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Workplace Romance
What’s a good clue that the fates have turned against you? How about when your most arrogant (and unfairly hot) customer at your last job turns out to be your BOSS at your new job?
Max Coleman is everything Silicon valley adores: smart, audacious, fit, healthy, and, of course, stinking rich. He’s used to taking charge, making bold moves, and turning crazy ideas into reality. Until one night he decides to flex his cocky attitude and massive wallet at the humble Italian restaurant where I happen to work. I may be the first person to tell him the word “No,” and he doesn’t like it one bit.
Or does he? Why does something seem to sizzle in the air between us, despite the fact that he clearly dislikes me—and is arrogant, and pompous, and basically the worst? Why do I keep thinking about his deep blue eyes, and his luscious, tantalizing hair?
Doesn’t matter. I assume that after this one disastrous night I’ll never have to think about him or any of his body parts again.
But see, that’s where I’d be wrong. Because unbeknownst to me, Max Coleman is the CEO of the startup where I just got hired. And that annoying little fact is about to muck up my life, mess with my head and muddle up all my feels. But no matter what, nothing can happen here, right? I mean, this is my boss we’re talking about!
So, let’s address these concerns together in a professional manner, shall we? Because I have questions.
Outstanding question number 1: How do you work with a boss when you hate each other’s guts?
Outstanding question number 2: Why is everything more complicated when it turns out you might not hate each other after all?
This book contains: bosses who grump, enemies who love, billionaires who...billion?, forbidden attraction, workplace flirtation, kissing, and some of the steamy stuff.
Max Coleman is everything Silicon valley adores: smart, audacious, fit, healthy, and, of course, stinking rich. He’s used to taking charge, making bold moves, and turning crazy ideas into reality. Until one night he decides to flex his cocky attitude and massive wallet at the humble Italian restaurant where I happen to work. I may be the first person to tell him the word “No,” and he doesn’t like it one bit.
Or does he? Why does something seem to sizzle in the air between us, despite the fact that he clearly dislikes me—and is arrogant, and pompous, and basically the worst? Why do I keep thinking about his deep blue eyes, and his luscious, tantalizing hair?
Doesn’t matter. I assume that after this one disastrous night I’ll never have to think about him or any of his body parts again.
But see, that’s where I’d be wrong. Because unbeknownst to me, Max Coleman is the CEO of the startup where I just got hired. And that annoying little fact is about to muck up my life, mess with my head and muddle up all my feels. But no matter what, nothing can happen here, right? I mean, this is my boss we’re talking about!
So, let’s address these concerns together in a professional manner, shall we? Because I have questions.
Outstanding question number 1: How do you work with a boss when you hate each other’s guts?
Outstanding question number 2: Why is everything more complicated when it turns out you might not hate each other after all?
This book contains: bosses who grump, enemies who love, billionaires who...billion?, forbidden attraction, workplace flirtation, kissing, and some of the steamy stuff.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2021
69 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Elle Sharpe
3 books26 followersElle Sharpe lives mostly on the Internet, occasionally in California. Her daily routine features lots of tea, television, and too much junk food. She enjoys writing couples who are dragged into love kicking and screaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 6, 2021
This book reminded me why I usually dislike contemporary romance. I read a lot of great ones recently and maybe I got too optimistic.
I hated this book and I am not usually one for negative reviews, unless is something I have to review, but I just finished this and I feel the need to rant.
The only redeeming quality of this story was that the sexual tension between Caroline and Max was described pretty well. That's it. That's the only positive thing I have to say.
Caroline was the most stupid, immature, annoying female character I ever had the misfortune to read about. She is extremely childish, she does a lot of ridiculous, stupid, self sabotaging things and then cries when things don't work out for her. All of this while being described as some sort of super mature, organized and put together person. Yeah, no.
Max, on the other hand, is a complete tool. His only personality trait is rich workaholic. That's it. There is nothing more to his character until well over the 80% mark, where we get a couple of lines about his insecurities.
The relationship between this two is just dumb. They do have great chemistry and sexual tension but I don't understand where we are supposed to start believing in their love because the only meaningful conversation that they have that is not work related is when she comfort him about his criminal father - which to me does not read like "I love you" but more like being a decent human being - and when she reveals some stuff about her family to him. That is it.
Should we then pretend to be surprise when the inevitable, stereotypical end of romance drama ensues and they break up? Of course it is entirely due to their lack of communication within each other and some gross misunderstanding about each other characters... Jeez, I wonder why is that? Could it be because for 87% of the book they never actually got to know each other, beside sleeping together?
The reunion and inevitable happy ending is just as rushed and stupid as their entire relationship, but not as stupid as Caroline. I really think she is the worst part of the book, and given how much of a hot mess I think the plot is this is really saying something.
I hated this book and I am not usually one for negative reviews, unless is something I have to review, but I just finished this and I feel the need to rant.
The only redeeming quality of this story was that the sexual tension between Caroline and Max was described pretty well. That's it. That's the only positive thing I have to say.
Caroline was the most stupid, immature, annoying female character I ever had the misfortune to read about. She is extremely childish, she does a lot of ridiculous, stupid, self sabotaging things and then cries when things don't work out for her. All of this while being described as some sort of super mature, organized and put together person. Yeah, no.
Max, on the other hand, is a complete tool. His only personality trait is rich workaholic. That's it. There is nothing more to his character until well over the 80% mark, where we get a couple of lines about his insecurities.
The relationship between this two is just dumb. They do have great chemistry and sexual tension but I don't understand where we are supposed to start believing in their love because the only meaningful conversation that they have that is not work related is when she comfort him about his criminal father - which to me does not read like "I love you" but more like being a decent human being - and when she reveals some stuff about her family to him. That is it.
Should we then pretend to be surprise when the inevitable, stereotypical end of romance drama ensues and they break up? Of course it is entirely due to their lack of communication within each other and some gross misunderstanding about each other characters... Jeez, I wonder why is that? Could it be because for 87% of the book they never actually got to know each other, beside sleeping together?
The reunion and inevitable happy ending is just as rushed and stupid as their entire relationship, but not as stupid as Caroline. I really think she is the worst part of the book, and given how much of a hot mess I think the plot is this is really saying something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
I thought it was pretty cute and funny. And I loved the nerdy parts included in the book. But this author needs an editor or a new one. I almost stopped reading because of spelling errors, typos, and wrong word choices.
I mean, I'm glad I kept reading but the errors were blatantly obvious. They should've been picked up on.
I mean, I'm glad I kept reading but the errors were blatantly obvious. They should've been picked up on.
April 16, 2022
Och what didn't I like about this book?! I went in not expecting much as I've been in a bit of a drought when it comes to good chic lit recently.
However this book blasted that away. From the beginning it was great descriptive story telling, funny combative protagonists thrown into an awkward setting. It was handled so well and I loved to see the main female thrive in her new role. The twist that always come midway in chic lit was so well done, I was so engaged and gunning for them that I couldn't read it enough. And where most chic lit usually have a turning point where they break up for fear of being discovered, this book took a new approach which I really enjoyed!
Definitely can't wait to read this again.
However this book blasted that away. From the beginning it was great descriptive story telling, funny combative protagonists thrown into an awkward setting. It was handled so well and I loved to see the main female thrive in her new role. The twist that always come midway in chic lit was so well done, I was so engaged and gunning for them that I couldn't read it enough. And where most chic lit usually have a turning point where they break up for fear of being discovered, this book took a new approach which I really enjoyed!
Definitely can't wait to read this again.
December 17, 2021
this was so bland i'm so sorry but it has to be said, i'll write a review to explain soon!!
July 23, 2021
Max and Caroline's Story . . .
Max Coleman is a wealthy, take-charge man who is used to being in full control. So when he meets waitress Caroline at Ziccardi’s Italian Restaurant where she works, he is not ready to hear the word “No,” and he doesn’t like it one little bit. This was one of their busiest nights, she had dealt with a high number of make-the-impossible-happen type people, and now he wants to book the entire restaurant TONIGHT. Then he looks into her incredulous face and says, “Well, get on with it.” Here it is, her chance to speak up, as she calmly tells him the facts, what his responsibility should have been, and what it means to his chances of getting his way… NOT. It’s a good thing when this disaster of a night is over and she will never have to deal with him again, at least not until she finds out Max Coleman is the CEO of the startup where she just accepted her new job! She had really been looking forward to it: 9-to-5 hours, a desk, plants, a coffee-maker, and best of all, health insurance! Can the two of them work together without spilling blood? Is it possible to get the “hate” part back when it sort of fizzles out?
This is a cute story line, and I love the book cover. The body language of the characters portrayed there sums it up fairly well. Caroline’s words when she calmly tells off the unreasonable customer will have each of us who has ever dealt with people releasing a deep, cleansing breath and thinking, “Well done!” Grab your enemies-to-lovers handbook… uh, I mean copy… and enjoy Max and Caroline’s story.
Max Coleman is a wealthy, take-charge man who is used to being in full control. So when he meets waitress Caroline at Ziccardi’s Italian Restaurant where she works, he is not ready to hear the word “No,” and he doesn’t like it one little bit. This was one of their busiest nights, she had dealt with a high number of make-the-impossible-happen type people, and now he wants to book the entire restaurant TONIGHT. Then he looks into her incredulous face and says, “Well, get on with it.” Here it is, her chance to speak up, as she calmly tells him the facts, what his responsibility should have been, and what it means to his chances of getting his way… NOT. It’s a good thing when this disaster of a night is over and she will never have to deal with him again, at least not until she finds out Max Coleman is the CEO of the startup where she just accepted her new job! She had really been looking forward to it: 9-to-5 hours, a desk, plants, a coffee-maker, and best of all, health insurance! Can the two of them work together without spilling blood? Is it possible to get the “hate” part back when it sort of fizzles out?
This is a cute story line, and I love the book cover. The body language of the characters portrayed there sums it up fairly well. Caroline’s words when she calmly tells off the unreasonable customer will have each of us who has ever dealt with people releasing a deep, cleansing breath and thinking, “Well done!” Grab your enemies-to-lovers handbook… uh, I mean copy… and enjoy Max and Caroline’s story.
July 27, 2021
Amazing dynamic start.
Up to about the first half of the book, there was such a dynamic momentum to the storyline, with matching witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue between the protagonists, that made this book impossible to put down. At times I was howling with laughter. Max is a morose, entitled billionaire who thinks that throwing money at a problem will magically make it disappear. Unfortunate for him, he caught Caroline, a sassy, intelligent hard-working trouble-shooter, on her end-of-tether day. However, life has many surprises, like unbeknownst to both, Caroline’s new job is as Max’s office manager. Max learns the hard way that there are women who are worthy adversaries. They are both attracted to each other, but pride and competitiveness force them to delay the inevitable. This is a forbidden office romantic comedy, taking the frowned-upon nature of office romances to quite a new level. Avoiding scandals almost cost their otherwise steamy and loving relationship. Elle has an uncanny ability to describe characters and scenes so well, she makes the book come alive. This is a very entertaining, well-written, funny novel with a happy ending that I can most assuredly recommend to all those who are fans of romantic comedy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Up to about the first half of the book, there was such a dynamic momentum to the storyline, with matching witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue between the protagonists, that made this book impossible to put down. At times I was howling with laughter. Max is a morose, entitled billionaire who thinks that throwing money at a problem will magically make it disappear. Unfortunate for him, he caught Caroline, a sassy, intelligent hard-working trouble-shooter, on her end-of-tether day. However, life has many surprises, like unbeknownst to both, Caroline’s new job is as Max’s office manager. Max learns the hard way that there are women who are worthy adversaries. They are both attracted to each other, but pride and competitiveness force them to delay the inevitable. This is a forbidden office romantic comedy, taking the frowned-upon nature of office romances to quite a new level. Avoiding scandals almost cost their otherwise steamy and loving relationship. Elle has an uncanny ability to describe characters and scenes so well, she makes the book come alive. This is a very entertaining, well-written, funny novel with a happy ending that I can most assuredly recommend to all those who are fans of romantic comedy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2022
I really wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It was just a random pick from kindle unltd so my expectations were low.
From the beginning I loved the dynamic between these two, it’s easy to go too far one way with enemies to lovers but the balance was just right. I could absolutely see why she hated him but I also liked how he was redeemed as we went through the book and realised how much stress he put on himself. I enjoyed the exploration of the ethical side of what was happening between them and the fact that he was willing to risk his reputation and business for her. More importantly, there was no creepy behaviour for him, he was always respectful about consent and the position she was in and worried about taking advantage - that sort of thing seems rare in these types of books.
It’s a small thing as well but I absolutely loved the coincidental crossovers with Two Broke Girls, Max and Caroline, Caroline being a sassy girl who works in a restaurant, one rich one poor. Probably completely unintentional but it made me warm to the characters because it felt familiar.
All in all, it’s not high brow, it’s not flawless but I loved it for the escapism and the writing style. It made me feel good on a crappy day and that’s all I can ask.
From the beginning I loved the dynamic between these two, it’s easy to go too far one way with enemies to lovers but the balance was just right. I could absolutely see why she hated him but I also liked how he was redeemed as we went through the book and realised how much stress he put on himself. I enjoyed the exploration of the ethical side of what was happening between them and the fact that he was willing to risk his reputation and business for her. More importantly, there was no creepy behaviour for him, he was always respectful about consent and the position she was in and worried about taking advantage - that sort of thing seems rare in these types of books.
It’s a small thing as well but I absolutely loved the coincidental crossovers with Two Broke Girls, Max and Caroline, Caroline being a sassy girl who works in a restaurant, one rich one poor. Probably completely unintentional but it made me warm to the characters because it felt familiar.
All in all, it’s not high brow, it’s not flawless but I loved it for the escapism and the writing style. It made me feel good on a crappy day and that’s all I can ask.
July 24, 2021
4.5-stars for Workplace Romance
This one was hard for me to decide on the number of stars but in the end I settled on 4.5-stars, and, although at some points I felt bored, in the end felt hooked and was wanting to see if they did get their HEA. In addition, while workplace, grumpy boss are currently popular this specific storyline was a bit different which was another reason for my rating. This was a new author for me I would recommend Workplace Romance; personally I will be looking for more books from this author in the future.
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I also purchased the book/read with Kindle Unlimited and am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited opinion with my voluntary review.
This one was hard for me to decide on the number of stars but in the end I settled on 4.5-stars, and, although at some points I felt bored, in the end felt hooked and was wanting to see if they did get their HEA. In addition, while workplace, grumpy boss are currently popular this specific storyline was a bit different which was another reason for my rating. This was a new author for me I would recommend Workplace Romance; personally I will be looking for more books from this author in the future.
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I also purchased the book/read with Kindle Unlimited and am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited opinion with my voluntary review.
April 20, 2023
It was OK. It was a nice, easy read. I'm not sure I'm a fan of the way this was written and edited. It felt like I was reading a diary - there were a lot of fourth wall breaks which broke the immersion for me. Plus the weirdly worded sentences and hit-and-miss descriptions I feel should have been picked up on by an editor and tweaked a little.
However, the banter between Max and Caroline was on point, and there is a happy ever after, so if you want a quick read that doesn't have a lot of high-stakes then this will do!
However, the banter between Max and Caroline was on point, and there is a happy ever after, so if you want a quick read that doesn't have a lot of high-stakes then this will do!
July 23, 2021
This was a good boss/employee romance. I must admit that the way Max acted in the beginning made it very hard to like him and it almost made me not want to read the book. He turned it around but it took a long time and that cost it a star. I liked Caroline all the way through the book. And in the end I did like the story but I just couldn’t love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2021
Keeping this brief - it’s a cute story, full of the cliches you expect when picking up a trope like this (and to be honest, that’s why I picked it up - sometimes you just want cute and no thinking needed). As mentioned by a previous reviewer though, the spelling mistakes and poor wording used could easily have been picked up and were a distraction when reading.
April 6, 2022
I really enjoined reading it. Loved Max and Car's story, it was very well structured and it was focused not just on the romance between the two, but all their surroundings. I really like the style of this author and the fact that she's never lame and the characters and the events are never predictable, as in most romance. Great book!
January 30, 2023
This book made me laugh and swoon. It is sweet and full of references to star wars, dinsey and more. It is a bit of a slow burn but deffinitly worth it. This book is perfect, it sucks you in and makes you forget the time. Before you know it you read the last page and the story is over. I loved it, a solid 5 stars from me.
August 3, 2025
I loved the book. I really enjoyed reading Caroline and Max's relationship change from detesting each other to really loving each other's faults. There's plenty of humor and snark going on. I also really appreciated that the book progressed with good timing on the build-up of their lust and love for each other.
January 16, 2022
I liked the start but then as the book went on, I became less and less interested in the relationship. For me, I did not like the way the character development took place because it just felt rushed and forced.
March 16, 2022
Really Lovely Office Romance
Full of tension and chemistry, this romance is real and heartwarming. I loved how genuine this couple felt. This book tackles the problems of a workplace romance in the here and now. It's funny, with great pop culture references and timely.
Full of tension and chemistry, this romance is real and heartwarming. I loved how genuine this couple felt. This book tackles the problems of a workplace romance in the here and now. It's funny, with great pop culture references and timely.
May 25, 2022
Office romance
I really enjoyed this one, it was a nice burn all the way through, from the first look to the marriage proposal, these two were made for each other, although it takes a while there is plenty of flirting, accidently touching each other, the list goes on.
I really enjoyed this one, it was a nice burn all the way through, from the first look to the marriage proposal, these two were made for each other, although it takes a while there is plenty of flirting, accidently touching each other, the list goes on.
June 30, 2022
Excellent
I'm new to this author and I'm so glad I found her because this book is phenomenal, so well written, Great characters, fab storyline and above all else, very very funny, laugh out loud funny
Highly recommend, I loved it
I'm new to this author and I'm so glad I found her because this book is phenomenal, so well written, Great characters, fab storyline and above all else, very very funny, laugh out loud funny
Highly recommend, I loved it
February 14, 2023
3 STARS
I skimmed this one a bit. It was too long in parts and I lost interest, still—one of my fav tropes, a workplace enemies-to-lovers and it was good. Sexy times could've been more abundant, welp…
I skimmed this one a bit. It was too long in parts and I lost interest, still—one of my fav tropes, a workplace enemies-to-lovers and it was good. Sexy times could've been more abundant, welp…
July 27, 2021
I give this book 3 stars for Max.
Toward the end the heroine began to annoy me so much that I couldn't help thinking that Max deserved better.
Toward the end the heroine began to annoy me so much that I couldn't help thinking that Max deserved better.
September 2, 2021
I really liked this one. I liked Max, such a good character but Caroline was a little annoying and slef righteous sometimes and it got on my nerves
November 19, 2021
Terrible, just terrible. Boring, I couldn’t get past the 3rd of it. I don’t recommend it.
December 9, 2021
This book was such a cute read. I recommend it to anyone looking for a cute read. It was perfect for getting me out of a reading slump.
January 18, 2022
Funny, short and sweet.
Read
January 29, 2022am stopping at 32%
not feeling it right now, will come back too soon
not feeling it right now, will come back too soon
February 5, 2022
Meh. It was fine. The characters did make me laugh and I didn’t hate them. Haha. Nothing stood out as original or heart warming though. Also, a few too many F-words for me and a few sex scenes.
March 10, 2022
Meh, same old story. A bit disappointed with the ending 😕
dnf
April 28, 2022DNF
July 2, 2022
Great idea, unfortunately the characters weren't developed and I just couldn't like them. No real sparks flew in the love/hate scenes and all became a bit flat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews