every sense. I can’t speak on the whole book but towards the ending really caught my interest I love it! #Netgalley
April 14, 2019
3.75 🌟
A sweet love story. I liked the book, the plot, the 2 MCs (Sweet Katie & icy Addison) and their chemistry. But somehow, the ending was kinda flat for me - I was expecting a bit more feisty from the ice queen.
A sweet love story. I liked the book, the plot, the 2 MCs (Sweet Katie & icy Addison) and their chemistry. But somehow, the ending was kinda flat for me - I was expecting a bit more feisty from the ice queen.
October 14, 2018
I’m a sucker for books with a Type A personality characters because I’m usually dying of curiosity to see how the author will develop them through the book. Some of them are not exactly skilled in writing them so I usually end up seeing those characters as pure and evil whiny bitches, but some, like Georgia Beers, have the skills to make them complex enough for them to be interesting and likable. Addison is working herself to illness, quite literally. After collapsing while with a friend and getting rushed to the hospital, everyone close to her expect her to slow down. Getting her a personal assistant is a must, but will Addison see it like that?
Katie Cooper has so many problems in her life and is in need of money as much as in need of time to help her mother taking care of her ill father. When she’s hired by CEO of Fairchild Enterprise to help her daughter Addison, the last she expects is to fall in love with the clueless, cold and all-business no-play, gorgeous Addison Fairchild.
Katie is exactly what Addison needs, cheerful when she’s angry and on the edge, soothing when she’s hurting... but is she brave enough to admit that and have her happiness put in front of her work?
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style; along with Melissa Brayden, she writes the most effortless, fluid dialogues which I’m a great aficionado of. I have to say, the ending of the book left me a bit baffled as I had expected “more” somehow, it seemed sort of unfinished... But apart from that, this is a great book, worth the reading.
Katie Cooper has so many problems in her life and is in need of money as much as in need of time to help her mother taking care of her ill father. When she’s hired by CEO of Fairchild Enterprise to help her daughter Addison, the last she expects is to fall in love with the clueless, cold and all-business no-play, gorgeous Addison Fairchild.
Katie is exactly what Addison needs, cheerful when she’s angry and on the edge, soothing when she’s hurting... but is she brave enough to admit that and have her happiness put in front of her work?
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style; along with Melissa Brayden, she writes the most effortless, fluid dialogues which I’m a great aficionado of. I have to say, the ending of the book left me a bit baffled as I had expected “more” somehow, it seemed sort of unfinished... But apart from that, this is a great book, worth the reading.
November 10, 2018
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I should have liked this more than I did. Usually I’m a fan of Beers books, but the last few have been kind of meh. This one had an interesting premise (and usually I’m a fan of workplace romances) but it never really lived up to its promise.
Addison is a workaholic hoping to earn the right to take over the family business. Due to what can only be called sheer idiocy on her part, she works herself into a health situation that requires her to take on an admin assistant. This seemed stupid to me because it’s just so ridiculous that a woman running the rental arm of a huge company wouldn’t already have an asssiant, workaholic or not, but whatever. There’s also a lot made of the no fraternising at work rule, for obsious reasons.
So, enter Katie, she’s moved home to help her mother with her father because he’s ill with dementia (I admit to skimming the home scenes for the most part, having experienced this with both of my parents, I didn’t want to relive it). She’s also working two jobs, so only helps Addison in the afternoons (this also seemed unrealistic for a woman in Addison’s postition, but again, whatever).
So, Katie shows up to help but despite EVERYONE telling Addison to get over herself and accept the help, she still acts like a tosser and refuses. Seriously, she’s a real jerk of a character. I was kind of disappointed that Katrina wasn’t the gay sister, she’d have been a much better match for a Katie. Eventually Addison and Katie come to terms but there’s still a lot of one step forward four steps back (although I was glad that Katie had a backbone and didn’t mind calling Addison out when she was acting like a jerk). Katie and Addison grow closer (though this was handled so superficially that I didn’t buy into it) and they get together. There’s also some tie in to the previous books by Beers about the animal shelter, but I only read one of those, so it didn’t really add anything for me.
All of this leads up to the drama portion of the book, which seriously could have gone no other way, and Addison is a jerk some more. We then get somewhat of a happy ending, but it was a bit too easily rectified and didn’t feel like they’d earned it. Like I said, superficial.
So, Katie was interesting, the supporting characters were good (Sophie also would have been a better match for Katie, hell, even Addison’s mother would have been better) but Katie and Addison together just didn’t grab me. It’s Beers, so it’s well-written, but I think less time spent on Addison and her self-centred whining and more on them as a couple would have made this a better book. 3 stars.
I should have liked this more than I did. Usually I’m a fan of Beers books, but the last few have been kind of meh. This one had an interesting premise (and usually I’m a fan of workplace romances) but it never really lived up to its promise.
Addison is a workaholic hoping to earn the right to take over the family business. Due to what can only be called sheer idiocy on her part, she works herself into a health situation that requires her to take on an admin assistant. This seemed stupid to me because it’s just so ridiculous that a woman running the rental arm of a huge company wouldn’t already have an asssiant, workaholic or not, but whatever. There’s also a lot made of the no fraternising at work rule, for obsious reasons.
So, enter Katie, she’s moved home to help her mother with her father because he’s ill with dementia (I admit to skimming the home scenes for the most part, having experienced this with both of my parents, I didn’t want to relive it). She’s also working two jobs, so only helps Addison in the afternoons (this also seemed unrealistic for a woman in Addison’s postition, but again, whatever).
So, Katie shows up to help but despite EVERYONE telling Addison to get over herself and accept the help, she still acts like a tosser and refuses. Seriously, she’s a real jerk of a character. I was kind of disappointed that Katrina wasn’t the gay sister, she’d have been a much better match for a Katie. Eventually Addison and Katie come to terms but there’s still a lot of one step forward four steps back (although I was glad that Katie had a backbone and didn’t mind calling Addison out when she was acting like a jerk). Katie and Addison grow closer (though this was handled so superficially that I didn’t buy into it) and they get together. There’s also some tie in to the previous books by Beers about the animal shelter, but I only read one of those, so it didn’t really add anything for me.
All of this leads up to the drama portion of the book, which seriously could have gone no other way, and Addison is a jerk some more. We then get somewhat of a happy ending, but it was a bit too easily rectified and didn’t feel like they’d earned it. Like I said, superficial.
So, Katie was interesting, the supporting characters were good (Sophie also would have been a better match for Katie, hell, even Addison’s mother would have been better) but Katie and Addison together just didn’t grab me. It’s Beers, so it’s well-written, but I think less time spent on Addison and her self-centred whining and more on them as a couple would have made this a better book. 3 stars.
November 23, 2018
Addison Fairchild runs a division of Fairchild Enterprises, her mother's multimillion-dollar company and is one of the candidates to get the CEO position when her mother retires. That is, if she can cope with the stress and huge workload associated with her current job. Her mother forces Addison to hire an assistant, Katie Cooper, who is cheerful, too helpful and gorgeous. After some initial hostility, their business relationship starts to change into something else. Will Addison and Katie have a future together?
Georgia Beers excels at writing office romances, 'Too close to touch' being a prime example. The author portrays well the sexy power play in business and the sexual temptation in some boss-assistant relationships. 'Calendar girl' is not an exception. Like 'Too close to touch'it also features some family drama, in this case, Katie's father battle with Alzheimer's disease.
The book is written in third person from the point of view of both main characters with a few excerpts from the pov of Katie's best friend and Addison's sister. The mains have great chemistry and the intimate scenes are hot, with some great role reversal. The story has funny moments and also heartbreaking ones. Nothing surprising here as Ms. Beers is a seasoned author. There are some passing references to her previous books such as 'Blend' and the Puppy Love Romance series which readers will appreciate.
My main issue with this book is that the conflict and resolution feels a bit rushed and forced. The Alzheimer's disease subplot is, for my liking, left hanging a bit. In my opinion, it had much more potential for development. I think that Ms. Beers' fans will be satisfied with this book but maybe not thrilled. We all know her potential that's why this novel is a bit disappointing.
Overall, an ok read with some good moments. Recommended for office romance fans. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Georgia Beers excels at writing office romances, 'Too close to touch' being a prime example. The author portrays well the sexy power play in business and the sexual temptation in some boss-assistant relationships. 'Calendar girl' is not an exception. Like 'Too close to touch'it also features some family drama, in this case, Katie's father battle with Alzheimer's disease.
The book is written in third person from the point of view of both main characters with a few excerpts from the pov of Katie's best friend and Addison's sister. The mains have great chemistry and the intimate scenes are hot, with some great role reversal. The story has funny moments and also heartbreaking ones. Nothing surprising here as Ms. Beers is a seasoned author. There are some passing references to her previous books such as 'Blend' and the Puppy Love Romance series which readers will appreciate.
My main issue with this book is that the conflict and resolution feels a bit rushed and forced. The Alzheimer's disease subplot is, for my liking, left hanging a bit. In my opinion, it had much more potential for development. I think that Ms. Beers' fans will be satisfied with this book but maybe not thrilled. We all know her potential that's why this novel is a bit disappointing.
Overall, an ok read with some good moments. Recommended for office romance fans. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 21, 2019
3.5 ⭐️
This is a competent telling of a story that I feel I have read many times before. I don’t mind travelling familiar paths but I’d like to find something new along the way or something that I hadn’t spotted before. But I didn’t.
Bitch boss - Addison - with mother from hell and not an ounce of people skills falls for - currently awaiting confirmation of Sainthood - Katie who works as her assistant. The angst and derailment are foreshadowed from page 1 when an employee is fired for sexual harassment for making out with his colleague girlfriend at work. Apparently fraternisation is frowned upon as it is bad for morale. Firing people for falling in love must lift spirits though, I guess.
In the background we have the devastating story of Katie’s father slipping away in the clutches of Alzheimer’s. I found the brightest glimpses of the author’s story telling ability in this heartbreaking side story.
The spark and romance was told but not sold. I don’t know what these two see in each other. And someone please explain to the matriarch that she failed as a parent. She created a situation where her daughter’s worth was based on work. And then punished her for it when all she did was work to win mum’s approval. Nasty.
Not one I would read again.
This is a competent telling of a story that I feel I have read many times before. I don’t mind travelling familiar paths but I’d like to find something new along the way or something that I hadn’t spotted before. But I didn’t.
Bitch boss - Addison - with mother from hell and not an ounce of people skills falls for - currently awaiting confirmation of Sainthood - Katie who works as her assistant. The angst and derailment are foreshadowed from page 1 when an employee is fired for sexual harassment for making out with his colleague girlfriend at work. Apparently fraternisation is frowned upon as it is bad for morale. Firing people for falling in love must lift spirits though, I guess.
In the background we have the devastating story of Katie’s father slipping away in the clutches of Alzheimer’s. I found the brightest glimpses of the author’s story telling ability in this heartbreaking side story.
The spark and romance was told but not sold. I don’t know what these two see in each other. And someone please explain to the matriarch that she failed as a parent. She created a situation where her daughter’s worth was based on work. And then punished her for it when all she did was work to win mum’s approval. Nasty.
Not one I would read again.
December 30, 2018
This is a Georgia Beers story. That ought to be enough convincing to read the book. This woman writes a damn good story. Like her books are a safe space for me. Genuinely good content and an assurance of a great read.
This book was kinda similar to many other books I've read, but then the whole point of reading is to disconnect from the rest of the world. This did just that.
The characters were amazing and there were a lot of nice supporting characters as well. While I loved Katie, I didn't quite understand how Addison's mind worked. She was nice in one moment and suddenly cold the next moment. I loved her but damn was she unpredictable.
The only problem I had was the ending. It seemed too rushed. Like I was waiting for the grand gesture but it kinda let me down. Other than that this is a pretty enjoyable read. Fun times. :)
This book was kinda similar to many other books I've read, but then the whole point of reading is to disconnect from the rest of the world. This did just that.
The characters were amazing and there were a lot of nice supporting characters as well. While I loved Katie, I didn't quite understand how Addison's mind worked. She was nice in one moment and suddenly cold the next moment. I loved her but damn was she unpredictable.
The only problem I had was the ending. It seemed too rushed. Like I was waiting for the grand gesture but it kinda let me down. Other than that this is a pretty enjoyable read. Fun times. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2019
When I pick up a book by Georgia Beers I expect to enjoy myself. That was try also for this book. Though not one of her best, it still was very good. Lovely romantic story, nice main and supporting characters and well written. I liked it very much, so much that I am looking forward to move on to another book by Beers very soon. A solid 4 star book for me. Recommend.
February 23, 2019
I wonder why I tend to avoid Georgia Beers’ books. I obviously never read her book before. And this is actually Georgia Beers’ first book that I read.
And i like and enjoy this book more than I expected. The story premise and ice queen character, what not to like! 😏 even though I enjoyed it, i couldn’t whole heartedly a full 4 stars or more. At least it is not fall into a evil rich mother troop. And i kind of guess the reason of Addison’s mother decision at the end. And the ending though, i feel like it just ended abruptly. It feel like it kind of short. Like everything just fall into places and then it just end. If you know what i mean.
Still, I so enjoyed this book, all characters are likable and i do like all of them.
3.5stars
And i like and enjoy this book more than I expected. The story premise and ice queen character, what not to like! 😏 even though I enjoyed it, i couldn’t whole heartedly a full 4 stars or more. At least it is not fall into a evil rich mother troop. And i kind of guess the reason of Addison’s mother decision at the end. And the ending though, i feel like it just ended abruptly. It feel like it kind of short. Like everything just fall into places and then it just end. If you know what i mean.
Still, I so enjoyed this book, all characters are likable and i do like all of them.
3.5stars
November 18, 2018
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite authors but unfortunately can also be one of my most frustrating authors. She creates the best characters and story lines that have me hooked every time and finding the book just flying by because of how well she writes. This book was no different I loved the characters and the idea of the story which had me pulled in from the start. The chemistry was perfect and could feel it throughout their interactions.
For me it was the ending that let her down. It frustrates me every time I read one of her books I am so into the characters and stories to just have a rushed and not very exciting ending. I am begging her to give me an epilogue that closes the story out nicely but seem to go wanting every time. I personally wasn't a fan of how it was all Addison's fault and felt others (her mother in particular) could have acknowledged their role and what they could have done differently.
I loved 90% of this book but unfortunately the last 10% disappointed me so much, and this is the part you generally remember the most, I did have to rate it 4 stars. I am just hoping one day I will pick up a Georgia Beers book and have a book that finishes well to compliment the rest of the book, no more rushed finishes please.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
For me it was the ending that let her down. It frustrates me every time I read one of her books I am so into the characters and stories to just have a rushed and not very exciting ending. I am begging her to give me an epilogue that closes the story out nicely but seem to go wanting every time. I personally wasn't a fan of how it was all Addison's fault and felt others (her mother in particular) could have acknowledged their role and what they could have done differently.
I loved 90% of this book but unfortunately the last 10% disappointed me so much, and this is the part you generally remember the most, I did have to rate it 4 stars. I am just hoping one day I will pick up a Georgia Beers book and have a book that finishes well to compliment the rest of the book, no more rushed finishes please.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
September 8, 2023
3.5* Georgia Beers is an author whose works I quite enjoy. This book is no exception. It's a light, easy read with a nice romance. The characters are likable. Addison is the typical workaholic ice queen who is literally working herself to the ground in a bid to succeed her mother as head of the family company. I relate more to Kate though, who is struggling to help her mother care for her sick father, while trying to have a job and maybe a life. Overall, if you have read and like this author's works before, I would recommend this one too
November 5, 2018
I found Calendar girl to be a pleasant read. It wasn't one of my favorite reads by Georgia Beers, but it still was a good read.
As I was reading this book, I felt that something was missing. Maybe it was the fact that the author choose to only show the attraction by one of the main characters. Addison was so Ice cold that you only ever saw her drive to take over her mother's company once she retired. On the other hand, you saw the immediate attraction that Katie expressed when she saw Addison. I always found that a book flows better when at least both main characters finds the other person attractive. The chemistry between the characters finally heats up about 1/3 of the way into the book.
One thing I really did enjoy with this book is the relationship between Katie with her mother. It was a nice treat to read a book with the special dynamics between this mother and daughter.
Overall the book was well written and had good dialogue. If you like a slow burn, this will suit you great. I would likely rate this book closer to a 3.5.
As I was reading this book, I felt that something was missing. Maybe it was the fact that the author choose to only show the attraction by one of the main characters. Addison was so Ice cold that you only ever saw her drive to take over her mother's company once she retired. On the other hand, you saw the immediate attraction that Katie expressed when she saw Addison. I always found that a book flows better when at least both main characters finds the other person attractive. The chemistry between the characters finally heats up about 1/3 of the way into the book.
One thing I really did enjoy with this book is the relationship between Katie with her mother. It was a nice treat to read a book with the special dynamics between this mother and daughter.
Overall the book was well written and had good dialogue. If you like a slow burn, this will suit you great. I would likely rate this book closer to a 3.5.
March 13, 2019
Third Beers book in as many days.
I like how she writes. It's fluid, you get really quick into the story and enjoy the characters interaction. But her romances clearly lacks something. I want more under the teeth. I'm still going on a binge of her work though, because it just feels good, even when it's not on par with my expectation.
I like how she writes. It's fluid, you get really quick into the story and enjoy the characters interaction. But her romances clearly lacks something. I want more under the teeth. I'm still going on a binge of her work though, because it just feels good, even when it's not on par with my expectation.
April 29, 2019
Workaholic Addison Fairchild is an executive in her family's successful real estate business, but her all-work all-the-time lifestyle catches up with her with serious stress-related health issues. Addison's mother controls the company and is planning on retiring soon, but she has not yet chosen her successor. She's also very worried about her daughter, so she forces her to take on a personal assistant. Enter Katie Cooper, who's well-suited for the job, but undergoing significant stress at home due to her father's deteriorating dementia. Addison doesn't want an assistant, and Katy needs the money the job provides. What follows is two people with issues who find each other attractive, but are also determined to out-stubborn each other.
This is an ok romance book, but I have some major problems with both Addison and her mother. Beyond physical attractiveness it's very hard to see why anyone would want to enter a relationship with Addison, and the way that Meredith Fairchild treats her family and daughter strains belief. I think the biggest problem here is how obvious what's going to happen with the company succession (and why) and that most of the potentially explosive situation could be resolved with a conversation about two sentences long:
And then once the inevitable does happen the narrative treats it all as being ok, and Addison having something to apologize for. There are a number of beats in the book like this, that just don't make a lot of sense as written that left me relatively cold towards the whole thing. (The anti-fraternization thing is completely off the rails weird, and only there to ratchet up the plot angst. The real world doesn't work like that. Organizations move employees rather than just ask them to resign in these situations.)
Great setup and competent writing, but the narrative choices here really let the whole thing down.
This is an ok romance book, but I have some major problems with both Addison and her mother. Beyond physical attractiveness it's very hard to see why anyone would want to enter a relationship with Addison, and the way that Meredith Fairchild treats her family and daughter strains belief. I think the biggest problem here is how obvious what's going to happen with the company succession (and why) and that most of the potentially explosive situation could be resolved with a conversation about two sentences long:
And then once the inevitable does happen the narrative treats it all as being ok, and Addison having something to apologize for. There are a number of beats in the book like this, that just don't make a lot of sense as written that left me relatively cold towards the whole thing. (The anti-fraternization thing is completely off the rails weird, and only there to ratchet up the plot angst. The real world doesn't work like that. Organizations move employees rather than just ask them to resign in these situations.)
Great setup and competent writing, but the narrative choices here really let the whole thing down.
November 1, 2018
I'm a tough rater, so if you like Georgia Beers's novels, this one fits the bill. It's solid and pretty good for the genre. I bought it day one so I do trust the quality of the writing. I don't regret the purchase.
However, I'm deeply frustrated by what this story could have been. I had no issue with the two leads. They were both sympathetic, even at their (well, Addison's) stupidest. (Though that was a lawsuit waiting to happen. The firing thing was just plain stupid.) What I cannot forgive is Addison's mother. I guess my frustration is testament to the fact I liked the story. It's just... There is a deeper story lurking here, but it just doesn't get addressed. I'm not talking about the romance; that was fine the way it was. I actually like that there weren't love proclamations in this one for how short the timeline was.
My problems was the growth and development of Addison in regard to her mother. The lack of communication problem extends to Meredith instead of the leads, and what really grated me was that Meredith's crass disregard for her children was written to imply justification.
To go into detail: Meredith claims to be worried about her eldest daughter, but she doesn't communicate with her about why Addison is stressed. She somehow can't put together that Addison's stress rose dramatically after Meredith announced her retirement. Through the year, Meredith didn't tell any of her children about her plans about her successor, despite it being a huge personal and business endeavor. Someone would need to alter their job and life dramatically, but zero communication occurred about who that would be or why it might change as the story progressed.
Meredith then brought her incredibly stressed daughter into a group meeting and dropped a bombshell on her about something she'd been working for her entire life. You tell people that kind of thing in private, long before even a family meeting. So despite the embarrassing and painful implication of doing this in a group setting, Meredith was upset that her daughter was upset! You can argue Addison was unprofessional the follow days, but her mother certainly wasn't and she sure as heck wasn't being a good mother. Not seeking Addison out? Exercise in power. Meredith owed it to Addison to check on her personally and explain her decision. Someone that stressed who gets their presumed future stripped away at a public meeting? I'd be a little more worried about Addison hurting herself as her mother. But I guess Meredith can't be bothered. There was also the whole veiled criticism and warning about not showing up to a function without a date; also a distasteful exercise in power.
When Meredith grilled Addison and asked her why she worked so much, Addison should have said, "Because you make me this way!" Instead, we get nothing. No cathartic blowout, no realization from Addison that her problems revolve around her mother being a terrible mother. The only person who seems to see it is Katie, and she just has one or two lines of dialogue about it.
The story really should have contained a blowout, a discussion or understand between Addison and her mother; that was what Addison needed to grow as a character. I honestly thought we'd get that. The beginning scene really would have been a great mirror for a climax... Addison not understanding but kind of respecting quitting for your girlfriend and then finding herself in that situation without regrets. It would be predictable, but it would serve as Addison's personal growth regarding her job, her mother, and her relationship with Katie.
So again, it was a good enough story to get me invested and make me this darn frustrated. The story just didn't pay off.
However, I'm deeply frustrated by what this story could have been. I had no issue with the two leads. They were both sympathetic, even at their (well, Addison's) stupidest. (Though that was a lawsuit waiting to happen. The firing thing was just plain stupid.) What I cannot forgive is Addison's mother. I guess my frustration is testament to the fact I liked the story. It's just... There is a deeper story lurking here, but it just doesn't get addressed. I'm not talking about the romance; that was fine the way it was. I actually like that there weren't love proclamations in this one for how short the timeline was.
My problems was the growth and development of Addison in regard to her mother. The lack of communication problem extends to Meredith instead of the leads, and what really grated me was that Meredith's crass disregard for her children was written to imply justification.
To go into detail: Meredith claims to be worried about her eldest daughter, but she doesn't communicate with her about why Addison is stressed. She somehow can't put together that Addison's stress rose dramatically after Meredith announced her retirement. Through the year, Meredith didn't tell any of her children about her plans about her successor, despite it being a huge personal and business endeavor. Someone would need to alter their job and life dramatically, but zero communication occurred about who that would be or why it might change as the story progressed.
Meredith then brought her incredibly stressed daughter into a group meeting and dropped a bombshell on her about something she'd been working for her entire life. You tell people that kind of thing in private, long before even a family meeting. So despite the embarrassing and painful implication of doing this in a group setting, Meredith was upset that her daughter was upset! You can argue Addison was unprofessional the follow days, but her mother certainly wasn't and she sure as heck wasn't being a good mother. Not seeking Addison out? Exercise in power. Meredith owed it to Addison to check on her personally and explain her decision. Someone that stressed who gets their presumed future stripped away at a public meeting? I'd be a little more worried about Addison hurting herself as her mother. But I guess Meredith can't be bothered. There was also the whole veiled criticism and warning about not showing up to a function without a date; also a distasteful exercise in power.
When Meredith grilled Addison and asked her why she worked so much, Addison should have said, "Because you make me this way!" Instead, we get nothing. No cathartic blowout, no realization from Addison that her problems revolve around her mother being a terrible mother. The only person who seems to see it is Katie, and she just has one or two lines of dialogue about it.
The story really should have contained a blowout, a discussion or understand between Addison and her mother; that was what Addison needed to grow as a character. I honestly thought we'd get that. The beginning scene really would have been a great mirror for a climax... Addison not understanding but kind of respecting quitting for your girlfriend and then finding herself in that situation without regrets. It would be predictable, but it would serve as Addison's personal growth regarding her job, her mother, and her relationship with Katie.
So again, it was a good enough story to get me invested and make me this darn frustrated. The story just didn't pay off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2020
Georgia Beers is one of the authors that I can usually count on for a good story. It was good, but it didn't blow my socks off. It's been a while since I read this book and one thing that I remember is that it was not bad.
For the most part, the story was set at a good pace, however the story was a little predictable and felt a bit short.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Nj
For the most part, the story was set at a good pace, however the story was a little predictable and felt a bit short.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Nj
May 27, 2019
OK story, which I brought into - thought both characters were well rounded and loved the back characters except - and this is entirely personal - one of the Mum's who so reminded of mine I nearly gave up there and then. Made me really angry & I hate that. My problem.
December 2, 2018
Calendar girl
A really lovely read that I found to be a real page turner that I devoured in one sitting! Can definitely recommend.
A really lovely read that I found to be a real page turner that I devoured in one sitting! Can definitely recommend.
June 24, 2020
3.5 stars for this one. I liked both characters and I like the ice queen meets the friendly woman who breaks down walls. I felt a little disappointed with the ending it felt rushed and ended with one conversation. Not my favourite but still a nice little read.
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