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Up Against Her
Skye, Head of Qualitative Research, loves her job exploring what makes people tick and generating insights for her clients. She’s worked her way up and is on the brink of a promotion at her top market research consultancy. But when she’s forced to merge her department and compete for the job she thought was hers, she’s seriously displeased.
Brianna, Head of Quantitative Research, prefers numbers and statistics over people. Confident and successful, she never shows any vulnerability at work and keeps her personal and professional lives strictly separate. She’s only been at the consultancy for six months, so when she’s offered the chance to go for the top job, she doesn’t hesitate.
They have two months to work together, jointly leading a single research team, to prove they should be the next Director of Research. As rivals going for the same job, their opposing styles clash as they try to lead their team into a new future.
They don’t get on. But as they spend more time together, prior assumptions give way to pleasant surprises. Will they keep it professional and ignore the electricity between them? Or will they find their way to each other against the odds?
Brianna, Head of Quantitative Research, prefers numbers and statistics over people. Confident and successful, she never shows any vulnerability at work and keeps her personal and professional lives strictly separate. She’s only been at the consultancy for six months, so when she’s offered the chance to go for the top job, she doesn’t hesitate.
They have two months to work together, jointly leading a single research team, to prove they should be the next Director of Research. As rivals going for the same job, their opposing styles clash as they try to lead their team into a new future.
They don’t get on. But as they spend more time together, prior assumptions give way to pleasant surprises. Will they keep it professional and ignore the electricity between them? Or will they find their way to each other against the odds?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2021
86 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Elliot
6 books71 followersLisa Elliot is a sapphic fiction author. She writes heartfelt, emotional, and steamy contemporary sapphic romance.
She is also an avid reader and loves to curl up with a good book. She lives in Scotland with her wife and two dogs.
If you’d like to know more about Lisa and her writing, visit www.lisaelliotauthor.com and sign up to her newsletter.
She is also an avid reader and loves to curl up with a good book. She lives in Scotland with her wife and two dogs.
If you’d like to know more about Lisa and her writing, visit www.lisaelliotauthor.com and sign up to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 10, 2022
Up Against Her is an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers / opposites-attract / workplace romance.
Skye McCulloch loves her job as Head of Qualitative Research at Your View and hopes to get a promotion when her boss retires. What she gets instead is a merger, her department with the Quantitative Research one. Worse, for the next two months, she has to work with Brianna Phillips to integrate both teams into one and if things go well, they’ll both have a shot at the Director of Research job. Brianna is fairly new to the company and nothing she knows about her makes Skye want to work closely with her.
It took me a little while to get into this story, I wasn’t a fan of Skye at first – I liked Brianna though – and the first chapters felt a bit repetitive. As I kept reading, however, the pace picked up and I came to care about both MCs a lot more. They’re both sweet and relatable, each with her own strengths and issues, and they’re lovely together. There are a few secondary characters that I wish had had more space on the page, especially Skye’s mother and Brianna’s brothers, as well as her group of friends, but all in all, this story was really cute.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
Skye McCulloch loves her job as Head of Qualitative Research at Your View and hopes to get a promotion when her boss retires. What she gets instead is a merger, her department with the Quantitative Research one. Worse, for the next two months, she has to work with Brianna Phillips to integrate both teams into one and if things go well, they’ll both have a shot at the Director of Research job. Brianna is fairly new to the company and nothing she knows about her makes Skye want to work closely with her.
It took me a little while to get into this story, I wasn’t a fan of Skye at first – I liked Brianna though – and the first chapters felt a bit repetitive. As I kept reading, however, the pace picked up and I came to care about both MCs a lot more. They’re both sweet and relatable, each with her own strengths and issues, and they’re lovely together. There are a few secondary characters that I wish had had more space on the page, especially Skye’s mother and Brianna’s brothers, as well as her group of friends, but all in all, this story was really cute.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
December 5, 2021
My favorite from the author. I usually don't enjoy enemies to lovers romance, but this one got me hooked. I'm really critical about sex scenes and chemistry and let me tell you this book is STEAMY.
did-not-finish
September 25, 2021DNF. I just found the characters unlikable, and their interaction far too antagonistic - but I know others might like that dynamic.
It's on Kindle Unlimited, so you can check it out.
It's on Kindle Unlimited, so you can check it out.
December 16, 2024
I enjoyed this – against my better judgment perhaps. I think I may be a closet lesbian!
Two work rivals, chalk and cheese, forced to work together find they’ve more than a little in common.
Two work rivals, chalk and cheese, forced to work together find they’ve more than a little in common.
March 2, 2022
Really enjoyed this book - worried how the whole scenario would be sorted but LE did it with skill and a deft pen. Excellent characters, believable. recommended.
July 28, 2025
Solid romance about work rivals at a research company. Brianna, who is the quantitative one, is all business at work, but a sweetheart outside of work. Skye, the qualitative researcher, is extroverted and liked by everyone, but more closed off than I thought she would be. The company is changing and they are forced to work as co-directors at their company to do a restructuring with the promise that they would be able to interview for the director job.
I really liked the romance aspect and Skye and Bri coming together. I wish the setting could have been rival firms or something else that forced them to work together without the possibility of one of them becoming the supervisor of the other. Cause what company with nationwide contracts is gonna allow for a dating couple to be in a boss/subordinate relationship? HR would have a field day with that one.
I did enjoy that Bri was a mountain biker and how she got Skye out of her comfort zone. The third act you-know-what wasnt that terrible and was resolved pretty quickly. Nice summer read.
I really liked the romance aspect and Skye and Bri coming together. I wish the setting could have been rival firms or something else that forced them to work together without the possibility of one of them becoming the supervisor of the other. Cause what company with nationwide contracts is gonna allow for a dating couple to be in a boss/subordinate relationship? HR would have a field day with that one.
I did enjoy that Bri was a mountain biker and how she got Skye out of her comfort zone. The third act you-know-what wasnt that terrible and was resolved pretty quickly. Nice summer read.
May 2, 2022
This is by far the best romance I have read in a while. It starts off as an enemies to lovers thing, but turns very quickly into a sweet, toughtfully created slow burn yet sizzling hot romance with a lot of emotional and personal development in both characters.
There is, of course (rolling eyes), a black moment towards the end but is isn't even dark grey really, which helped me decide for the fifth star.
I will finish with quoting one of my own reader commenting one of my books "It left me with a smile on my face, one of my favourite reads."
There is, of course (rolling eyes), a black moment towards the end but is isn't even dark grey really, which helped me decide for the fifth star.
I will finish with quoting one of my own reader commenting one of my books "It left me with a smile on my face, one of my favourite reads."
March 13, 2023
It's a nice enemies to lovers book. The shift in the dynamic came faster than I expected and i would have like a little more building from "dislike" stage to "changing their mind about each other" stage. Brianna is a little more lovable than Skye, which is a paradoxe because in the book, Skye is the sociable one.I was really annoyed by some of Skye's reaction and I found her hard to like at some point even if I understand that when you work so hard for years,throwing it all away for love can't be that easy. For this reason I am giving it 3 stars.
July 28, 2023
"If she thought I was going to fawn all over her because she asked me a few questions and gave me the time of day for once, she had another thing coming."
It always makes me laugh out loud when people get this quote wrong. Maybe someday people will think about whether that statement makes sense or not. If it doesn't, it's probably incorrect.
It always makes me laugh out loud when people get this quote wrong. Maybe someday people will think about whether that statement makes sense or not. If it doesn't, it's probably incorrect.
October 12, 2023
A great enemies to lovers/opposites attract story. Sky has been at Your View for a few years and her boss David is retiring. She should be up for a promotion to his job as director of Qualitative Research.
Brianna is head of Quantitative Research being a numbers person. She's only been in the company for 6 months. Both she and Skye are wary of one another.
Then Helen the owner of the company calls them both in and tells them that she's merging the two departments and they'll have to work together to pull this merger off and make it a success. Neither woman is happy. I enjoyed this book from the first sentence. Watching the two women grow in their roles and into each other. 5 stars!
Brianna is head of Quantitative Research being a numbers person. She's only been in the company for 6 months. Both she and Skye are wary of one another.
Then Helen the owner of the company calls them both in and tells them that she's merging the two departments and they'll have to work together to pull this merger off and make it a success. Neither woman is happy. I enjoyed this book from the first sentence. Watching the two women grow in their roles and into each other. 5 stars!
December 26, 2023
One thing I really enjoy in a romance is if it's based on work and the job is a large part of a character's life, the author should have some idea about what that job entails and be able to write convincingly about it. In this case, full marks. I appreciate the not particularly novel but fun dynamic of the heads of qualitative and quantitative research being forced to get along and work together but also compete for the top job. Rivals to lovers, but with some extra family dysfunction and working together to smash the glass ceiling while also competing with each other.
June 2, 2022
Omg. This was a slow burn, but the outcome was so so good. I couldn't put it down and finished in 3 days!!
October 3, 2021
Engaging and emotional
It's always a pleasure to discover an author I haven't encountered before that I truly enjoy.
The plot and pacing were totally solid, and the character development had enough depth to feel for the main pairing and to cheer them on. I was genuinely unsure of how they'd handle the results of the interview.
I had mixed feelings about the outcome, but I closed the novel feeling happy and satisfied for the characters so that all works out.
I wouldn't have minded more in depth scenes with the side characters, instead of learning about this relationships by reading about the main characters thinking or talking about them.
It didn't fall into the common tell vs. show trap, but I still wouldn't have minded seeing more.
That said, I was fully engaged and sympathetic for both characters, and I enjoyed how different they were.
The build up of their romantic connection was sweet and emotional in the best of ways. The sex was hot, those scenes were well constructed and helped lend deeper understanding of the characters to an extent. I thought there was just the right amount of sex scenes, though it occured to me that those scenes could have been used to offer more insight into the characters and their dynamic.
But I still found myself enjoying those parts well enough, (as a periodically sex averse asexual sex scenes aren't usually that interesting to me), and I thought they were well written and flowed naturally.
It's always a pleasure to discover an author I haven't encountered before that I truly enjoy.
The plot and pacing were totally solid, and the character development had enough depth to feel for the main pairing and to cheer them on. I was genuinely unsure of how they'd handle the results of the interview.
I had mixed feelings about the outcome, but I closed the novel feeling happy and satisfied for the characters so that all works out.
I wouldn't have minded more in depth scenes with the side characters, instead of learning about this relationships by reading about the main characters thinking or talking about them.
It didn't fall into the common tell vs. show trap, but I still wouldn't have minded seeing more.
That said, I was fully engaged and sympathetic for both characters, and I enjoyed how different they were.
The build up of their romantic connection was sweet and emotional in the best of ways. The sex was hot, those scenes were well constructed and helped lend deeper understanding of the characters to an extent. I thought there was just the right amount of sex scenes, though it occured to me that those scenes could have been used to offer more insight into the characters and their dynamic.
But I still found myself enjoying those parts well enough, (as a periodically sex averse asexual sex scenes aren't usually that interesting to me), and I thought they were well written and flowed naturally.
September 16, 2021
Another hot and steamy lesbian romance from Lisa Elliot. I love this author. She really knows how to build the tension between the characters. As they get to know each other they grow closer, and each time they are close to each other sparks fly.
September 18, 2021
So good
Such a good read. I’ve read a lot of books with the same concept, but this was written so well, it felt new. The characters kept me engaged the whole time. I would love to see what happens after!
Such a good read. I’ve read a lot of books with the same concept, but this was written so well, it felt new. The characters kept me engaged the whole time. I would love to see what happens after!
October 14, 2021
Another great story by this author.
December 25, 2021
Really good
This was a really good rivals to lovers story. We see our characters get over their prejudices and preconceptions about each other to find they really Like the people beneath.
This was a really good rivals to lovers story. We see our characters get over their prejudices and preconceptions about each other to find they really Like the people beneath.
February 8, 2022
Good all rounder
Great writing, great plot ...it captured my intrigue. It ticks all the boxes for what I like in lesfic book ...office romance , power dynamics, great sexual tension and good sex scenes and also romantic.
Great writing, great plot ...it captured my intrigue. It ticks all the boxes for what I like in lesfic book ...office romance , power dynamics, great sexual tension and good sex scenes and also romantic.
September 19, 2021
Good Story
I really enjoyed this story. The author did a really good job of making the two main characters feel very real. Well done!
I really enjoyed this story. The author did a really good job of making the two main characters feel very real. Well done!
October 11, 2021
This was lovely! Perfect for a rainy day with some hot chocolate.
The leads are polar opposites and seeing them melting towards the other made me really happy. I wanna check out the other two books from the author now!
4/5
The leads are polar opposites and seeing them melting towards the other made me really happy. I wanna check out the other two books from the author now!
4/5
September 23, 2021
Such a charming love story, made me smile constantly. It’s great when a book makes you feel like you’re an active part of the story, constantly rooting for the main characters
August 16, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Once I started I couldn't put it down! If you enjoy the enemies to lovers, then give this a try. It's definitely worth it!
August 1, 2022
This is a decent office-rivals-to-lovers romance. The main couple is a right-brain vs left-brain pair, each bringing something unique to the table. The basic supporting cast is well positioned to provide additional insight into the main characters; however they are under-utilized in this role. At times there is a little more emphasis on the details of a corporate restructuring than on the emotional undercurrents in their relationship. Overall a nice read with the anticipated HEA.
October 24, 2021
Sweet love story
I admit, at first I thought the story was moving along much too slowly. Stick with it, its worth the wait. Kind of an enemies to lovers story. What will come of the 2 main characters sharing a temporary position and vying for the same Director position? What will each value more, their relationship, or the job they will both interview for?
I admit, at first I thought the story was moving along much too slowly. Stick with it, its worth the wait. Kind of an enemies to lovers story. What will come of the 2 main characters sharing a temporary position and vying for the same Director position? What will each value more, their relationship, or the job they will both interview for?
December 12, 2021
Enemies to lovers
Skye and Brianna we’re not always friendly. There was tension between them and circumstances brought them both together. The plat involved changes in their company where they both worked and what it would do it to their life and the people around them. I found a book very easy to read and the plot very engaging. I recommend this book for all romance lovers.
Skye and Brianna we’re not always friendly. There was tension between them and circumstances brought them both together. The plat involved changes in their company where they both worked and what it would do it to their life and the people around them. I found a book very easy to read and the plot very engaging. I recommend this book for all romance lovers.
February 24, 2024
🖤
Such a sweet story!! Gave me all the feels ☺️ Brianna was very relatable. I saw myself in her character and I’m also a Scorpio! 🙌🏽 can’t wait to check out other stuff by this author.
Such a sweet story!! Gave me all the feels ☺️ Brianna was very relatable. I saw myself in her character and I’m also a Scorpio! 🙌🏽 can’t wait to check out other stuff by this author.
March 19, 2023
The story is told from both main characters' first-person points of view. Lisa Elliot did a fantastic job with each woman’s characterization, so it was always apparent whose chapter I was reading. The dialogue is realistic and flows so effortlessly that I felt I was right there with them the entire time. The details of their first non-platonic, platonic hug was delicious. And their first kiss…shew...exquisite!
Skye and Brianna’s relationship started out very contentious. As rivals, they are given two months to work together as Interim Co-Directors of Your View, the Research Company they both work for. After that, they’ll both be interviewed to take over the helm of the company. Skye is warm, compassionate, and extroverted. Brianna is stoic, analytical, and glacial. Their animosity for the other quickly progresses into a mutual understanding and clarity in who the other woman actually is. Their previous biases and assumptions or quickly done way with to make room for mutual respect and admiration. I enjoyed the fact that this enemies-to-lovers romance didn’t dwell on the negative and create more drama and angst. Their apparent differences in leadership combined to make them both excellent leaders…together.
Check out my full review at thelesbianreview.com
Skye and Brianna’s relationship started out very contentious. As rivals, they are given two months to work together as Interim Co-Directors of Your View, the Research Company they both work for. After that, they’ll both be interviewed to take over the helm of the company. Skye is warm, compassionate, and extroverted. Brianna is stoic, analytical, and glacial. Their animosity for the other quickly progresses into a mutual understanding and clarity in who the other woman actually is. Their previous biases and assumptions or quickly done way with to make room for mutual respect and admiration. I enjoyed the fact that this enemies-to-lovers romance didn’t dwell on the negative and create more drama and angst. Their apparent differences in leadership combined to make them both excellent leaders…together.
Check out my full review at thelesbianreview.com
July 8, 2022
This book was overall a good read. There isn’t that much to say about it, it started off a bit slow but it picked up eventually.
The main thing I’d say that makes this book stand out (at least from what I’ve been reading lately), is that there are characters that actually discuss their feelings. This book was emotionally mature and I’m here for it. It was refreshing and I’d like to thank the author for that.
That’s really it. It’s your typical romance book but again, with emotionally mature characters. So, I’d recommend this book if you’re losing faith in humanity and want a reminder that not all people suck. Thank you. Goodbye
The main thing I’d say that makes this book stand out (at least from what I’ve been reading lately), is that there are characters that actually discuss their feelings. This book was emotionally mature and I’m here for it. It was refreshing and I’d like to thank the author for that.
That’s really it. It’s your typical romance book but again, with emotionally mature characters. So, I’d recommend this book if you’re losing faith in humanity and want a reminder that not all people suck. Thank you. Goodbye
October 21, 2021
I wanted a little more from spice from this one.
Two adversaries in the structural change at the company they work find themselves forced to work together to assist the merger along and also compete for the same job.
I have some annoying work things happening at the moment so I could relate to it.
I liked the leads but.. the story just...hmm... it faded a little.
I liked the premise and just wished for some more spark and spice and...a little angst.
Two adversaries in the structural change at the company they work find themselves forced to work together to assist the merger along and also compete for the same job.
I have some annoying work things happening at the moment so I could relate to it.
I liked the leads but.. the story just...hmm... it faded a little.
I liked the premise and just wished for some more spark and spice and...a little angst.
September 2, 2025
Another wonderful story from Lisa!!!
I am totally loving all of Lisa's stories! This one is no different. The characters are so real and well developed, that I feel like they're my friends. The realness and rawness of Brianna and Skye is beautiful. I feel honoured to see how they grow together on so many levels.
Definitely reading ALL Lisa's stories now!!! Thank you!!! ❤️
I am totally loving all of Lisa's stories! This one is no different. The characters are so real and well developed, that I feel like they're my friends. The realness and rawness of Brianna and Skye is beautiful. I feel honoured to see how they grow together on so many levels.
Definitely reading ALL Lisa's stories now!!! Thank you!!! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews