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Taking Chances #1
Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest is a fun, sweet, and sexy romance. It's the first in author Katie Bachand's four-part Taking Chances series.
Luke Wallace has a knack for planning and strategy. It's why his father, owner of the Wallace Corporation, has allowed him to come work for the family business. Their reputation of acquiring smaller, very successful businesses precedes them, and now they’ve set their sights on the number one accounting firm that serves small to medium-sized clients, Thomas and Jane LLC.
This time around, Luke has a plan to move in a slightly different direction, but it’s going to take time before he can convince his dad it’s the right move for Wallace Corp. The plan includes meeting the interim CEO and President of Thomas and Jane, Grace Thomas.
As far as plans go, it seems as good as any. So, with the help of his buddy, Travis Mavens, everything is set in motion. As he's always done, Luke leaves a little room for the unexpected, but when he's finally ready to execute a little fate steps in.
On a beautiful Fall night, Luke finds himself colliding with Grace outside of a pretty little brownstone in downtown Minneapolis, and the unexpected happens - he falls head over heels in love.
Grace Thomas has been through a lot over the past year. With her father passing away and leaving the family business for her to run, it’s consuming her life. Now, hearing rumors that the Wallace Corporation is looking to take over her prized possession, she prepares to fight. But what she doesn't prepare for is Luke Wallace
Grace, the level-headed businesswoman, finds herself quickly navigating the early stages of love. In doing so, she turns to her friends Aimeé, Casey, and Rachel for advice. It seems she, and they, feel Luke is perfect for her. But, there's one thing her handsome new lover isn't telling her.
When Grace finds out who Luke really is, will the love they found be enough to save them?
The stakes are high in this smart, passionate romance. Conflict of Interest will leave you laughing, crying, and finding a special place in your heart for these friendships, families, and the intimate feeling of love between them all.
Luke Wallace has a knack for planning and strategy. It's why his father, owner of the Wallace Corporation, has allowed him to come work for the family business. Their reputation of acquiring smaller, very successful businesses precedes them, and now they’ve set their sights on the number one accounting firm that serves small to medium-sized clients, Thomas and Jane LLC.
This time around, Luke has a plan to move in a slightly different direction, but it’s going to take time before he can convince his dad it’s the right move for Wallace Corp. The plan includes meeting the interim CEO and President of Thomas and Jane, Grace Thomas.
As far as plans go, it seems as good as any. So, with the help of his buddy, Travis Mavens, everything is set in motion. As he's always done, Luke leaves a little room for the unexpected, but when he's finally ready to execute a little fate steps in.
On a beautiful Fall night, Luke finds himself colliding with Grace outside of a pretty little brownstone in downtown Minneapolis, and the unexpected happens - he falls head over heels in love.
Grace Thomas has been through a lot over the past year. With her father passing away and leaving the family business for her to run, it’s consuming her life. Now, hearing rumors that the Wallace Corporation is looking to take over her prized possession, she prepares to fight. But what she doesn't prepare for is Luke Wallace
Grace, the level-headed businesswoman, finds herself quickly navigating the early stages of love. In doing so, she turns to her friends Aimeé, Casey, and Rachel for advice. It seems she, and they, feel Luke is perfect for her. But, there's one thing her handsome new lover isn't telling her.
When Grace finds out who Luke really is, will the love they found be enough to save them?
The stakes are high in this smart, passionate romance. Conflict of Interest will leave you laughing, crying, and finding a special place in your heart for these friendships, families, and the intimate feeling of love between them all.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2019
127 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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August 31, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/31/2020)! 🎁
July 27, 2020
I have to admit that I was super nervous to read and review this book because I know the author, the lovely Katie, and what if it royally sucked?! Guys, I’m a terrible liar. If it was awful I’d have to find nice words to say and try to lie through my teeth but guess what?! It was so so so cute!!! Honestly, a lovely RomCom with likable characters and an interesting twist on finding love in an unlikely place. I love when authors write strong female leads, definitely can’t get enough of that!
I loved the friendships in this story. I pray my daughter has friends like these girls as she grows up. Friends that know each other so deeply, friends that talk about absolutely everything, friends who are there no matter what. Everyone needs friends like this!!
I was also really glad to finally read a book that shows a strong relationship between daughter and Father. So often the Father’s are the bad guys or just absent it was seriously refreshing to have a Father figure that was a good guy and beloved.
Reflecting back Conflict of Interest gave me serious Nora Robert’s Bride Quartet vibes.
I loved the friendships in this story. I pray my daughter has friends like these girls as she grows up. Friends that know each other so deeply, friends that talk about absolutely everything, friends who are there no matter what. Everyone needs friends like this!!
I was also really glad to finally read a book that shows a strong relationship between daughter and Father. So often the Father’s are the bad guys or just absent it was seriously refreshing to have a Father figure that was a good guy and beloved.
Reflecting back Conflict of Interest gave me serious Nora Robert’s Bride Quartet vibes.
May 12, 2021
2.5 stars
This was a sweet story, but there was just something about the way or was written that really distracted me. Half formed ideas and thoughts that got finished in the past tense instead of in the moment.
I pretty much glanced through the last 30% just to see how it ended, because everything took far too long to get to the point, and then she rushed through the good parts.
I loved Grace's friends, and you can tell who their prospective love interests will be in their own books.
This was a sweet story, but there was just something about the way or was written that really distracted me. Half formed ideas and thoughts that got finished in the past tense instead of in the moment.
I pretty much glanced through the last 30% just to see how it ended, because everything took far too long to get to the point, and then she rushed through the good parts.
I loved Grace's friends, and you can tell who their prospective love interests will be in their own books.
October 19, 2021
A cute read that was slightly too long.
I also couldn’t fathom how your “ best friends” could set you up and lie to you for so long watching you fall in love and then break your own heart believing it is for your own good. I doubt many friendships would be left unscathed following such betrayal.
I also couldn’t fathom how your “ best friends” could set you up and lie to you for so long watching you fall in love and then break your own heart believing it is for your own good. I doubt many friendships would be left unscathed following such betrayal.
January 8, 2020
I just finished this book and I loved it. It had a bit of everything I enjoy in a book. It was funny, sexy, romantic, and in the beginning, my heart felt Grace’s pain. I found the characters of Grace and Luke were well developed, easy to relate with and believable. I also enjoyed learning more about Grace’s friendships with Rachel, Aimee and Casey. I am assuming the upcoming books in this series will feature these women. I am really looking forward to Aimee’s story and I hope it will include Christopher.
Ms. Bachand’s writing style includes a storyline that flows keeping the reader engaged in addition to characters that are well developed and relatable.
Being from the Minneapolis area, I appreciated the following passage from Conflict of Interest: “It’s October. In Minnesota. It is either freezing or beautiful. It could snow tomorrow.” The beginning of this week was warm and beautiful and now snow is in this weekend’s predicted forecast. This is life in Minnesota.
I highly recommend Conflict of Interest and I am looking forward to reading the other Taking Chances books when they become available.
Ms. Bachand’s writing style includes a storyline that flows keeping the reader engaged in addition to characters that are well developed and relatable.
Being from the Minneapolis area, I appreciated the following passage from Conflict of Interest: “It’s October. In Minnesota. It is either freezing or beautiful. It could snow tomorrow.” The beginning of this week was warm and beautiful and now snow is in this weekend’s predicted forecast. This is life in Minnesota.
I highly recommend Conflict of Interest and I am looking forward to reading the other Taking Chances books when they become available.
August 29, 2021
3.5 stars. I liked that this story had the caveat that Luke Wallace completely falls for Grace Thomas, but he's also going to be the one behind the company takeover for her deceased father's business. What I wasn't a fan of was Grace's friends maneuvering her to date this man knowing who he is. I think Rachel was the only one with a level head in that regard, but even she didn't voice much objection. Grace is dealing with the passing of her father and in the wave of grief afterwards, she throws herself into work and discovers that another, larger company is aiming to take control. It's not a coincidence that Luke crosses paths with Grace but she doesn't know that. I liked how their relationship developed and while Luke initially had one goal in mind, it didn't deviate, but he also added to it, realizing that Grace is absolutely perfect for him. They had cute and swoony moments together until the fallout. I am a little confused about this part because certain details weren't hashed out real well, but the overall message of Luke proving to Grace that she was the one for him wasn't lost. I am curious to read more about Grace's friends, particularly Rachel.
August 6, 2021
A sort of office romance
I love this story and I have issues with it. Grace Thomas takes over her father's place at Thomas and Jane, after her father passes away. There are rumors that Aaron Wallace a well known business man wants to take over the company. Grace is pushed by her girlfriend group on a blind date. Though she meets a man, Luke who sweeps her off her feet. Without spoiling the story, I have issues with the secrets and betrayals in this one. I was okay with the twist of who Luke is and his first intentions, what I felt would not have happened is the girlfriend group and their actions. The becoming us prequel really set up a beautiful unconditional love bond between the ladies. They are each other's family and safe place. I don't think it is realistic that they would have instigated the situation, especially not Casey.
I love this story and I have issues with it. Grace Thomas takes over her father's place at Thomas and Jane, after her father passes away. There are rumors that Aaron Wallace a well known business man wants to take over the company. Grace is pushed by her girlfriend group on a blind date. Though she meets a man, Luke who sweeps her off her feet. Without spoiling the story, I have issues with the secrets and betrayals in this one. I was okay with the twist of who Luke is and his first intentions, what I felt would not have happened is the girlfriend group and their actions. The becoming us prequel really set up a beautiful unconditional love bond between the ladies. They are each other's family and safe place. I don't think it is realistic that they would have instigated the situation, especially not Casey.
December 3, 2021
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series!
Luke was quick to fall for Grace and that made me quickly fall for him! Whatever deception/omission had started his journey towards her, was dispelled repeatedly by his words and actions. (IRL I would have lost my mind if a man didn’t tell me, but somehow I was able to overlook it for Grace’s HEA.)
Speaking of HEA…. I’m hoping their story is carried forward throughout the series so we can see them living their HEA. Even though I thought the book was long at times, I still wanted more at the end!
I’m interested to see if the next story in the series is as detailed with the characters descriptions and backgrounds…. I’m looking forward to Casey’s story next!
Luke was quick to fall for Grace and that made me quickly fall for him! Whatever deception/omission had started his journey towards her, was dispelled repeatedly by his words and actions. (IRL I would have lost my mind if a man didn’t tell me, but somehow I was able to overlook it for Grace’s HEA.)
Speaking of HEA…. I’m hoping their story is carried forward throughout the series so we can see them living their HEA. Even though I thought the book was long at times, I still wanted more at the end!
I’m interested to see if the next story in the series is as detailed with the characters descriptions and backgrounds…. I’m looking forward to Casey’s story next!
June 29, 2021
This was a fun read! I enjoyed the comedic parts as much as the romance and thought that it finished with just the right ending. My only problem with it was that the romancing that took place was dragged out for so long before the conflict of interest actually came to light. Also, I could not understand why Grace never found out Luke's last name until the meeting in her conference room!? I enjoyed getting to check out the next book "In the Business of Love" and I look forward to reading that as well as "Postmark Christmas." I want to extend a sincere thank you to the publishers and Goodreads for allowing me to read the Kindle version in exchange for my review of the book.
July 2, 2021
Sweet love story, Grace loss of her father has her desiring to keep his company and legacy alive. She takes 2 week vacation and meets by chance Luke. Luke knows who she is and that her company is one his father wants to take over. Will Luke get Grace to fall in love with him before she finds out it is his fathers company that wants to take over hers? How will Grace handle knowing Luke is working for the enemy? Do they have a chance to have a future?
Really enjoyed the cute romance and friendships that provide the support to Grace as she decides if she should take a chance on Luke.
Really enjoyed the cute romance and friendships that provide the support to Grace as she decides if she should take a chance on Luke.
January 3, 2022
Good concept - I really wanted to love it.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Grace & Luke, and Grace and her friends. But there were a few different large plot holes I couldn’t get past and work out in my mind. There were a few things (don’t want to spoil it!) that were never addressed or explained. I enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing and the banter between the characters.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Grace & Luke, and Grace and her friends. But there were a few different large plot holes I couldn’t get past and work out in my mind. There were a few things (don’t want to spoil it!) that were never addressed or explained. I enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing and the banter between the characters.
December 10, 2023
I had such high expectations for this story after reading my 1st Bachand book about the fake Christmas wife, which was so good. So disappointed in this one because it is mostly narration, little witty dialogue, almost entirely about the 4 friends, WHO BETRAY Grace. The whole setup is based on deception. I can't get past that. I skimmed through it just to see how it ends. Plus endless chapters of dialogue and backstory about the girlfriends isn't interesting.
October 17, 2022
I'm giving this 3.5 starts. There were so so so many wonderful beautiful moments in this story. So much love and many heartfelt relationships. There was some amazing advice on life and love.
The things I didn't enjoy though was the deceit. It really irked me. I also felt there was too much filler details. Otherwise I really really enjoyed the book.
The things I didn't enjoy though was the deceit. It really irked me. I also felt there was too much filler details. Otherwise I really really enjoyed the book.
January 14, 2025
Conflict of Interest
This was a great story with 4 Girlfriends that knew each other well from kindergarten throughout school into there work lives. One by one life changes begin, the storyline and characters were great well written story. I would recommend that this story be read by all
This was a great story with 4 Girlfriends that knew each other well from kindergarten throughout school into there work lives. One by one life changes begin, the storyline and characters were great well written story. I would recommend that this story be read by all
December 26, 2020
I absolutely adored this book. Cute, funny, romantic—it’s everything I want in this type of novel. The characters were so well-developed and I look forward to reading more of this series.
Thanks to the publisher for providing this to me via a Goodreads giveaway.
Thanks to the publisher for providing this to me via a Goodreads giveaway.
March 20, 2022
modern romance
I enjoyed the story. I would have given it 5 stars if there had not been so much questionable fowl language, and if the details of how Aimee met the friends had matched the prequel book.
I enjoyed the story. I would have given it 5 stars if there had not been so much questionable fowl language, and if the details of how Aimee met the friends had matched the prequel book.
November 26, 2020
Man, talk about relationship GOALS! If only real life were this splendid! Awesome romance, superb read. Loved it!
March 23, 2021
Love
Won this book off Goodreads. This book was written well I loved it love and a takeover of a business. Good book
Won this book off Goodreads. This book was written well I loved it love and a takeover of a business. Good book
July 24, 2021
Office Romance
This story is predictable. Telling the truth is a better way to start a relationship. Even Graces friends were deceitful. In the end love wins out.
This story is predictable. Telling the truth is a better way to start a relationship. Even Graces friends were deceitful. In the end love wins out.
November 3, 2021
Amo la amistad de las chicas 💗
February 19, 2022
Conflict of Interest is a very appropriate title for this book. Grace, the head of a corporation is trying to fight a rumored takeover by Wallace Corporation. Unknown to her, Grace’s new love interest is the son of the head of Wallace Corporation. What a conflict of interest when Grace finds out!
Thank you Goodreads for this entertaining romance in digital form.
Thank you Goodreads for this entertaining romance in digital form.
May 27, 2022
It was fine. I didn’t actually finish. I got bored and nothing felt original in any way.
November 7, 2022
I just finished this book. I won this from Goodreads. I liked reading this book very much it was very exciting.
December 15, 2024
dnf
So boring. Couldn’t make it past page 100. No chemistry . Sometimes you just get a dud. The storyline seemed interesting but the writing just didn’t get it there
So boring. Couldn’t make it past page 100. No chemistry . Sometimes you just get a dud. The storyline seemed interesting but the writing just didn’t get it there
December 12, 2021
Cute story and has great characters! Loved the supporting characters and greatly enjoyed how multidimensional everyone was. The story was a quick read but still was able to keep my attention and keep me entertained. It had me laughing and I did tear up at one point. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews