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Anti-Belle #1
Not Suitable for Work
The competition is stiff. The stakes are high. And what happens on Halloween night is definitely not suitable for work.
Celeste Greene and Ben Addison didn’t realize the internship-to-hire opportunity was actually a contest, but neither of these talented web designers can afford to walk away.
After betrayal destroyed her fabulous life in New York City, Celeste moved home to Nashville, Tennessee broke and broken. Restarting her career is her only goal. An ice queen who drove her partner to cheat can’t even think about friends or fun. Celeste’s talent and desperation should make the competition an easy win—if only she could stop gawking at her rival long enough to concentrate.
Ben Addison doesn’t want to be a corporate climber or live in a high-rise downtown. He just needs a steady paycheck after foolishly investing everything in a pretty face and a shot at a music career. He has no business fantasizing about his competitor, even if she is the most stunning—and guarded—woman he’s ever met.
This contest can’t rival the chemistry between these two, but is the risk worth the reward? With a haunting past and her future on the line, Celeste must decide what she wants, what she needs, and what her heart is really worth.
Celeste Greene and Ben Addison didn’t realize the internship-to-hire opportunity was actually a contest, but neither of these talented web designers can afford to walk away.
After betrayal destroyed her fabulous life in New York City, Celeste moved home to Nashville, Tennessee broke and broken. Restarting her career is her only goal. An ice queen who drove her partner to cheat can’t even think about friends or fun. Celeste’s talent and desperation should make the competition an easy win—if only she could stop gawking at her rival long enough to concentrate.
Ben Addison doesn’t want to be a corporate climber or live in a high-rise downtown. He just needs a steady paycheck after foolishly investing everything in a pretty face and a shot at a music career. He has no business fantasizing about his competitor, even if she is the most stunning—and guarded—woman he’s ever met.
This contest can’t rival the chemistry between these two, but is the risk worth the reward? With a haunting past and her future on the line, Celeste must decide what she wants, what she needs, and what her heart is really worth.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
126 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Skye McDonald
18 books166 followersSkye McDonald is a wellness coach, blogger, and contemporary romance novelist. She believes in the power of falling in love with oneself as the real path to a happily ever after. Her books and coaching draw on her own life experiences. Her novels are sure to make you laugh, cry, and swoon.
Skye's first novel, *Not Suitable for Work*, won the Linda Howard Award for Romance in 2019. Her co-authored Unlikely Pairings series (written with Sarah Smith) have been Amazon bestsellers and #1 New Releases. Skye shares her thoughts on living life with an open heart in her "A Bit Much" Substack.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Skye now lives and works in Montclair, New Jersey. In her free time, she hikes with her dogs, runs Spartan races, travels, Scuba dives, and is learning to ski. Someday she’ll chill out, preferably on a beach. But not yet. There’s so much life to live first.
Skye's first novel, *Not Suitable for Work*, won the Linda Howard Award for Romance in 2019. Her co-authored Unlikely Pairings series (written with Sarah Smith) have been Amazon bestsellers and #1 New Releases. Skye shares her thoughts on living life with an open heart in her "A Bit Much" Substack.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Skye now lives and works in Montclair, New Jersey. In her free time, she hikes with her dogs, runs Spartan races, travels, Scuba dives, and is learning to ski. Someday she’ll chill out, preferably on a beach. But not yet. There’s so much life to live first.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 27, 2019
5⭐️
OMG!! I loved this story. Right from the start I was pulled in and didn’t want to put it down. I liked the lead characters and could feel the sexual tension between them. The chemistry was yummy and I thought the romance was electric. And I’m am totally in love with Ben! He’s my new book boyfriend.
I loved that they worked together and there was a lot of competition going on. This was fun. It had tension, angst, silliness, and lots of romance.
This is a stand-alone and a HEA. I am definitely buying book 2!
This was an ARC and I’ve given my honest opinion.
OMG!! I loved this story. Right from the start I was pulled in and didn’t want to put it down. I liked the lead characters and could feel the sexual tension between them. The chemistry was yummy and I thought the romance was electric. And I’m am totally in love with Ben! He’s my new book boyfriend.
I loved that they worked together and there was a lot of competition going on. This was fun. It had tension, angst, silliness, and lots of romance.
This is a stand-alone and a HEA. I am definitely buying book 2!
This was an ARC and I’ve given my honest opinion.
September 11, 2019
This book...OMG this book! Okay, so I'm a romance junkie, and I can be super picky about what I like and let me tell you, Not Suitable For Work blew me away! I am a sucker for office romances between rivals and/or enemies, and that's exactly what Celeste and Ben are. The tension hits from the moment they meet and it's full throttle from then on.
I adored Celeste and felt for her immediately. Here she was this young professional reeling from a devastating work experience and a monumental heartbreak (sidebar: I hated her ex, he was SUCH a douche-canoe, Skye did an amazing job writing the perfect d-bag ex, bravo!), then thrown into a misleading work situation. I was rooting for her from the first page. It was like I could feel exactly what she was going through--her thoughts, her struggles, that spark of attraction she felt with Ben right off the bat. Skye did an incredible job writing a female main character who you can relate to.
And Ben...oh my goodness Ben...add him to my favorite book boyfriends of all time. Not only is he a killer web designer, but he's also a musician/songwriter. That's some panty-dropping appeal right there. Plus, he's tall, super good-looking, with an excellent body and passionate. YES, PLEASE.
The two of them are essentially competing for a full-time position at a Nashville company, and the shenanigans they get up to during work hours--and after hours--had me both laughing and holding my breath because I was SO captivated by the storyline. I won't give anything away, but this book has it all: witty banter, tension you can cut with a knife, steamy scenes, and an emotional story arc that will leave you breathless. Oh and there's a stellar Halloween scene. Just wait until you read it...it's crazy good ;)
The author seriously knows how to write relatable characters who you root for and relate to. Cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series. And I have to say, I ADORE the Anti-Belle name! So clever! So happy to see an author like Skye breaking into the romance world!
I adored Celeste and felt for her immediately. Here she was this young professional reeling from a devastating work experience and a monumental heartbreak (sidebar: I hated her ex, he was SUCH a douche-canoe, Skye did an amazing job writing the perfect d-bag ex, bravo!), then thrown into a misleading work situation. I was rooting for her from the first page. It was like I could feel exactly what she was going through--her thoughts, her struggles, that spark of attraction she felt with Ben right off the bat. Skye did an incredible job writing a female main character who you can relate to.
And Ben...oh my goodness Ben...add him to my favorite book boyfriends of all time. Not only is he a killer web designer, but he's also a musician/songwriter. That's some panty-dropping appeal right there. Plus, he's tall, super good-looking, with an excellent body and passionate. YES, PLEASE.
The two of them are essentially competing for a full-time position at a Nashville company, and the shenanigans they get up to during work hours--and after hours--had me both laughing and holding my breath because I was SO captivated by the storyline. I won't give anything away, but this book has it all: witty banter, tension you can cut with a knife, steamy scenes, and an emotional story arc that will leave you breathless. Oh and there's a stellar Halloween scene. Just wait until you read it...it's crazy good ;)
The author seriously knows how to write relatable characters who you root for and relate to. Cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series. And I have to say, I ADORE the Anti-Belle name! So clever! So happy to see an author like Skye breaking into the romance world!
October 2, 2019
This book was such a pleasant surprise! Skye was kind enough to send me a complimentary copy and I'm so glad she did! My favorite thing about NSFW you ask? COMMUNICATION. These characters literally "speak their truths" and it was so incredibly refreshing. Celeste and Ben were such a fun and super sexy couple. NSFW was steamy yet managed to be kind of sweet and emotional!
September 25, 2019
Full review and excerpt available on my blog, Laurie Reads Romance.
I really enjoyed Skye McDonald's "Not Suitable for Work" and absolutely recommend it. The writing is very mature, especially for a debut novel, and I found it to be very easy to read. I've always loved both the enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance tropes, and this novel manages to capture both of those themes superbly.
I adored both main characters, especially Celeste, and found them both to be well-developed and incredibly likeable. It was easy to empathize with Celeste's emotional journey following the events that caused her to leave NYC and move back home to Nashville. Ben was amazingly supportive of Celeste despite their competition for the job at Tenn Star, as well as the fact that he was recovering from a tough break-up of his own. Both Ben and Celeste deserved to be treated better by their partners than they had been in the past, and I couldn't help but cheer them on to their HEA.
This story also featured great secondary characters, especially Nick, James, Sarah, and Liv. I could easily see any one of them being featured in future stories. In addition, the relationship between Celeste and her parents was super cute. I loved how supportive they were of her, and how nicely they welcomed Ben into the fold.
Overall, "Not Suitable for Work" is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more from Ms. McDonald in the future.
*ARC provided by the author via Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed Skye McDonald's "Not Suitable for Work" and absolutely recommend it. The writing is very mature, especially for a debut novel, and I found it to be very easy to read. I've always loved both the enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance tropes, and this novel manages to capture both of those themes superbly.
I adored both main characters, especially Celeste, and found them both to be well-developed and incredibly likeable. It was easy to empathize with Celeste's emotional journey following the events that caused her to leave NYC and move back home to Nashville. Ben was amazingly supportive of Celeste despite their competition for the job at Tenn Star, as well as the fact that he was recovering from a tough break-up of his own. Both Ben and Celeste deserved to be treated better by their partners than they had been in the past, and I couldn't help but cheer them on to their HEA.
This story also featured great secondary characters, especially Nick, James, Sarah, and Liv. I could easily see any one of them being featured in future stories. In addition, the relationship between Celeste and her parents was super cute. I loved how supportive they were of her, and how nicely they welcomed Ben into the fold.
Overall, "Not Suitable for Work" is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more from Ms. McDonald in the future.
*ARC provided by the author via Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2019
**EXCELLENT DEBUT ROMANCE**
All I can say about this book is.... WOW!!!! McDonald uses her glorious writing ability to create characters that are so real, so relatable, so desireable the reader can't help but become entangled in the drama! Celeste is the feisty go getter I love to root for in a story and Ben is the heart throb hottie that makes me go soft in the middle. The chemistry between them explodes across the pages splattering all the feels directly in your heart.
I could completely identify with Celeste as she tries to recover from a relationship bombshell. Cheated on by her man (and blamed for HIS transgression) she struggles with forming emotional ties. But Ben wears his heart on his sleeve and isn't afraid to go for what he wants. Even with her shattered shell, Celeste may be a tough nut to crack. Their bantering dialogue and steamy intimate scenes had me laughing and daydreaming plenty!
If you like contemporary romance, this is the book for you. The way McDonald uses the setting as a character is brilliant! Having been to many of the places mentioned in the book was an added bonus when it came to picturing the scene for me. But even if you have never been to Nashville, Tennessee, her descriptions are spot on. You'll soon be shopping for your first pair of boots and a cowboy hat!
Well worth the read. I can't wait for the next installment with the other characters!
All I can say about this book is.... WOW!!!! McDonald uses her glorious writing ability to create characters that are so real, so relatable, so desireable the reader can't help but become entangled in the drama! Celeste is the feisty go getter I love to root for in a story and Ben is the heart throb hottie that makes me go soft in the middle. The chemistry between them explodes across the pages splattering all the feels directly in your heart.
I could completely identify with Celeste as she tries to recover from a relationship bombshell. Cheated on by her man (and blamed for HIS transgression) she struggles with forming emotional ties. But Ben wears his heart on his sleeve and isn't afraid to go for what he wants. Even with her shattered shell, Celeste may be a tough nut to crack. Their bantering dialogue and steamy intimate scenes had me laughing and daydreaming plenty!
If you like contemporary romance, this is the book for you. The way McDonald uses the setting as a character is brilliant! Having been to many of the places mentioned in the book was an added bonus when it came to picturing the scene for me. But even if you have never been to Nashville, Tennessee, her descriptions are spot on. You'll soon be shopping for your first pair of boots and a cowboy hat!
Well worth the read. I can't wait for the next installment with the other characters!
December 26, 2020
I love a good enemeies to lover romance & this one is such a blast!
September 24, 2019
While this is Skye McDonald’s debut release, it manages to have all the stellar craft abilities of a much more seasoned author and is an absolute delight to read. Granted I am mildly biased as I find Ms. McDonald to not simply be a brilliant writer, but also an amazing human. I am four-leaf-clover-at-the-end-of-a-rainbow level lucky to have my readerly world enhanced by knowing such fabulous authors.
You’ll thank me for introducing you to Ms. McDonald and her work. Guaranteed. I’ll take a dozen soft chocolate chip cookies when you feel the need to repay me for this recommendation.
Not Suitable for Work features a tough as nails leading lady Celeste Greene, but here’s the thing. Celeste isn’t bordering on bitchy for no good reason. No, see, our girl here has just gone through a break-up. A bad one. Not one of the ones that is fixed with a girl’s night out of heavy drinking or even a week long cruise laced with liberal amounts of debauchery. Unfortunately the break-up Celeste had to deal with was life changing. The kind that takes your heart, shatters it, and scattered the pieces in the wind as well as pulling the financial rug out from under her feet. Life threw curveballs at Celeste from 10 different directions at a speed that left her unable to duck.
Instead she left the New York City life she loved and moved back to her home in Nashville. And the first job she wound up landing an interview for? Yeah, that was curveball #11 when she was informed she wouldn’t just be hired because there was one other candidate that was just as qualified as her and their boss simply couldn’t decide. No, folks, she had to win the job that was her chance at rebuilding her life. Basically no big deal.
Enter our DARLING Benjamin. Oh. My. Gosh. THIS MAN IS EVERYTHING. Sorry, I’ll calm down as much as I can, but when it comes to discussions of Benjamin Addison, I get a little excited. Not only is the man sexy as hell, he has a charming personality that manages to hide the skeletons he has in his own closet. See, Benjamin… got taken by a pretty face before and now needs this job just as much as Celeste. And even though he is exceptionally attracted to his counterpart, he can’t let that take his focus off the prize.
Or can he?
Yeah, see, here’s the thing folks, Ms. McDonald builds the sexual tension between our love interests to epic proportions and when they finally get their shot… heaven help me. Their smexy times are out of this world!
If that isn’t enough you need to know that this is only book one in a multi-book series that will give you all the book boyfriends you didn’t know you needed. Go one click today to get your start with the Anti-Belle Series.
You’ll thank me for introducing you to Ms. McDonald and her work. Guaranteed. I’ll take a dozen soft chocolate chip cookies when you feel the need to repay me for this recommendation.
Not Suitable for Work features a tough as nails leading lady Celeste Greene, but here’s the thing. Celeste isn’t bordering on bitchy for no good reason. No, see, our girl here has just gone through a break-up. A bad one. Not one of the ones that is fixed with a girl’s night out of heavy drinking or even a week long cruise laced with liberal amounts of debauchery. Unfortunately the break-up Celeste had to deal with was life changing. The kind that takes your heart, shatters it, and scattered the pieces in the wind as well as pulling the financial rug out from under her feet. Life threw curveballs at Celeste from 10 different directions at a speed that left her unable to duck.
Instead she left the New York City life she loved and moved back to her home in Nashville. And the first job she wound up landing an interview for? Yeah, that was curveball #11 when she was informed she wouldn’t just be hired because there was one other candidate that was just as qualified as her and their boss simply couldn’t decide. No, folks, she had to win the job that was her chance at rebuilding her life. Basically no big deal.
Enter our DARLING Benjamin. Oh. My. Gosh. THIS MAN IS EVERYTHING. Sorry, I’ll calm down as much as I can, but when it comes to discussions of Benjamin Addison, I get a little excited. Not only is the man sexy as hell, he has a charming personality that manages to hide the skeletons he has in his own closet. See, Benjamin… got taken by a pretty face before and now needs this job just as much as Celeste. And even though he is exceptionally attracted to his counterpart, he can’t let that take his focus off the prize.
Or can he?
Yeah, see, here’s the thing folks, Ms. McDonald builds the sexual tension between our love interests to epic proportions and when they finally get their shot… heaven help me. Their smexy times are out of this world!
If that isn’t enough you need to know that this is only book one in a multi-book series that will give you all the book boyfriends you didn’t know you needed. Go one click today to get your start with the Anti-Belle Series.
February 12, 2020
I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When Skye reached out to me to read her book, I was both flattered and excited! I love reviewing books and discovering new authors, and I'd already been trolling her Instagram for more news on her book when I saw in her bio she was releasing one. I'm pleased to report you need this book if you like contemporary romance/work place romances.
My favorite romance trope is, without a doubt, enemies to lovers. I have a slight obsession and the sarcasm is usually so delightful, then it often leads into scenes where everyone is conflicted about their new feelings. I felt like they weren't enemies enough, and maybe that's my personal preference that I like the dynamic to be very strong in this trope. They were too quick to be friends and I would have liked more sarcastic banter and flirting.
I was really surprised to find this was a debut book. I even double checked a couple times to make sure I wasn't missing something because this felt very in-tune with seasoned romance authors I read.
Celeste tries to hold Ben at an arm's length because they are competing for a single position at work, and she's already made the workplace romance mistake before. I loved hearing about Celeste's past romance and how their relationship fell apart. The story swapped POVs between Ben and Celeste, and I wish it had been a little longer to develop them a bit more, or maybe just focused on one character.
The humor was really on point with this and James, Ben’s brother, delivered some of my fav0rite lines. One example, "I didn't ask if she was nice. I asked if she was HOT." (pg 16).
If you're a fan of series, you are in luck because this is book one! I'd recommend this for fans of Lauren Blakely and Vi Keeland.
When Skye reached out to me to read her book, I was both flattered and excited! I love reviewing books and discovering new authors, and I'd already been trolling her Instagram for more news on her book when I saw in her bio she was releasing one. I'm pleased to report you need this book if you like contemporary romance/work place romances.
My favorite romance trope is, without a doubt, enemies to lovers. I have a slight obsession and the sarcasm is usually so delightful, then it often leads into scenes where everyone is conflicted about their new feelings. I felt like they weren't enemies enough, and maybe that's my personal preference that I like the dynamic to be very strong in this trope. They were too quick to be friends and I would have liked more sarcastic banter and flirting.
I was really surprised to find this was a debut book. I even double checked a couple times to make sure I wasn't missing something because this felt very in-tune with seasoned romance authors I read.
Celeste tries to hold Ben at an arm's length because they are competing for a single position at work, and she's already made the workplace romance mistake before. I loved hearing about Celeste's past romance and how their relationship fell apart. The story swapped POVs between Ben and Celeste, and I wish it had been a little longer to develop them a bit more, or maybe just focused on one character.
The humor was really on point with this and James, Ben’s brother, delivered some of my fav0rite lines. One example, "I didn't ask if she was nice. I asked if she was HOT." (pg 16).
If you're a fan of series, you are in luck because this is book one! I'd recommend this for fans of Lauren Blakely and Vi Keeland.
September 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this enemies (at least on Celeste's part) to lover romance. Celeste is a character that you can really root for. She hasn't had it too easy since she left Nashville for NYC and only to return after a crappy ex-boyfriend helped her to sabotage her own career and then cheated on her. She needs this current job, but discovers on day one that it is only an intern to hire and there are two candidates, her and Ben. Only one of them will get the job and she is determined for it to be her. But, there is instant chemistry between the two of them and soon they start a relationship outside of work.
Celeste has issues with trusting others and even herself--and with good reason. She has built up a lot of walls around her. Ben is the epitome of what every book boyfriend should be. He is sexy, sweet, handsome and funny. Their bantering together outside of work was excellent. The author did a great job creating these characters and making you feel for them. I especially loved Celeste's mom. Everyone should have a mom like that!
I am excited to learn that this is a series and will look forward to reading them.
Thank you to Skye McDonald for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Celeste has issues with trusting others and even herself--and with good reason. She has built up a lot of walls around her. Ben is the epitome of what every book boyfriend should be. He is sexy, sweet, handsome and funny. Their bantering together outside of work was excellent. The author did a great job creating these characters and making you feel for them. I especially loved Celeste's mom. Everyone should have a mom like that!
I am excited to learn that this is a series and will look forward to reading them.
Thank you to Skye McDonald for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2019
Not Suitable For Work introduces readers to the wild and wonderful world of the Anti-Belles. An Anti-Belle is "a woman whose strength and intelligence make her amazing." I don't know about you, but I could use more stories in my life with strong and intelligent women serving in the leading roles.
McDonald combines fearless female leads with hot romantic foils to lead to steamy stories with depth. A strong ensemble cast rounds out this workplace romance between two ambitious web designers (Celeste Greene and Ben Addison) who are vying the same job. Its a story of workplace rivals and how their chemistry has the power to thwart their professional ambitions. What's more important - love or career? Or, can they each have both? This is a great read for fans of books like The Hating Game.
McDonald's a bright and refreshing new voice on the contemporary romance scene.
Many thanks to Skye McDonald for providing this book to me. All thoughts are my own - though I will share that I am totally biased as I have been in awe of this woman since we met doing Academic Olympics in the 8th grade. I'm just lucky that she's a really talented writer.
McDonald combines fearless female leads with hot romantic foils to lead to steamy stories with depth. A strong ensemble cast rounds out this workplace romance between two ambitious web designers (Celeste Greene and Ben Addison) who are vying the same job. Its a story of workplace rivals and how their chemistry has the power to thwart their professional ambitions. What's more important - love or career? Or, can they each have both? This is a great read for fans of books like The Hating Game.
McDonald's a bright and refreshing new voice on the contemporary romance scene.
Many thanks to Skye McDonald for providing this book to me. All thoughts are my own - though I will share that I am totally biased as I have been in awe of this woman since we met doing Academic Olympics in the 8th grade. I'm just lucky that she's a really talented writer.
September 30, 2019
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of NSFW in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, so I’m a little wreaked after finishing NSFW last night. I loved this book. It had amazing chemistry & steam factor but also a struggle from the heroine that I felt deep. I cried so hard while reading this book but also felt the absolute high of finding love.
It’s amazing how easily words can have an affect on someone, positively or negatively. Especially if you are struggling to find your worth and someone tells you how cold & unworthy you are. Finding the strength to learn your truth & figure out who you are by your own standard without input from other is such a feat.
This book really made me think about how my words and actions can affect people, how I should always remember to be kind & have compassion. Everyone has a struggle, big or small, and all of these struggles are valid.
Ok, so I’m a little wreaked after finishing NSFW last night. I loved this book. It had amazing chemistry & steam factor but also a struggle from the heroine that I felt deep. I cried so hard while reading this book but also felt the absolute high of finding love.
It’s amazing how easily words can have an affect on someone, positively or negatively. Especially if you are struggling to find your worth and someone tells you how cold & unworthy you are. Finding the strength to learn your truth & figure out who you are by your own standard without input from other is such a feat.
This book really made me think about how my words and actions can affect people, how I should always remember to be kind & have compassion. Everyone has a struggle, big or small, and all of these struggles are valid.
September 22, 2019
One of my favorite things is connecting with authors. Skye McDonald reached out to me recently to read her newest release and debut Not Suitable For Work from her Anti-Belles series set in Nashville (clever series name right??). This book reminded me a lot of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. I love a good workplace and enemies to lovers romance. Celeste and Ben are competing for the same job in a bit of an awkward position. They had great chemistry right away. I enjoyed this one but wish it had a bit slower of a burn. But that is all personal preference. Check this one out! I’m excited to see the future releases in this series!
November 9, 2020
Holy crap.
This book was tense, sweet, sexy perfection. Perfection, I tell you. I finished it and wanted to start again immediately. It's deep, connected contemporary romance with an enemies-to-lovers flavor. Forced proximity, insta-love (once they get past that pesky enemies stage), and utter heartbreak. Everything that makes a good love story is here, but at the hands of this author, it becomes a GREAT love story.
Truly, I cannot recommend this enough. I've already bought copies for my friends, and an extra copy for myself.
This book was tense, sweet, sexy perfection. Perfection, I tell you. I finished it and wanted to start again immediately. It's deep, connected contemporary romance with an enemies-to-lovers flavor. Forced proximity, insta-love (once they get past that pesky enemies stage), and utter heartbreak. Everything that makes a good love story is here, but at the hands of this author, it becomes a GREAT love story.
Truly, I cannot recommend this enough. I've already bought copies for my friends, and an extra copy for myself.
September 26, 2019
I loved the sound of this book from reading the synopsis and it did not disappoint! Celeste and Ben end up in a competition for one spot in a job they both need. There's no room for friendship here, so Celeste makes it clear from the beginning that Ben best keep his distance. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for these two. Ahh, lucky for us readers this well-written novel is just as delicious as it sounds.
November 30, 2019
An office rivalry that goes full throttle and never lets up. Skye has created a new genre---the Anti-Belles and I don't know if anyone can handle the regional star of mind as deftly, but I'd love to read them!!
Want to read
December 26, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2019)! 🎁
November 8, 2024
An easy, enjoyable and fun read. Loved it.
March 22, 2025
A nice novelle
November 26, 2019
I’m in love with love, I can’t help it. Romance is my favorite world to get lost in. When I come across a new romance, I have this thing where I shove the book into one of two categories:
The first one is the romance book with a half-naked man sprawled across the cover under the tag line:
She was his...
The story’s always about some rich, arrogant man who either owns a multi-billion dollar company or is a hit man/mob boss/cocaine king. He shuns love...and shirts, apparently. Your heroine is always poor, always taking care of a sick relative or trying to save an animal sanctuary, while working five jobs and still managing to look like a model. Her daddy is probably a hit man or a mob boss that's done the rich guy wrong. She's going to pay for daddy's mistakes or maybe she’ll have to undo the emotional abuse the rich guy suffered at the hands of the narcissistic society woman who came before her. Throw in an unexpected pregnancy, a kid or two, or a fake fiancé and you have yourself a typical romance novel.
The one that you skim through just to get to the sex, which is always some sort of D/s vibe that comes across as funny when it was never meant to make you laugh. And then you feel bad for laughing. After you're finally done, you're disgusted at the time you wasted, toss the book aside and become embittered by the romance genre as a whole.
The second romance novel doesn’t have a half-naked man sprawled across the cover. Its clean and pretty, which always catches your eye quicker than the stereotypical half-naked men and cliched tag lines. He’s not some rich asshole and she’s not some skinny model. The sex is never perfect, it’s relatable and messy, which makes it perfect. You’re not focused on money, or mob bosses, or animals, you’re focused on them.
The couple.
You stand by as they walk around one another, trying to decide how best to approach, or to run. Their growing lust makes you squirm, and you end up having to put down the book to take care of business. This is the kind of book that entraps you, refusing to let you leave until you’ve devoured every single word. And when you come to the end, your heart breaks because you’re not ready to let them go. This is the story that reminds you why you love romance in the first place.
As judgy as I am with the romance genre, I didn’t know what to expect from Skye McDonald. But since I’ve been stalking her on social media for a while, when Not Suitable for Work came out, I bought a copy, especially after seeing her pretty cover. I was curious to see which kind of story she’d give me.
Would she bore me to tears or would she turn me into a life-long stalker?
Now, I will be honest with you, I had planned on adding NSFW to my massive TBR pile...however...I made the mistake of opening Skye's book.
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Ben and Celeste but see, their story reminded me of myself when I was young. I was just like Celeste; hardened, bitter and cold. I understood her even if when she made me cringe with my own memories. And Ben…well, he came into Celeste's life and saw through her bullshit.
He saw her.
Isn't that what we all want? Just for someone to see us? To...get us? Ben got Celeste, he fought her demons just to stay by her side. Even when she tried to destroy him for daring to fight in the first place.
Skye gave me the kind of book I crave, and I’ve become a life-long stalker. And now, I’m impatiently awaiting December 10th, when the second book in the Anti-Belle series, Off The Record, debuts. With Ben and Celeste still with me, I'm hungry for the pain of Nick and Mel's story…
The first one is the romance book with a half-naked man sprawled across the cover under the tag line:
She was his...
The story’s always about some rich, arrogant man who either owns a multi-billion dollar company or is a hit man/mob boss/cocaine king. He shuns love...and shirts, apparently. Your heroine is always poor, always taking care of a sick relative or trying to save an animal sanctuary, while working five jobs and still managing to look like a model. Her daddy is probably a hit man or a mob boss that's done the rich guy wrong. She's going to pay for daddy's mistakes or maybe she’ll have to undo the emotional abuse the rich guy suffered at the hands of the narcissistic society woman who came before her. Throw in an unexpected pregnancy, a kid or two, or a fake fiancé and you have yourself a typical romance novel.
The one that you skim through just to get to the sex, which is always some sort of D/s vibe that comes across as funny when it was never meant to make you laugh. And then you feel bad for laughing. After you're finally done, you're disgusted at the time you wasted, toss the book aside and become embittered by the romance genre as a whole.
The second romance novel doesn’t have a half-naked man sprawled across the cover. Its clean and pretty, which always catches your eye quicker than the stereotypical half-naked men and cliched tag lines. He’s not some rich asshole and she’s not some skinny model. The sex is never perfect, it’s relatable and messy, which makes it perfect. You’re not focused on money, or mob bosses, or animals, you’re focused on them.
The couple.
You stand by as they walk around one another, trying to decide how best to approach, or to run. Their growing lust makes you squirm, and you end up having to put down the book to take care of business. This is the kind of book that entraps you, refusing to let you leave until you’ve devoured every single word. And when you come to the end, your heart breaks because you’re not ready to let them go. This is the story that reminds you why you love romance in the first place.
As judgy as I am with the romance genre, I didn’t know what to expect from Skye McDonald. But since I’ve been stalking her on social media for a while, when Not Suitable for Work came out, I bought a copy, especially after seeing her pretty cover. I was curious to see which kind of story she’d give me.
Would she bore me to tears or would she turn me into a life-long stalker?
Now, I will be honest with you, I had planned on adding NSFW to my massive TBR pile...however...I made the mistake of opening Skye's book.
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Ben and Celeste but see, their story reminded me of myself when I was young. I was just like Celeste; hardened, bitter and cold. I understood her even if when she made me cringe with my own memories. And Ben…well, he came into Celeste's life and saw through her bullshit.
He saw her.
Isn't that what we all want? Just for someone to see us? To...get us? Ben got Celeste, he fought her demons just to stay by her side. Even when she tried to destroy him for daring to fight in the first place.
Skye gave me the kind of book I crave, and I’ve become a life-long stalker. And now, I’m impatiently awaiting December 10th, when the second book in the Anti-Belle series, Off The Record, debuts. With Ben and Celeste still with me, I'm hungry for the pain of Nick and Mel's story…
March 8, 2022
“You know what I like about you, Ms. Greene?”
“What?”
“I’m not sure,” he murmured, but his soft, thoughtful tone made it sound very far from an insult.
Well well well, if it isn't my soft side I've been trying to ignore...
No need to deny that I have a thing for enemies to friends to lovers... I am obsessed with them. Add, great chemistry, career woman and a soft man... bam, you got me!
My mood throughout the book was: I am an independent woman who doesn't need a man, bUT god do I want a boyfriend so bad right now...
Firstly, thanks a ton to Skye McDonald for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. ✨
Can I start by saying what a beautiful name Celeste is? Celeste Green has had a streak of bad luck in New York and finds herself in her hometown trying to get her life back on track. Of course, it's not that easy. Things rarely are.
"I’m the ice queen. I don’t care about anything but my job. I’m selfish and cold."
Well, theeen she meets Ben.
"Don’t be so nice to me.”
“Okay. I’ll bully you in the morning."
You will fall for Ben. It's the law.
He is funny, smart, supportive, he sings and cooks and caring and will call you on your nonsense.
If I change one thing, I would try to make the affair more compelling. The drawback in the relationship felt forced to me. While understanding Celeste's problem, I still didn't find it challenging enough. There was no "no affair in the workplace" rule. All they had was supportive parents, lovely coworkers, a bunch of friends who root for them. So all "i wish there was another choice but this is trouble" speeches seemed kind of off.
There is an option.
You can just, you know,
be together.
In the end, I rate books according to how much they have made me feel. I laughed, giggled, and was mostly giddy throughout the whole book.
++gUYS I didn't talk about the hot stuff but,, goddamn 🔥🔥 It came to a point where Ben would touch Celeste's arm and I would gasp dhgfd This books left me with a dumb smile on my face <3
[nov 3, 2019]
October 29, 2019
For people who like a nice steamy romance that’s an easy read. That you can also pick up and put down without forgetting the story line, then this is a book for you.
I found while reading this book the description I have given it above is so true. As I had a lot of interruptions while reading this book. It had just enough sizzle and romance without going over the top.
Celeste Greene has moved back to her home town of Nashville, after her life in New York went so horribly wrong. Her so called boyfriend stabbed her in the back work wise and she lost her job. Then to top it all off he then goes and dumps her.
So finally Celeste thinks things are starting to look up, when she is offered an internship to hire as a web designer. This is just the job she needs to get her life back on track and nothing will stop her or so she thinks.
Except things are never that easy, her first day on the job throws her a huge curve ball. She hasn’t actually got the job!!! The owner of the company also asked someone else to intern, turning the internship to hire into a competition.
Ben Addison is the other intern, he also needs this job just as much as Celeste. As he needs a monthly pay check so he can get his life back on track. He too has had his own spate of bad luck, by taking a chance on the wrong person. That person stole his heart and dashed his hopes of a music career.
So the competition begins!! Celeste is sure that she will have this competition in the bag, and she’ll win with ease, but Ben isn’t going to make things easy for her, as he will also give her a run for her money.
In-spite of this competition both Celeste and Ben find it hard to ignore the unmistakable attraction between them. Except only one of them can walk away victorious, but it’s not just the job at stake anymore it’s also their hearts. Even though Celeste doesn’t see it that way. After all she is the Ice Queen.
I found while reading this book the description I have given it above is so true. As I had a lot of interruptions while reading this book. It had just enough sizzle and romance without going over the top.
Celeste Greene has moved back to her home town of Nashville, after her life in New York went so horribly wrong. Her so called boyfriend stabbed her in the back work wise and she lost her job. Then to top it all off he then goes and dumps her.
So finally Celeste thinks things are starting to look up, when she is offered an internship to hire as a web designer. This is just the job she needs to get her life back on track and nothing will stop her or so she thinks.
Except things are never that easy, her first day on the job throws her a huge curve ball. She hasn’t actually got the job!!! The owner of the company also asked someone else to intern, turning the internship to hire into a competition.
Ben Addison is the other intern, he also needs this job just as much as Celeste. As he needs a monthly pay check so he can get his life back on track. He too has had his own spate of bad luck, by taking a chance on the wrong person. That person stole his heart and dashed his hopes of a music career.
So the competition begins!! Celeste is sure that she will have this competition in the bag, and she’ll win with ease, but Ben isn’t going to make things easy for her, as he will also give her a run for her money.
In-spite of this competition both Celeste and Ben find it hard to ignore the unmistakable attraction between them. Except only one of them can walk away victorious, but it’s not just the job at stake anymore it’s also their hearts. Even though Celeste doesn’t see it that way. After all she is the Ice Queen.
September 21, 2019
*Thank you to Skye McDonald for providing this book in exchange for an honest review*
Not Suitable for Work follows the relationship between Celeste Greene and Ben Addison. Both showing up for the first day on their internship-to-hire opportunity, they quickly become work enemies when it's made clear only one of them will come out of this with a job. Even with sizzling chemistry, they both do their best to stay as far away as possible. But with chemistry like that, neither can avoid it for long.
I recently fell into the rabbit hole of loving these office romances and this one definitely competes with others I've read. My absolute favorite character ended up being Ben. (Hello, Mr. Addison) which made me really wish the chapters written in his POV were just a little longer. He was charming, caring, intriguing and of course, a little sexy alpha-ish.
Celeste battled some inner struggles that were so real and raw. Heartbreak, trust issues, anxiety... the character development was well laid out and really crafted a story that felt really real in the moment as I was reading it.
I really enjoyed reading this and there was enough secondary character set up that I can easily see anyone jumping through this series quick. Normally I probably would not have happened upon this book, so I'm really excited I got the chance to pick it up! 😀 / 😩🙁😐😀😍
Not Suitable for Work follows the relationship between Celeste Greene and Ben Addison. Both showing up for the first day on their internship-to-hire opportunity, they quickly become work enemies when it's made clear only one of them will come out of this with a job. Even with sizzling chemistry, they both do their best to stay as far away as possible. But with chemistry like that, neither can avoid it for long.
I recently fell into the rabbit hole of loving these office romances and this one definitely competes with others I've read. My absolute favorite character ended up being Ben. (Hello, Mr. Addison) which made me really wish the chapters written in his POV were just a little longer. He was charming, caring, intriguing and of course, a little sexy alpha-ish.
Celeste battled some inner struggles that were so real and raw. Heartbreak, trust issues, anxiety... the character development was well laid out and really crafted a story that felt really real in the moment as I was reading it.
I really enjoyed reading this and there was enough secondary character set up that I can easily see anyone jumping through this series quick. Normally I probably would not have happened upon this book, so I'm really excited I got the chance to pick it up! 😀 / 😩🙁😐😀😍
January 6, 2020
Romance doing the important work
I one-clicked this book after seeing it mentioned on Twitter and learning it was a romance set in Nashville. As a former Nashville resident, I miss my adopted hometown every day and figured that even if I didn't like the book, it would be nice to revisit Music City.
I definitely got a chance to revisit some of the things I love about Nashville, but I also got a great story in the bargain. I appreciated how REAL this story was. Celeste and Ben aren't ridiculously wealthy. They are both just trying to get by, and love happens for them along the way. You don't see that very much in romance, and it was refreshing to have here. I also liked how Celeste's journey to better mental health was portrayed. It was a open, honest depiction of anxiety and depression which I am always happy to see. Normalizing mental health issues always gets good stars from me.
The sex scenes were HOT, if maybe a bit unbelievable. I never had as much not sex in a weekend as these two do, but, hey, that's why we read romance, right? We want the fantasy sometimes. If there are people out there whose sex lives are as amazing as it is for Celeste and Ben, well, more power to them!
I was happy with this book and am looking forward to the next in the series!
I one-clicked this book after seeing it mentioned on Twitter and learning it was a romance set in Nashville. As a former Nashville resident, I miss my adopted hometown every day and figured that even if I didn't like the book, it would be nice to revisit Music City.
I definitely got a chance to revisit some of the things I love about Nashville, but I also got a great story in the bargain. I appreciated how REAL this story was. Celeste and Ben aren't ridiculously wealthy. They are both just trying to get by, and love happens for them along the way. You don't see that very much in romance, and it was refreshing to have here. I also liked how Celeste's journey to better mental health was portrayed. It was a open, honest depiction of anxiety and depression which I am always happy to see. Normalizing mental health issues always gets good stars from me.
The sex scenes were HOT, if maybe a bit unbelievable. I never had as much not sex in a weekend as these two do, but, hey, that's why we read romance, right? We want the fantasy sometimes. If there are people out there whose sex lives are as amazing as it is for Celeste and Ben, well, more power to them!
I was happy with this book and am looking forward to the next in the series!
June 28, 2020
I was very pleasantly impressed with the free copy of this book that I was given by the author through Goodreads for an honest review. I have read a LOT of romance novels and this particular trope is one of my favorites- the main characters are adversaries and despite much conflict and angst (I love angst), they are strongly attracted and eventually act on it.
In this case, both Celeste and Ben have been badly burned by past relationships and are hesitant to trust again, especially Celeste. To make matters worse they are competing for the same job.
Both of them had issues but Celeste’s were harder to overcome. I don’t want to give anything away but towards the end of the book I was on pins and needles waiting to see what would happen. To me this is the sign of a good book. The writing was excellent, the introduction of Ben’s friends a perfect note. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next book, Nick’s story.
In this case, both Celeste and Ben have been badly burned by past relationships and are hesitant to trust again, especially Celeste. To make matters worse they are competing for the same job.
Both of them had issues but Celeste’s were harder to overcome. I don’t want to give anything away but towards the end of the book I was on pins and needles waiting to see what would happen. To me this is the sign of a good book. The writing was excellent, the introduction of Ben’s friends a perfect note. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next book, Nick’s story.
November 3, 2019
This book made me cry. If you like sass, sexytime and heart-meltingly sweet heroes, get yourself a copy of this lovely office romance.
NSFW pits career-driven ice queen Celeste against cool and confident Benjamin. Rivals in a frustrating workplace arrangement, these two must navigate the rough waters of professionalism meets undeniable attraction meets a boatload of emotional baggage.
I wasn’t sure what to expect for the first third or so. Would this be a slow boil? Would it be a lighthearted romcom? But as soon as Halloween hit, I had my answer. What happens from there is an utter unravelling of Celeste’s chill facade, intense romantic and sexual chemistry between the two main character, and very relatable moments of down-to-earth intimacy—some of which may stay with me long after reaching the end.
NSFW pits career-driven ice queen Celeste against cool and confident Benjamin. Rivals in a frustrating workplace arrangement, these two must navigate the rough waters of professionalism meets undeniable attraction meets a boatload of emotional baggage.
I wasn’t sure what to expect for the first third or so. Would this be a slow boil? Would it be a lighthearted romcom? But as soon as Halloween hit, I had my answer. What happens from there is an utter unravelling of Celeste’s chill facade, intense romantic and sexual chemistry between the two main character, and very relatable moments of down-to-earth intimacy—some of which may stay with me long after reaching the end.
November 5, 2019
What a lovely surprise!
I’m in love with love stories like this one and with a happy ending it couldn’t be more perfect!
•
So we meet Ben and Celeste (I love her name), two characters broken by their ex’s and who find each other in a competition to get a job position.
•
Celeste knows that there’s only way to make this work: they are enemies and nothing more.
But with time they find quite hard to ignore their building curiosity and attraction for each other and needless to say things get pretty hot!
•
But are they ready to trust another? Is Celeste really as empty and as cold as she thinks she is? And how does one know when he’s in love?
•
What I really loved about NSFW is the fact that is more than just a love story.
It’s about the impact toxic relationships have in the victim, how that single moment in life can compromise your every relationship and your future.
So go read it! NOW!
I’m in love with love stories like this one and with a happy ending it couldn’t be more perfect!
•
So we meet Ben and Celeste (I love her name), two characters broken by their ex’s and who find each other in a competition to get a job position.
•
Celeste knows that there’s only way to make this work: they are enemies and nothing more.
But with time they find quite hard to ignore their building curiosity and attraction for each other and needless to say things get pretty hot!
•
But are they ready to trust another? Is Celeste really as empty and as cold as she thinks she is? And how does one know when he’s in love?
•
What I really loved about NSFW is the fact that is more than just a love story.
It’s about the impact toxic relationships have in the victim, how that single moment in life can compromise your every relationship and your future.
So go read it! NOW!
January 9, 2020
Not Suitable for Work is a great contemporary office romance, set in Nashville (please take me there now!). It's the story of Celeste and Ben tricked into competing for the same position in a company. We follow the complicated relationship that ensues at both a professional and (gasp) at a personal level. It's steamy and emotional and the tension is there, from the moment they meet.
But what I loved the most it's the realness of the characters, their struggle – financial and otherwise. Celeste, in particular, is barely recovering from a failed work experience and a monumental heartbreak and has to move back home from New York. We get to read about her mental health issues in a very relatable and realistic way. It's impossible not to root for her, and for Ben, of course, one of the best romantic MCs I have read lately.
But what I loved the most it's the realness of the characters, their struggle – financial and otherwise. Celeste, in particular, is barely recovering from a failed work experience and a monumental heartbreak and has to move back home from New York. We get to read about her mental health issues in a very relatable and realistic way. It's impossible not to root for her, and for Ben, of course, one of the best romantic MCs I have read lately.
October 9, 2019
This book is definitely NSFW in the BEST way. It’s hot hot hot first off, and it also has a great storyline with depth and emotion. The main characters work their ass off for that HEA, and you go on the rollercoaster journey with them of love, loss, betrayal and trust. Not only are the main characters and their journey intriguing and gripping but the side characters add greatly to the book. You find yourself wanting to know more about each one of them, my personal favourite being Liv! Some scenes are so beautifully written that they made me pause just to reread which is my favourite thing when it happens. Would highly recommend!
January 7, 2020
4.5*
Butterflies. I finally felt butterflies after so long. This book made my heart flutter and ache for Celeste, froze my face into a perma smirk and kept me up till dawn when I seriously contemplated ringing in sick (my conscious wouldn’t allow it).
Ben is swoon worthy. He calls Celeste up on her bullshit, always daring her to take another step in the best way but he’s also understanding.
This. This is the book that I would say gave me the hating game feels so if you loved that then you’ll adore this (I hope anyway). I don’t know how I came across this but I’m glad I did. Guess spending hours scrolling good reads and bookstagram paid off.
Butterflies. I finally felt butterflies after so long. This book made my heart flutter and ache for Celeste, froze my face into a perma smirk and kept me up till dawn when I seriously contemplated ringing in sick (my conscious wouldn’t allow it).
Ben is swoon worthy. He calls Celeste up on her bullshit, always daring her to take another step in the best way but he’s also understanding.
This. This is the book that I would say gave me the hating game feels so if you loved that then you’ll adore this (I hope anyway). I don’t know how I came across this but I’m glad I did. Guess spending hours scrolling good reads and bookstagram paid off.
October 25, 2020
This is a delightful fall romance read.
It's a slow start, but it does pick up and I ended up really into storyline for both Celeste and Ben.
I thought that they both had interesting back stories. Their past experiences really helped to create a better, believable story for them.
The side characters were also well done. And, I look forward to reading more about them in future books in the series.
Ben is definitely book boyfriend material and swoon worthy.
The steamy scenes were steamy and not cheesy. That's a must in a good romance read.
I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series.
Thank you to Skye McDonald for the finished copy of Not Suitable for Work.
It's a slow start, but it does pick up and I ended up really into storyline for both Celeste and Ben.
I thought that they both had interesting back stories. Their past experiences really helped to create a better, believable story for them.
The side characters were also well done. And, I look forward to reading more about them in future books in the series.
Ben is definitely book boyfriend material and swoon worthy.
The steamy scenes were steamy and not cheesy. That's a must in a good romance read.
I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series.
Thank you to Skye McDonald for the finished copy of Not Suitable for Work.
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