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Look But Don't Touch
Grant Wood. Even his name is sharp and unforgiving. I’ve disliked him since the first time we met, all those years ago. He took one look at me and dismissed me as vapid and ignorant. The spoiled young daughter of his business associate.
Sure, I’d done my best to live up to that image lately, but the judgment still stung. We had carefully avoided each other ever since. It was a perfect plan. We were both happy with that. Until I’m given an ultimatum by my dad.
“Work at the family empire or I’ll cut you off.”
So I have to swallow my pride and show up at the office of Grant Wood, CEO. The only good part is that he seems just as unnerved by me… and I love it when his cold facade falters.
So if they want me to intern at Hathaway’s? Fine. I’ll be the best intern they ever had. I'm going to prove Grant wrong about me. And I’m going to push his every button.
Sure, I’d done my best to live up to that image lately, but the judgment still stung. We had carefully avoided each other ever since. It was a perfect plan. We were both happy with that. Until I’m given an ultimatum by my dad.
“Work at the family empire or I’ll cut you off.”
So I have to swallow my pride and show up at the office of Grant Wood, CEO. The only good part is that he seems just as unnerved by me… and I love it when his cold facade falters.
So if they want me to intern at Hathaway’s? Fine. I’ll be the best intern they ever had. I'm going to prove Grant wrong about me. And I’m going to push his every button.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2019
2093 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Hayle
30 books3,155 followersHi there! I'm Olivia.
I write romance with billionaire heroes (despite never having met one in person). They're strong, ambitious, they don't need love... until they meet the women who change their minds.
I love witty banter, smart heroines, big cities and perfectly tailored suits. You'll find all four in every one of my books! 💜
➡ Explore the bonus content: https://oliviahayle.com/bonus-content
➡ Visit https://oliviahayle.com
READING ORDER
You can read any of the books as standalones, because each book follows a new couple. But if you ask me? This is my personal preference...
The Connovan Chronicles
- Best Enemies Forever
- The Perfect Mistake
- One Wrong Move
New York Billionaires
- Think Outside the Boss
- Saved by the Boss
- Say Yes to the Boss
- A Ticking Time Boss
- Suite on the Boss
- 12 Days of Bossmas
Seattle Billionaires
- Billion Dollar Enemy
- Billion Dollar Beast
- Billion Dollar Catch
- Billion Dollar Fiancé
Brothers of Paradise
- Dark Eyed Devil
- Ice Cold Boss
- Red Hot Rebel
- Small Town Hero
Standalones
- Arrogant Boss
- Look But Don't Touch
- The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door
- How to Honeymoon Alone
I write romance with billionaire heroes (despite never having met one in person). They're strong, ambitious, they don't need love... until they meet the women who change their minds.
I love witty banter, smart heroines, big cities and perfectly tailored suits. You'll find all four in every one of my books! 💜
➡ Explore the bonus content: https://oliviahayle.com/bonus-content
➡ Visit https://oliviahayle.com
READING ORDER
You can read any of the books as standalones, because each book follows a new couple. But if you ask me? This is my personal preference...
The Connovan Chronicles
- Best Enemies Forever
- The Perfect Mistake
- One Wrong Move
New York Billionaires
- Think Outside the Boss
- Saved by the Boss
- Say Yes to the Boss
- A Ticking Time Boss
- Suite on the Boss
- 12 Days of Bossmas
Seattle Billionaires
- Billion Dollar Enemy
- Billion Dollar Beast
- Billion Dollar Catch
- Billion Dollar Fiancé
Brothers of Paradise
- Dark Eyed Devil
- Ice Cold Boss
- Red Hot Rebel
- Small Town Hero
Standalones
- Arrogant Boss
- Look But Don't Touch
- The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door
- How to Honeymoon Alone
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
March 9, 2019
Good read
It's good really..but I wanted a bit more steam in the bedroom. Characters are awesome. No stupid drama. A little more lust and it would have been perfect.
It's good really..but I wanted a bit more steam in the bedroom. Characters are awesome. No stupid drama. A little more lust and it would have been perfect.
April 24, 2022
her dad has had enough of her partying so forces her to intern at the company in exchange for her trust fund.
even though Ada isn't a fan of her new boss, they start to get closer.
this was cute, but i wanted Grant to suffer more when they broke up (yes, i like when my heroes suffer).
even though Ada isn't a fan of her new boss, they start to get closer.
this was cute, but i wanted Grant to suffer more when they broke up (yes, i like when my heroes suffer).
March 14, 2019
Great read!
This was an amazing story! The storyline was refreshing and oh so sweet! I loved the chemistry between Ada and Grant! They were made for each other! The message this book sends was very heartfelt a real! This is the first book I have read from this author and man her writing is just beautiful! I enjoyed this book so much!
This was an amazing story! The storyline was refreshing and oh so sweet! I loved the chemistry between Ada and Grant! They were made for each other! The message this book sends was very heartfelt a real! This is the first book I have read from this author and man her writing is just beautiful! I enjoyed this book so much!
April 8, 2021
Esse é um daqueles livros que daqui a tempo nem vou lembrar que li.
March 2, 2023
Safety Stats
Ada
Virgin - no
What's Your Number - no
Grant
Playboy - no
Sex scene with OW - no
Cheating - no
OW drama - no
Overall, Safe.
Ada
Virgin - no
What's Your Number - no
Grant
Playboy - no
Sex scene with OW - no
Cheating - no
OW drama - no
Overall, Safe.
March 23, 2020
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Grant Wood
Ada Hathaway
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ada is being forced to intern at her families auction house. Grant is the current CEO, her father's progeny. Trusting him to help guide her out of the downwood spiral she is currently on, Grant knows he should stay away from the spoiled heiress.
Ada isn't exactly what she appears to be, a grieving sister and not knowing who to turn to has left her acting like a party girl without a cause because she doesn't have any direction in her life. Working for the auction house should be easy for someone intelligent but she doesn't want to work for Grant!
Final thoughts
I love this. The romance was there between them and I found myself smiling at them. Enjoyed reading this and I wish there was another!!
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: N/A
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Grant Wood
Ada Hathaway
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ada is being forced to intern at her families auction house. Grant is the current CEO, her father's progeny. Trusting him to help guide her out of the downwood spiral she is currently on, Grant knows he should stay away from the spoiled heiress.
Ada isn't exactly what she appears to be, a grieving sister and not knowing who to turn to has left her acting like a party girl without a cause because she doesn't have any direction in her life. Working for the auction house should be easy for someone intelligent but she doesn't want to work for Grant!
Final thoughts
I love this. The romance was there between them and I found myself smiling at them. Enjoyed reading this and I wish there was another!!
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: N/A
July 5, 2021
I was really disappointed with this one. I’ve read one of Olivia Hayle’s other books, Billion Dollar Enemy and really enjoyed it, but this one didn’t have that swoony factor. I think maybe because I didn’t find Grant at all charming, or have any attractive traits. He was an ahole.. and not in a hot way!!
Ada was just as plain as Grant. Vanilla all round. I didn’t even find the plot engaging.
It was so boring, nothing really happens. There wasn’t even much drama which ya know is sometimes a good thing on an otherwise mundane plot.
Ada was just as plain as Grant. Vanilla all round. I didn’t even find the plot engaging.
It was so boring, nothing really happens. There wasn’t even much drama which ya know is sometimes a good thing on an otherwise mundane plot.
May 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐
This puts me back in my OH era! I loved this book so much, not only because of the tension between Ada and Grant but also because this is (finally!) a story where a main character gets the help she needs in the form of therapy/rehab and it is not made into a big scandal plot point. The only thing that bothered me was, considering how smart Grant is, he was a bit too quick to judge Ada imo. But the way they found back together?? Immaculate. 🫶
This puts me back in my OH era! I loved this book so much, not only because of the tension between Ada and Grant but also because this is (finally!) a story where a main character gets the help she needs in the form of therapy/rehab and it is not made into a big scandal plot point. The only thing that bothered me was, considering how smart Grant is, he was a bit too quick to judge Ada imo. But the way they found back together?? Immaculate. 🫶
April 1, 2021
Agradável surpresa, depois de tantos mafiosos dark, todos iguais.
Adorei a escrita da autora...
Adorei a escrita da autora...
December 2, 2021
Rada kesel si gw sama hero nya, tp ya emang kl terlalu banyak dikecewakan kehidupan akan sinis ngeliat orang laen sih.. ude mikir yg jeleknya aja kwkwkwkw
abandoned issues is real fufufufufu
abandoned issues is real fufufufufu
August 10, 2021
Fast but random
This was a quick storyline with no fluff. That made me VERY HAPPY. However, I NEVER felt like Grant fell in love and then BAM he’s professing his love and it was awkward as all get out.
This was a quick storyline with no fluff. That made me VERY HAPPY. However, I NEVER felt like Grant fell in love and then BAM he’s professing his love and it was awkward as all get out.
June 19, 2024
Ada's father has gotten fed up of her attitude, issuing her an ultimatum to clean up her act. Annoyed but recognising she has no choice, she decides to irritate Grant Wood, the man her father mentored, and who is now her boss. However, she is in for a surprise when Grant turns out to more than the guy who stole her father's affection.
Grant's previous experiences with Ada have warned him to stay far away from the snarky, pampered princess, but he cannot ignore his mentor's plea to give his daughter one last chance. When she strips away her spoiled girl persona, he sees a different woman than the one he met all those years ago, as well as a woman struggling with grief.
This is the sort of book that makes you smile.
Grant's previous experiences with Ada have warned him to stay far away from the snarky, pampered princess, but he cannot ignore his mentor's plea to give his daughter one last chance. When she strips away her spoiled girl persona, he sees a different woman than the one he met all those years ago, as well as a woman struggling with grief.
This is the sort of book that makes you smile.
March 7, 2023
Grant is the CEO of a famous auction house. His mentor comes to him and asks a huge favor. He wants him to hire his daughter as an intern abs to test her as a regular employee. His daughter Ava has partied her elite snobby life away after her twin died, to cover her pain. But daddy's is at his wits end with her and terrified to lose her as well as her twin brother. So he tells her to where she is young to work and if not her inheritance will be removed. Problem: Grant and Ava grew up on 2 different sides of the social world and they hate each other.
October 19, 2021
- enemies to lovers, workplace romance
- and like actual enemies too which i loved
- i love that it’s set at an auction house!! v unique
- okay but sad backgrounds and now i’m sad
- when i say i’m obsessed with them
- oh Grant you big stupid dummy
- i genuinely cried for Ada like my heart was broken for her for a bit
- the grovelling was spectacular
- the epilogue seemed a bit rushed, would of liked a bit more info but it was still very sweet!
- and like actual enemies too which i loved
- i love that it’s set at an auction house!! v unique
- okay but sad backgrounds and now i’m sad
- when i say i’m obsessed with them
- oh Grant you big stupid dummy
- i genuinely cried for Ada like my heart was broken for her for a bit
- the grovelling was spectacular
- the epilogue seemed a bit rushed, would of liked a bit more info but it was still very sweet!
July 9, 2022
Olivia Hayle has this knack of creating broken characters who do and say things that make the other take notice of traits within themselves. Although set in a workplace, this was not your average workplace romance. The power imbalance of the CEO and subordinate was slightly different as Ada was the daughter of the founding family, doing an internship in order to get her life back on track after a rough few years.
The end was a little rushed, but still made sense. 4.5 stars.
The end was a little rushed, but still made sense. 4.5 stars.
April 7, 2025
4.5 stars
Loved the book but have no time for the review, sorry.
Perhaps they got together a tad too fast for my taste (i like it burning sloooooow) but i still loved it.
Very Olivia Hayle romance.
And I'm a fan. :)
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Loved the book but have no time for the review, sorry.
Perhaps they got together a tad too fast for my taste (i like it burning sloooooow) but i still loved it.
Very Olivia Hayle romance.
And I'm a fan. :)
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September 4, 2022
i love my lil office romances i really do😎
February 17, 2025
Exactly!!!
August 29, 2021
It got 3 star cause the story took a turn I didn't expected (not the plot line but the way things happened all along) . The story was well told and it felt ok, it wasn't like most story's of sex all day people and things happened smooth.
Tough it could had a lot more bone.
(BTW I normally give 1 or 2 star so this was top babe)
Tough it could had a lot more bone.
(BTW I normally give 1 or 2 star so this was top babe)
September 1, 2025
Livre romance, humour et intrigue . Conseiller ! Léger.
Entreprise familiale de vente aux enchères
Entreprise familiale de vente aux enchères
February 18, 2022
I loved this. It was a very entertaining read. I love Olivia’s book because they help you relax and get out of your own mind for a bit and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. The female lead was a strong character who didn’t bow down to males and did anything she wanted which I loved. The male lead wasn’t a typical alpha which was great too. Read this if you need some quick stress free entertainment!
February 5, 2025
Dieses Buch war eine lockere und leichte Lektüre, die sich angenehm und schnell lesen ließ. Die Handlung bot zwar keine großen Überraschungen, aber das tat der Geschichte keinen Abbruch. Im Gegenteil – gerade dadurch wirkte die Erzählung um Grant und Ada harmonisch und rund.
Anfangs erscheint Ada wie das klassische reiche Partygirl, das von ihrem Vater gezwungen wird, im Familienunternehmen zu arbeiten, wenn sie weiterhin auf ihr Geld zugreifen will. Doch schnell wurde klar, dass sie weit mehr ist als das: Ihre Trauer hat sie in eine Selbstzerstörungsspirale getrieben, und diese Entwicklung machte sie für mich umso greifbarer. Besonders ihre Weiterentwicklung im Laufe der Geschichte hat mir gefallen. Auch das Ende überraschte mich mehr, als ich erwartet hatte.
Grant verkörpert den typischen erfolgreichen Geschäftsmann – distanziert, kontrolliert und zunächst emotionslos Ada gegenüber. Andererseits kann man ihm nicht wirklich übelnehmen, dass er sich so verhält, schließlich hat Ada lange Zeit keinen Grund geliefert, ihn anders zu sehen. Erst zum Schluss erkennt er, dass seine kühle Haltung vielleicht nicht die beste Wahl war und er sich mit seiner eigenen Vergangenheit auseinandersetzen muss.
Die Liebesgeschichte hatte schöne Momente, aber das Ende kam mir etwas zu abrupt. Der große Zeitsprung zwischen letztem Kapitel und Epilog ließ einige Fragen offen, die ich gerne beantwortet gesehen hätte. Die Dynamik zwischen Ada und Grant war dennoch gelungen. Aus anfänglicher Feindseligkeit entwickelte sich ein spielerisches Flirten, das sich natürlich anfühlte. Besonders Ada machte eine tolle Entwicklung durch – sie begann eine Therapie, versuchte, ihre Beziehung zu ihrem Vater zu verbessern, und stellte sich ihrer Trauer. Das war ein schöner Aspekt der Geschichte.
Grant blieb dagegen für meinen Geschmack etwas blass. Seine Hintergrundgeschichte wurde angerissen, aber nicht wirklich vertieft. Auch die Konkurrenz zwischen ihm und Ben wirkte etwas unausgereift, fast so, als gehöre sie in eine andere Geschichte. Vielleicht ist Ben in einem anderen Buch der Autorin eine wichtigere Figur, aber hier fühlte sich dieser Handlungsstrang nicht ganz rund an.
Alles in allem ein netter Roman mit einer soliden Enemies-to-Lovers-Dynamik, schönen Momenten und einer angenehmen Leichtigkeit. Ada und Grants Chemie hat mir gefallen, auch wenn ich mir mehr Tiefe in der Charakterentwicklung gewünscht hätte. Ein paar Aspekte hätten ausführlicher ausgearbeitet werden können, weshalb ich insgesamt 3 ⭐ vergebe. Wer eine lockere Boss/Angestellte-Romance mit einem Hauch von Fehde sucht, wird hier aber sicher gut unterhalten.
Danke an NetGalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!
Anfangs erscheint Ada wie das klassische reiche Partygirl, das von ihrem Vater gezwungen wird, im Familienunternehmen zu arbeiten, wenn sie weiterhin auf ihr Geld zugreifen will. Doch schnell wurde klar, dass sie weit mehr ist als das: Ihre Trauer hat sie in eine Selbstzerstörungsspirale getrieben, und diese Entwicklung machte sie für mich umso greifbarer. Besonders ihre Weiterentwicklung im Laufe der Geschichte hat mir gefallen. Auch das Ende überraschte mich mehr, als ich erwartet hatte.
Grant verkörpert den typischen erfolgreichen Geschäftsmann – distanziert, kontrolliert und zunächst emotionslos Ada gegenüber. Andererseits kann man ihm nicht wirklich übelnehmen, dass er sich so verhält, schließlich hat Ada lange Zeit keinen Grund geliefert, ihn anders zu sehen. Erst zum Schluss erkennt er, dass seine kühle Haltung vielleicht nicht die beste Wahl war und er sich mit seiner eigenen Vergangenheit auseinandersetzen muss.
Die Liebesgeschichte hatte schöne Momente, aber das Ende kam mir etwas zu abrupt. Der große Zeitsprung zwischen letztem Kapitel und Epilog ließ einige Fragen offen, die ich gerne beantwortet gesehen hätte. Die Dynamik zwischen Ada und Grant war dennoch gelungen. Aus anfänglicher Feindseligkeit entwickelte sich ein spielerisches Flirten, das sich natürlich anfühlte. Besonders Ada machte eine tolle Entwicklung durch – sie begann eine Therapie, versuchte, ihre Beziehung zu ihrem Vater zu verbessern, und stellte sich ihrer Trauer. Das war ein schöner Aspekt der Geschichte.
Grant blieb dagegen für meinen Geschmack etwas blass. Seine Hintergrundgeschichte wurde angerissen, aber nicht wirklich vertieft. Auch die Konkurrenz zwischen ihm und Ben wirkte etwas unausgereift, fast so, als gehöre sie in eine andere Geschichte. Vielleicht ist Ben in einem anderen Buch der Autorin eine wichtigere Figur, aber hier fühlte sich dieser Handlungsstrang nicht ganz rund an.
Alles in allem ein netter Roman mit einer soliden Enemies-to-Lovers-Dynamik, schönen Momenten und einer angenehmen Leichtigkeit. Ada und Grants Chemie hat mir gefallen, auch wenn ich mir mehr Tiefe in der Charakterentwicklung gewünscht hätte. Ein paar Aspekte hätten ausführlicher ausgearbeitet werden können, weshalb ich insgesamt 3 ⭐ vergebe. Wer eine lockere Boss/Angestellte-Romance mit einem Hauch von Fehde sucht, wird hier aber sicher gut unterhalten.
Danke an NetGalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!
February 28, 2019
Very moving and exciting
I loved it thanks to the relationship of the two characters who hate each other. Each of them is lost in his past, and does not accept to be confronted with the other that was imposed on him. Between Ada who has the skills to work in the auction business of her father but who has trouble getting out of the mourning of her brother, and Grant, an orphan, who started from scratch, and who does not want of this heiress born with a silver spoon, who is imposed on him, the relations are strained and the reflections are incisive.
No one wants the other, but their skills and the business bring them together even if they do not want to, while their respect for each other increases.
I found the story at once thrilling and moving, making me go from joy to sadness.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I loved it thanks to the relationship of the two characters who hate each other. Each of them is lost in his past, and does not accept to be confronted with the other that was imposed on him. Between Ada who has the skills to work in the auction business of her father but who has trouble getting out of the mourning of her brother, and Grant, an orphan, who started from scratch, and who does not want of this heiress born with a silver spoon, who is imposed on him, the relations are strained and the reflections are incisive.
No one wants the other, but their skills and the business bring them together even if they do not want to, while their respect for each other increases.
I found the story at once thrilling and moving, making me go from joy to sadness.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
October 8, 2020
Exceedingly enjoyable
This was a mostly light read, with snappy dialogue, insightful narrative, and a solid story ark. I recommend and I hope amazon adds a feature so you can see your own reviews of a given book if you’ve already read it, so when I pass this one in 6-12 months, I’ll see that I liked it and read it again. No surprise pregnancy (I mixed up this one with another summary in my head so read it expecting that to happen. I liked that the conflict didn’t get glossed over. I felt the pain of the characters in my heart and I randomly smiled a few times. Little less sex than I was expecting but still one good scene at a well placed scene in the story. I am truly well pleased. 4.9/5 overall. 6.8/10 on sexometer.
This was a mostly light read, with snappy dialogue, insightful narrative, and a solid story ark. I recommend and I hope amazon adds a feature so you can see your own reviews of a given book if you’ve already read it, so when I pass this one in 6-12 months, I’ll see that I liked it and read it again. No surprise pregnancy (I mixed up this one with another summary in my head so read it expecting that to happen. I liked that the conflict didn’t get glossed over. I felt the pain of the characters in my heart and I randomly smiled a few times. Little less sex than I was expecting but still one good scene at a well placed scene in the story. I am truly well pleased. 4.9/5 overall. 6.8/10 on sexometer.
April 10, 2022
It’s okay - RECOMMEND
This is a predictable read. Nothing exciting and I did skim and skip a lot of it. The glass of wine may be why I gave it 3 stars because I have a real issue with the power dynamic of the male and female leads. Why romance authors, especially women, disappointingly, cannot write strong, successful, independent, self assured female leads is depressing. It tells me or rather reinforces how little women value themselves or have had a successful woman, as previously described, to look up to. An author’s writing is a window into who the writer is themselves. Sad.
SEX SCENES = Yes, decent. No talk of medical testing and no condom
This is a predictable read. Nothing exciting and I did skim and skip a lot of it. The glass of wine may be why I gave it 3 stars because I have a real issue with the power dynamic of the male and female leads. Why romance authors, especially women, disappointingly, cannot write strong, successful, independent, self assured female leads is depressing. It tells me or rather reinforces how little women value themselves or have had a successful woman, as previously described, to look up to. An author’s writing is a window into who the writer is themselves. Sad.
SEX SCENES = Yes, decent. No talk of medical testing and no condom
March 21, 2024
Ada's world was rocked when she lost her twin 👯♀️, sending her into a tailspin of partying and wild times. 🍻🥳 But her dad wasn't having it, so he dropped an ultimatum: finish a 3-month internship under his CEO, Grant Wood, or kiss her trust fund goodbye. 💰
Now, Ada and Grant? They had history, Grant joined the company 6 years ago,and let's just say their relationship was frostier than an Arctic snowstorm ever since. ❄️ However, as Ada starts working under Grant's leadership, they both begin to realize the other is not the person they assumed, the icy tension started melting into something deliciously flirty. Suddenly, they realized they might have misjudged each other all along.🔥What started as antagonistic banter slowly transforms into flirtatious exchanges and deeper conversations as they peel back each other's layers.💋
Grant had his own demons, his own emotional baggage, that he's wrestling with. When he learns that Ada's motivation for the internship was simply to get her trust fund money, he feels betrayed, accusing her of never truly caring about him. 💔 Talk about a gut punch! 😭
They both are defiantly miserable without the other but Grant doesn't let Ada through his walls and keeps his distance, ultimately realizes that even though he is scared and terrified to let people in, he doesn't want to live without her. So he tries to get her back. I just hoped he'd have to grovel more but Ada really let him off easy.
The book was brilliantly written, but the ending felt a tad rushed. 🏃♀️I would have loved for the author to dive deeper into Grant's backstory and trauma that shaped who he is. Additionally, I wish there had been more insight into how Ada and Grant worked through their individual issues and found their way back to each other after that emotional rift.
That said, I absolutely adored watching Ada's journey of personal growth - going to therapy, repairing her relationship with her father, and confronting her grief over her brother's passing. Her commitment to becoming a healthier version of herself was inspiring.
Even with that slightly abrupt ending, this was still an immensely enjoyable read, especially for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope. The escalating tension and verbal sparring between Ada and Grant crackled with sexual chemistry. If you love a healthy dose of combative banter leading to a slow-burn romance, then this book is definitely for you. The chemistry was sizzling, the angst was off the charts, and the personal growth was chef's kiss! 🔥🔥🔥😘
Spice Rating - 🌶️🌶️
Now, Ada and Grant? They had history, Grant joined the company 6 years ago,and let's just say their relationship was frostier than an Arctic snowstorm ever since. ❄️ However, as Ada starts working under Grant's leadership, they both begin to realize the other is not the person they assumed, the icy tension started melting into something deliciously flirty. Suddenly, they realized they might have misjudged each other all along.🔥What started as antagonistic banter slowly transforms into flirtatious exchanges and deeper conversations as they peel back each other's layers.💋
Grant had his own demons, his own emotional baggage, that he's wrestling with. When he learns that Ada's motivation for the internship was simply to get her trust fund money, he feels betrayed, accusing her of never truly caring about him. 💔 Talk about a gut punch! 😭
They both are defiantly miserable without the other but Grant doesn't let Ada through his walls and keeps his distance, ultimately realizes that even though he is scared and terrified to let people in, he doesn't want to live without her. So he tries to get her back. I just hoped he'd have to grovel more but Ada really let him off easy.
The book was brilliantly written, but the ending felt a tad rushed. 🏃♀️I would have loved for the author to dive deeper into Grant's backstory and trauma that shaped who he is. Additionally, I wish there had been more insight into how Ada and Grant worked through their individual issues and found their way back to each other after that emotional rift.
That said, I absolutely adored watching Ada's journey of personal growth - going to therapy, repairing her relationship with her father, and confronting her grief over her brother's passing. Her commitment to becoming a healthier version of herself was inspiring.
Even with that slightly abrupt ending, this was still an immensely enjoyable read, especially for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope. The escalating tension and verbal sparring between Ada and Grant crackled with sexual chemistry. If you love a healthy dose of combative banter leading to a slow-burn romance, then this book is definitely for you. The chemistry was sizzling, the angst was off the charts, and the personal growth was chef's kiss! 🔥🔥🔥😘
Spice Rating - 🌶️🌶️
April 11, 2022
Following the death of her brother, Ada has thrown herself into a lifestyle of partying, but after one night goes wrong, her father delivers her an ultimatum. Become an intern at his old company, or lose your trust fund. Unfortunately, this means working under Grant, the CEO of her father’s auctioneering business and her father’s protegee. Grant is a self-made man who has felt inadequate around the family of his mentor ever since overhearing Ada make disparaging comments about his background. But when they’re forced to work together, both of them come to realise they may have misjudged the other.
This was really easy to read and the dynamic between Ada and Grant was really fun. I liked that the author took the time to show them getting to know one another - there were some really cute and silly moments between them that were quite endearing, as well as some sexy scenes. I thought they had good chemistry and I was interested to see where their romance went.
However, I did find it a bit over-packed with backstory. The death of Ada’s brother worked well in the context of the story, but Grant’s history felt a bit crowbarred in and went nowhere. Then there was the rivalry between Grant and Ben. This subplot felt very disjointed, almost like an afterthought, and when it finally built up to something I didn’t really get the escalation. I’m not sure if the character of Ben appears in other novels by this author, but it felt almost as if the reader was already meant to know who he was and what he was capable of. So this part of the book just fell a bit flat for me.
Overall this was an enjoyable and easy read, with quite a gentle and sweet romance at its heart, but I think the backstories and subplot involving a rivalry with another auction house needed work. I would recommend it if you’re looking for a boss/employee romance with a slight enemies-to-lovers vibe.
Content Notes:
This was really easy to read and the dynamic between Ada and Grant was really fun. I liked that the author took the time to show them getting to know one another - there were some really cute and silly moments between them that were quite endearing, as well as some sexy scenes. I thought they had good chemistry and I was interested to see where their romance went.
However, I did find it a bit over-packed with backstory. The death of Ada’s brother worked well in the context of the story, but Grant’s history felt a bit crowbarred in and went nowhere. Then there was the rivalry between Grant and Ben. This subplot felt very disjointed, almost like an afterthought, and when it finally built up to something I didn’t really get the escalation. I’m not sure if the character of Ben appears in other novels by this author, but it felt almost as if the reader was already meant to know who he was and what he was capable of. So this part of the book just fell a bit flat for me.
Overall this was an enjoyable and easy read, with quite a gentle and sweet romance at its heart, but I think the backstories and subplot involving a rivalry with another auction house needed work. I would recommend it if you’re looking for a boss/employee romance with a slight enemies-to-lovers vibe.
Content Notes:
August 27, 2021
So this me during the first half of the book:
This is my first Olivia Hayle book. If the dialogue and banter in her other books are as well written as this one, I'm in for some binge reading. I am in 52% and cant get over the flirtation, how realistic the dialogue.
That scene in the basement when she was staring at him because he was sitting on an old dusty couch, and he asked what she was staring at and she pretended to snap a photo of him and he blushed and looked away. That was the kind of subtle romance we all like, right? It's the definition of "kilig". Its vulnerable, its sweet, it doesnt need to explain itself, doesnt need a dialogue. Its awesome.
I love both the MCs.
Me after 70 percent:
I wasnt happy with the sudden conflict about 70 percent in. I felt so disappointed that the small problems were just misunderstandings. It felt like they were just slapped on there because...well something has to happen right? It didnt help that we have both POVs, so while h was seething with jealousy, we all know it was a reporter H was talking to. And while H was feeling uneasy about her absence, we know she was just in a retreat. So whats the point of all this anxiety, there were no great repurcussions. They quickly realize theyre wrong. H, who i really liked before, also suddenly became a giant prick. He said all that shit about h sleeping with him because of her trust fund and then a few days later he apologised just like that and it was such a bland apology.
And then when h was in France and saw the interview where he sang her praises and she got really touched and shit? What was that? Of course he's not going to say anything bad about her. Even the whole reconciliation part was so cheesy and hurried. That epilogue? I was so frustrated.
I just thought that the last 30 percent was all forced, like it was written by a different writer. I felt so cheated because the first 70 was so good.
This is my first Olivia Hayle book. If the dialogue and banter in her other books are as well written as this one, I'm in for some binge reading. I am in 52% and cant get over the flirtation, how realistic the dialogue.
That scene in the basement when she was staring at him because he was sitting on an old dusty couch, and he asked what she was staring at and she pretended to snap a photo of him and he blushed and looked away. That was the kind of subtle romance we all like, right? It's the definition of "kilig". Its vulnerable, its sweet, it doesnt need to explain itself, doesnt need a dialogue. Its awesome.
I love both the MCs.
Me after 70 percent:
I wasnt happy with the sudden conflict about 70 percent in. I felt so disappointed that the small problems were just misunderstandings. It felt like they were just slapped on there because...well something has to happen right? It didnt help that we have both POVs, so while h was seething with jealousy, we all know it was a reporter H was talking to. And while H was feeling uneasy about her absence, we know she was just in a retreat. So whats the point of all this anxiety, there were no great repurcussions. They quickly realize theyre wrong. H, who i really liked before, also suddenly became a giant prick. He said all that shit about h sleeping with him because of her trust fund and then a few days later he apologised just like that and it was such a bland apology.
And then when h was in France and saw the interview where he sang her praises and she got really touched and shit? What was that? Of course he's not going to say anything bad about her. Even the whole reconciliation part was so cheesy and hurried. That epilogue? I was so frustrated.
I just thought that the last 30 percent was all forced, like it was written by a different writer. I felt so cheated because the first 70 was so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
Grant and Ada
Ada was a gorgeous party girl after graduating at the top of her class, and her father was afraid he would lose her to tragedy the same way he had lost her brother Max. In order to keep the family money, Arthur Hathaway insisted that Ada Intern at his company, now run by Arthur’s protege, Grant Wood.
Ada was horrified by the prospect of doing an internship under Grant Wood. She and Max both secretly thought he had a stick somewhere unpleasant, and maybe they were also jealous of how fond their father was of Grant. It was also easy to see that Grant wasn’t fond of her either, so it should be a fun three months.
Ada refused to do anything but her best, and Grant was surprised at how well she did until one day Ada made a serious mistake which he was more that happy to read her the riot act for. Then his secretary told him that Ada had been directed by a long time employee to make the mistake, because she was trying to tank Ada’s career. Oops. Both Ada and Grant were surprised at Grant’s apology and and Ada’s gracious acceptance. Especially after Grant fired the employee that tried to ruin Ada’s career.
Everything changed after that moment. They both tried harder to be kind to each other and although they had both already noticed each other as man and woman, Ada started trying harder to be Grant’s friend. Especially at an office party when Ada snatched a bottle of champagne and showed Grant the “Vault” where she and her now deceased brother used to bother the guard to show them around. The vault where things get a little more heated.
The romance was a sweet blossoming story that is sexy but not raunchy, and very well written. This has all the elements of a well done love story, heartbreak and making up included. Five stars for Olivia Hayle and her sexy brooding CEO and the socialite!
Ada was a gorgeous party girl after graduating at the top of her class, and her father was afraid he would lose her to tragedy the same way he had lost her brother Max. In order to keep the family money, Arthur Hathaway insisted that Ada Intern at his company, now run by Arthur’s protege, Grant Wood.
Ada was horrified by the prospect of doing an internship under Grant Wood. She and Max both secretly thought he had a stick somewhere unpleasant, and maybe they were also jealous of how fond their father was of Grant. It was also easy to see that Grant wasn’t fond of her either, so it should be a fun three months.
Ada refused to do anything but her best, and Grant was surprised at how well she did until one day Ada made a serious mistake which he was more that happy to read her the riot act for. Then his secretary told him that Ada had been directed by a long time employee to make the mistake, because she was trying to tank Ada’s career. Oops. Both Ada and Grant were surprised at Grant’s apology and and Ada’s gracious acceptance. Especially after Grant fired the employee that tried to ruin Ada’s career.
Everything changed after that moment. They both tried harder to be kind to each other and although they had both already noticed each other as man and woman, Ada started trying harder to be Grant’s friend. Especially at an office party when Ada snatched a bottle of champagne and showed Grant the “Vault” where she and her now deceased brother used to bother the guard to show them around. The vault where things get a little more heated.
The romance was a sweet blossoming story that is sexy but not raunchy, and very well written. This has all the elements of a well done love story, heartbreak and making up included. Five stars for Olivia Hayle and her sexy brooding CEO and the socialite!
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