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The Manager
In the City of London, the scent of money and power lingers in the corridors of the shiny office buildings and clings to the suits of the men who work in them. Chasing that scent is the only thing that matters.
But not to Katy Daly. She has spent her life working in the City, but wealth and power are things granted to other people. Her childhood was shattered by the pursuit of them, and since then she’s coasted along on a course of risk-avoidance and underachieving.
Then Katy starts working for Riley Daniels, the beautiful and charismatic CEO of Byrsa, one of the most successful yet secretive tech companies in the world. Katy can’t help but be fascinated by this clever, fiercely ambitious woman making it in a man’s world. Riley has a way of making her wonder if there could be more to life than letting other people shape your destiny.
But power comes at a cost. As Katy is drawn deeper into Riley’s intoxicating world, she is forced to confront who she is, who she has become, and how far she will go to protect Riley’s secrets – and her own.
But not to Katy Daly. She has spent her life working in the City, but wealth and power are things granted to other people. Her childhood was shattered by the pursuit of them, and since then she’s coasted along on a course of risk-avoidance and underachieving.
Then Katy starts working for Riley Daniels, the beautiful and charismatic CEO of Byrsa, one of the most successful yet secretive tech companies in the world. Katy can’t help but be fascinated by this clever, fiercely ambitious woman making it in a man’s world. Riley has a way of making her wonder if there could be more to life than letting other people shape your destiny.
But power comes at a cost. As Katy is drawn deeper into Riley’s intoxicating world, she is forced to confront who she is, who she has become, and how far she will go to protect Riley’s secrets – and her own.
- GenresFiction
362 pages, Paperback
Published May 17, 2022
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 25, 2022
3.5/5 ✨
April 26, 2022
The main character Katy originally works in London City as a PA to Giles. Giles decides to move on and has no use for her so she needs to look for another job. During her thought process you can see she doesn’t have much confidence in herself as she only wants the kind of role where she can just blend into the background and not actually use her initiative and enjoys to blame the fact that men are holding back her opportunities when in fact it is her mindset. It isn’t until she meets with Riley CEO of Byrsa she becomes mesmerised by the fact that she has her own company, and how she goes on and so forth. It later becomes an obsession where she is falling for her.
I thought this novel was going to explain the differences between falling in love with someone and admiring a person for being good at getting what they want.
This novel didn’t really grip me as it was not that clear. I dislike novels that just obsess over a person instead of showing there is more to it.
Thank you for the book in exchange for an honest review.
————-
Blog:
https://clife.blog/2022/04/26/book-re...
I thought this novel was going to explain the differences between falling in love with someone and admiring a person for being good at getting what they want.
This novel didn’t really grip me as it was not that clear. I dislike novels that just obsess over a person instead of showing there is more to it.
Thank you for the book in exchange for an honest review.
————-
Blog:
https://clife.blog/2022/04/26/book-re...
March 13, 2022
i am pleasantly surprised by this book!
based on the cover and the description, i honestly thought it would be more suspense/thriller, but it's actually more office romance with social commentary! and i like it! it took a while for me to get used to the writing, but i really liked it. the plot and the romance were evenly paced and well-developed, and there were times when my heart felt like it would jump out my chest from the tension (especially when things started escalating). i also really like the tone and the atmosphere, because it felt like i've been living in London my entire life even though i've never been there in real life.
anyway, this is more than just a sapphic boss-secretary romance— but i would recommend this to everybody who enjoys a nice lesbian office romance (to be a bit reductionist).
based on the cover and the description, i honestly thought it would be more suspense/thriller, but it's actually more office romance with social commentary! and i like it! it took a while for me to get used to the writing, but i really liked it. the plot and the romance were evenly paced and well-developed, and there were times when my heart felt like it would jump out my chest from the tension (especially when things started escalating). i also really like the tone and the atmosphere, because it felt like i've been living in London my entire life even though i've never been there in real life.
anyway, this is more than just a sapphic boss-secretary romance— but i would recommend this to everybody who enjoys a nice lesbian office romance (to be a bit reductionist).
June 12, 2022
This was a strange read, it felt very confused as to what genre it was trying to be. There were romance elements, some clever espionage, and then a strange attempt at a thriller.
I think perhaps if there was a focus on one element rather than little bits of everything it would have been a more cohesive read- I'd especially have liked the romance element to be developed more.
I didn't mind rileys character reveal and found it an interesting twist, however the thriller element just felt rushed and incredibly far fetched.
A good premise but a bit confused as to what it wanted to be.
I think perhaps if there was a focus on one element rather than little bits of everything it would have been a more cohesive read- I'd especially have liked the romance element to be developed more.
I didn't mind rileys character reveal and found it an interesting twist, however the thriller element just felt rushed and incredibly far fetched.
A good premise but a bit confused as to what it wanted to be.
May 15, 2022
Office romance or thriller? I’m still not 100% sure that this book knew what it was trying to be… Its style and subject reminded me of 50 Shades of Grey, but without the sex. Make of that what you will.
It started off as a pretty average story about a woman and her new job, with hints that she was falling for her boss Riley. All very well and good, but it was painfully PG and although the sexual tension was done well, it did start to drag and I really wanted some action. While I liked the Sapphic romance, it seemed a little unbelievable that neither was aware of how the other felt, despite spending almost all of their free time together, which is quite unusual for an assistant and CEO.
Once they got to Vegas, the book still hadn’t got to its romantic climax, but with just a few pages to go suddenly descended into a ridiculous attempt at a thriller! Suddenly, we had car chases, shoot outs and kidnap, which was an extreme change of pace for a book which had been very slow until this point.
I did enjoy the book – especially the characters of Katy and Riley who were feisty and determined – but it didn’t quite live up to expectations.
The writing wasn’t bad, but I found the twists quite strange. Once they were revealed, they were almost glossed over and I wasn’t sure what the author was trying to achieve. The first twist didn’t really add anything to the story, but may account for the lack of sex scenes that I was expecting. The second was a little far-fetched and the character involved seemed far too blasé about what had happened to Riley since they’d been friends as teenagers.
An enjoyable, quick read, but nothing ground-breaking.
It started off as a pretty average story about a woman and her new job, with hints that she was falling for her boss Riley. All very well and good, but it was painfully PG and although the sexual tension was done well, it did start to drag and I really wanted some action. While I liked the Sapphic romance, it seemed a little unbelievable that neither was aware of how the other felt, despite spending almost all of their free time together, which is quite unusual for an assistant and CEO.
Once they got to Vegas, the book still hadn’t got to its romantic climax, but with just a few pages to go suddenly descended into a ridiculous attempt at a thriller! Suddenly, we had car chases, shoot outs and kidnap, which was an extreme change of pace for a book which had been very slow until this point.
I did enjoy the book – especially the characters of Katy and Riley who were feisty and determined – but it didn’t quite live up to expectations.
The writing wasn’t bad, but I found the twists quite strange. Once they were revealed, they were almost glossed over and I wasn’t sure what the author was trying to achieve. The first twist didn’t really add anything to the story, but may account for the lack of sex scenes that I was expecting. The second was a little far-fetched and the character involved seemed far too blasé about what had happened to Riley since they’d been friends as teenagers.
An enjoyable, quick read, but nothing ground-breaking.
January 2, 2026
First, I would like to thank WBE Creative for gifting me a copy for review – I might not have come across this book otherwise and that would have been a huge loss, as I loved it! Now, to the review.
The Manager by A. K. Wilson follows Katy Daly, who has spent her life becoming as small as possible, avoiding attachments, and hoping to avoid notice altogether, even in her work life. Up until recently, she worked as the assistant for a man named Giles, coasting along and underachieving – just how she likes it. When her job becomes redundant, however, Katy finds herself struggling to find a new one.
One night, when she’s drunk, she impulsively applies for the role of assistant to the CEO of Byrsa. She has never heard of Byrsa or the CEO, but she thinks it can’t be any worse than the other male CEO’s she’s worked for. What she isn’t expecting is the CEO to be Riley Daniels, who is beautiful, charismatic, intelligent, witty, and oh so mysterious.
Over the course of this novel, Katy becomes ensconced in the day-to-day of Byrsa life, which is secretive and very different to anything she has experienced before. She becomes drawn into Riley’s life, growing an attachment to her, and this leads Katy down a path she never thought she would walk.
I absolutely adored this book from the first few chapters. Katy is a great leading lady, and you are quickly drawn into her life in London. The real magic starts from her first encounter with Riley, where you can feel the sparks and tension just leaping off the page. Their relationship continues to develop over the course of the novel in such a slow burn that it makes you want to read faster. Riley herself is intriguing, mystifying, and oh so mischievous. You can’t help but be completely drawn into her orbit, much like every other person in the book.
The plot never seems to plod along, which is an achievement when the majority of the story follows Katy and her life working at Byrsa. You are constantly gripped by the tension between the two main characters.
Just when the tension is hitting the ultimate peak, there are two huge reveals that absolutely blindside you and leave you reeling (much like Katy must be feeling herself). These reveals bring you crashing back down to Earth, sending everything off kilter and shattering everything you thought would happen. And then, just when you think you can’t take any more, the ground falls out from under your feet again, the tension is ratcheting up once more, and you’re left speeding through the final pages to find out what on Earth just happened and what becomes of our beloved Katy and Riley.
This is a sapphic office romance taken to the next level, and I just wish I could read it again for the first time.
The Manager by A. K. Wilson follows Katy Daly, who has spent her life becoming as small as possible, avoiding attachments, and hoping to avoid notice altogether, even in her work life. Up until recently, she worked as the assistant for a man named Giles, coasting along and underachieving – just how she likes it. When her job becomes redundant, however, Katy finds herself struggling to find a new one.
One night, when she’s drunk, she impulsively applies for the role of assistant to the CEO of Byrsa. She has never heard of Byrsa or the CEO, but she thinks it can’t be any worse than the other male CEO’s she’s worked for. What she isn’t expecting is the CEO to be Riley Daniels, who is beautiful, charismatic, intelligent, witty, and oh so mysterious.
Over the course of this novel, Katy becomes ensconced in the day-to-day of Byrsa life, which is secretive and very different to anything she has experienced before. She becomes drawn into Riley’s life, growing an attachment to her, and this leads Katy down a path she never thought she would walk.
I absolutely adored this book from the first few chapters. Katy is a great leading lady, and you are quickly drawn into her life in London. The real magic starts from her first encounter with Riley, where you can feel the sparks and tension just leaping off the page. Their relationship continues to develop over the course of the novel in such a slow burn that it makes you want to read faster. Riley herself is intriguing, mystifying, and oh so mischievous. You can’t help but be completely drawn into her orbit, much like every other person in the book.
The plot never seems to plod along, which is an achievement when the majority of the story follows Katy and her life working at Byrsa. You are constantly gripped by the tension between the two main characters.
Just when the tension is hitting the ultimate peak, there are two huge reveals that absolutely blindside you and leave you reeling (much like Katy must be feeling herself). These reveals bring you crashing back down to Earth, sending everything off kilter and shattering everything you thought would happen. And then, just when you think you can’t take any more, the ground falls out from under your feet again, the tension is ratcheting up once more, and you’re left speeding through the final pages to find out what on Earth just happened and what becomes of our beloved Katy and Riley.
This is a sapphic office romance taken to the next level, and I just wish I could read it again for the first time.
April 27, 2022
Not the book I was expecting, but enjoyable nonetheless. It felt like it started off as kind of an edgy HBO thriller and then progressed to more of a melodramatic young adult show on the CW. Having said that the unexpected focus on the romance was thoroughly enjoyed as well as the general writing throughout which was scrumptious!
“They say you have to be a psychopath to succeed in business. So some people might say my lack of emotion would have meant I was ideally suited to a career at the top. I disagree. My stoic demeanour made me perfect for a job as someone’s emotional punching bag.”
“Dressing for the job you want is a conspiracy aimed at making women so worn out that they have no energy to put into the job they have, thus rendering them useless for any corporate ladder climbing.”
“I didn’t know what to say. It’s a universal truth that women around the world struggle to accept a compliment appropriately, and it’s even more difficult than ever when that compliment is coming from someone you fancy a ridiculous amount.”
*** I received an early complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
“They say you have to be a psychopath to succeed in business. So some people might say my lack of emotion would have meant I was ideally suited to a career at the top. I disagree. My stoic demeanour made me perfect for a job as someone’s emotional punching bag.”
“Dressing for the job you want is a conspiracy aimed at making women so worn out that they have no energy to put into the job they have, thus rendering them useless for any corporate ladder climbing.”
“I didn’t know what to say. It’s a universal truth that women around the world struggle to accept a compliment appropriately, and it’s even more difficult than ever when that compliment is coming from someone you fancy a ridiculous amount.”
*** I received an early complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
May 26, 2022
Money, power, secrets...love?
Katy grew up seeing how the first three could shatter everything--including the fourth. She wants no part of the games and the chase, but that seems to have left her with an empty life.
After being suddenly thrown back into the job market, her new boss, Riley, seems to be a channel to all of these things. And Katy is increasingly finding herself overwhelmed by attrcation. Can she let this all in? Should she? And what price might doing so extract from her?
Katy is our narrator, and it's immediately a fascinating experience. She's smart, and also a smart-ass. She's observant, insightful about herself as well as others. But she's also lost, hiding from herself and everyone else in a stoic mask. When the rug sweeps out from under her, she simply steps off it and onto the next one with a barely broken stride; except inside, where she's trying to figure out who did that, why, why then, and what this new rug is.
As you can probably tell, I liked her right away.
Riley enters the story as some sort of icy goddess, immediately churning Katy's brain. But it's quickly obvious that Riley is much more than that, and getting to know her better as we go is quite a treat. All too often the balance on this type of character is wrong, they're usually too tightly wound, too clammed up. But Wilson finds a sweet spot here and it works very well.
Watching things unfold from behind Katy's eyes is entertaining, not just for her observations, but also for the way we learn through her perspective, and how we see her change–usually before she does.
I'm going to slightly bend my usual no-spoiler rule here, so skip this bit if you don't want anything.
There's a major character who is trans. Yaaaaay. Even better - the bad guy from her pre-trans days doesn't misgender her. Double yaaaay.
I enjoyed this. It’s nice to read a queer story that both centres queer characters, and doesn’t make their queerness central to everything.
Pick this up if you want cute lesbian smoochies, lots of twists and turns, and an enjoyably paced story.
The Manager was released on May 17th 2022. You can pick it up from Amazon UK or US, or your other favourite bookseller or library.
Katy grew up seeing how the first three could shatter everything--including the fourth. She wants no part of the games and the chase, but that seems to have left her with an empty life.
After being suddenly thrown back into the job market, her new boss, Riley, seems to be a channel to all of these things. And Katy is increasingly finding herself overwhelmed by attrcation. Can she let this all in? Should she? And what price might doing so extract from her?
Katy is our narrator, and it's immediately a fascinating experience. She's smart, and also a smart-ass. She's observant, insightful about herself as well as others. But she's also lost, hiding from herself and everyone else in a stoic mask. When the rug sweeps out from under her, she simply steps off it and onto the next one with a barely broken stride; except inside, where she's trying to figure out who did that, why, why then, and what this new rug is.
As you can probably tell, I liked her right away.
Riley enters the story as some sort of icy goddess, immediately churning Katy's brain. But it's quickly obvious that Riley is much more than that, and getting to know her better as we go is quite a treat. All too often the balance on this type of character is wrong, they're usually too tightly wound, too clammed up. But Wilson finds a sweet spot here and it works very well.
Watching things unfold from behind Katy's eyes is entertaining, not just for her observations, but also for the way we learn through her perspective, and how we see her change–usually before she does.
I'm going to slightly bend my usual no-spoiler rule here, so skip this bit if you don't want anything.
There's a major character who is trans. Yaaaaay. Even better - the bad guy from her pre-trans days doesn't misgender her. Double yaaaay.
I enjoyed this. It’s nice to read a queer story that both centres queer characters, and doesn’t make their queerness central to everything.
Pick this up if you want cute lesbian smoochies, lots of twists and turns, and an enjoyably paced story.
The Manager was released on May 17th 2022. You can pick it up from Amazon UK or US, or your other favourite bookseller or library.
May 9, 2022
Katy Daly works in the City of London, amongst the money in shiny offices. But she's faced with shattering news - and not for the first time in her life. She starts to work for the charismatic Riley Daniels, the CEO of a very secretive business within the City. Katy is drawn into this powerful, ambitious and secretive world, but how far will she go herself to obtain what she desires, and at what cost?
It is always pleasing to read an author's first work - and this was certainly not a disappointment. It is intriguing from the start and moves fluidly and at a fast pace from the first page. It is a world that we may have been in, or certainly heard of and as a reader we too are drawn towards it and Riley Daniels, like Katy Daly. I was hooked from the first sentence.
There is so much to unpeel here. Office relationships, the intricate dance we have with our work colleagues, wanting to fit in, in so many areas of life and work. The balance of family with a career or job that you are enthralled in. The need to feel that you are in the right place, doing the right thing, with the right people. We can all relate. I particularly liked the way the writer explored the way that your own identity (be it your name or gender) has to be manipulated in this 'City' world. 'Cities eat you'. They do indeed.
I liked the way this is written with no superfluous descriptions or long and turgid, irrelevant passages. It is pithy, and all the better for it, in my opinion. Every single paragraph you read is required. There's some great editing here.
One thing I would suggest to anyone considering an interview - learn to play chess. Read the book!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It is without a doubt 5/5. Can't wait for their second novel.
It is always pleasing to read an author's first work - and this was certainly not a disappointment. It is intriguing from the start and moves fluidly and at a fast pace from the first page. It is a world that we may have been in, or certainly heard of and as a reader we too are drawn towards it and Riley Daniels, like Katy Daly. I was hooked from the first sentence.
There is so much to unpeel here. Office relationships, the intricate dance we have with our work colleagues, wanting to fit in, in so many areas of life and work. The balance of family with a career or job that you are enthralled in. The need to feel that you are in the right place, doing the right thing, with the right people. We can all relate. I particularly liked the way the writer explored the way that your own identity (be it your name or gender) has to be manipulated in this 'City' world. 'Cities eat you'. They do indeed.
I liked the way this is written with no superfluous descriptions or long and turgid, irrelevant passages. It is pithy, and all the better for it, in my opinion. Every single paragraph you read is required. There's some great editing here.
One thing I would suggest to anyone considering an interview - learn to play chess. Read the book!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It is without a doubt 5/5. Can't wait for their second novel.
May 18, 2022
In the City of London, the scent of money and power lingers in the corridors of the shiny office buildings and clings to the suits of the men who work in them. Chasing that scent is the only thing that matters.
But not to Katy Daly. She has spent her life working in the City, but wealth and power are things granted to other people. Her childhood was shattered by the pursuit of them, and since then she’s coasted along on a course of risk-avoidance and underachieving.
Then Katy starts working for Riley Daniels, the beautiful and charismatic CEO of Byrsa, one of the most successful yet secretive tech companies in the world. Katy can’t help but be fascinated by this clever, fiercely ambitious woman making it in a man’s world. Riley has a way of making her wonder if there could be more to life than letting other people shape your destiny.
But power comes at a cost. As Katy is drawn deeper into Riley’s intoxicating world, she is forced to confront who she is, who she has become, and how far she will go to protect Riley’s secrets – and her own.
I have worked in the city my whole life and really have seen all sort so was intrigued to read this novel. It was not quite what I expected in terms of the love interest side of things but I really liked the characters and the relationships between them and how they evolved. I also found the tech company concept very interesting. It started perhaps a little slow then I was gripped and couldn’t wait to see how the story developed!
Definitely true how its described – a timely, though provoking debut about gender, power and identity in the City of London. Well recommended
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
But not to Katy Daly. She has spent her life working in the City, but wealth and power are things granted to other people. Her childhood was shattered by the pursuit of them, and since then she’s coasted along on a course of risk-avoidance and underachieving.
Then Katy starts working for Riley Daniels, the beautiful and charismatic CEO of Byrsa, one of the most successful yet secretive tech companies in the world. Katy can’t help but be fascinated by this clever, fiercely ambitious woman making it in a man’s world. Riley has a way of making her wonder if there could be more to life than letting other people shape your destiny.
But power comes at a cost. As Katy is drawn deeper into Riley’s intoxicating world, she is forced to confront who she is, who she has become, and how far she will go to protect Riley’s secrets – and her own.
I have worked in the city my whole life and really have seen all sort so was intrigued to read this novel. It was not quite what I expected in terms of the love interest side of things but I really liked the characters and the relationships between them and how they evolved. I also found the tech company concept very interesting. It started perhaps a little slow then I was gripped and couldn’t wait to see how the story developed!
Definitely true how its described – a timely, though provoking debut about gender, power and identity in the City of London. Well recommended
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2022
This was an enjoyable read even though I was expecting a different kind of book . This isn’t a corporate thriller but more a slow and steady sapphic romance with an action-packed end.
Kate is the first person narrator- a woman who is capable of achieving more but is too scared who slowly falls in love with Riley, the CEO of a mega company who isn’t afraid to dream big but they are connected in the most unexpected way leading to an explosive end.
The book also explores the differences in how successful women are perceived compared to men and the daily, little humiliating cuts most women in the workplace experience, no matter how good they are.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance with strong female characters.
Kate is the first person narrator- a woman who is capable of achieving more but is too scared who slowly falls in love with Riley, the CEO of a mega company who isn’t afraid to dream big but they are connected in the most unexpected way leading to an explosive end.
The book also explores the differences in how successful women are perceived compared to men and the daily, little humiliating cuts most women in the workplace experience, no matter how good they are.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance with strong female characters.
May 3, 2022
No, no, no. This book annoyed me and I hated how it ended. When it reached the big reveal… I was expecting a lot more? Portraying that you have to do whatever it takes/kill someone to get a promotion at work? The Las Vegas scenario was hard to follow. They outran a police car by taking two right turns, really?
I did however enjoy reading the relationship/romance between Katy and Riley, there were times when my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest from the tension.
Sadly I wouldn’t recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley, A. K. and WBE Creative for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
I did however enjoy reading the relationship/romance between Katy and Riley, there were times when my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest from the tension.
Sadly I wouldn’t recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley, A. K. and WBE Creative for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
May 4, 2022
Katy Daly has spent her entire life working in the city as an Executive Assistant. Wealth and power seem to belong to everyone else and they tore her family apart in pursuit of it. She starts working for CEO Riley Daniels at Byrsa, a secretive tech company. Katy is fascinated by Riley. She’s clever and ambitious by it it seems power comes at a cost. As Katy is drawn into Riley’s world, she’s forced to confront who she is but how far will she go to keep Riley’s secrets and her own.
This book is both interesting and intriguing. It kept me entertained and moved along at a good pace. Thank you to NetGalley, WBE Creative and the author for the chance to review.
This book is both interesting and intriguing. It kept me entertained and moved along at a good pace. Thank you to NetGalley, WBE Creative and the author for the chance to review.
July 2, 2022
This book got me out of a reading slump.
I went into this expecting it to be good, because the cover spoke to me, somehow. And because the reviews promised a sapphic office romance. It didn't fail to deliver on that promise, and in fact was so much more: it's equal parts thriller, romance, and social commentary about a jaded secretary who is more than happy to be just a cog in a machine. Until she gets hired by a beautiful and mysterious woman, that is.
Overall, I'm really glad that I picked this up because it exceeded my expectations. It's fast-paced and can be easily devoured in one sitting. Pick this up if you like office romances, pining, and a good ol' plot twist.
I went into this expecting it to be good, because the cover spoke to me, somehow. And because the reviews promised a sapphic office romance. It didn't fail to deliver on that promise, and in fact was so much more: it's equal parts thriller, romance, and social commentary about a jaded secretary who is more than happy to be just a cog in a machine. Until she gets hired by a beautiful and mysterious woman, that is.
Overall, I'm really glad that I picked this up because it exceeded my expectations. It's fast-paced and can be easily devoured in one sitting. Pick this up if you like office romances, pining, and a good ol' plot twist.
May 3, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I did think it would be much more of a thriller than it was. I would say it was much more of a romance than I thought, but I did enjoy the storyline itself. I would have liked to have heard more from the point of view of the Manager herself, but I think I was just frustrated by some of the opinions and choices of the main narrator. Overall, an interesting read and I did manage to escape to a different world for a while.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
Katy has spent years working as a PA, no real care for her job or the men she half-heartedly works for. When she’s forced to find a new position, on a whim she applies to be the assistant to Riley, the secretive yet charming CEO or Brysa, a massive tech company. Katy is drawn to Riley and her world, her secrets. As she delves further into Riley’s life, she realises there is nothing she won’t do to protect her boss, and lines of colleagues, friendship and something more begins to blur.
This book ended up being a lot lighter than it thought it would be. It was fun, with sapphic tension. Whilst this was a book about a relationship between a boss and her employee, there was no exploited power dynamic, though a bit of an age gap. At first, I thought this novel was going to be too on the nose with its commentary about London, capitalism and the way people are expected to make their jobs their entire lives. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the direction the story ended up taking, the relationship felt genuine and exciting. I liked that the story wasn’t explicitly about defining their sexuality, they were simply attracted to one another. It was a fun read, and the ending was tense and exciting all at once.
This book ended up being a lot lighter than it thought it would be. It was fun, with sapphic tension. Whilst this was a book about a relationship between a boss and her employee, there was no exploited power dynamic, though a bit of an age gap. At first, I thought this novel was going to be too on the nose with its commentary about London, capitalism and the way people are expected to make their jobs their entire lives. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the direction the story ended up taking, the relationship felt genuine and exciting. I liked that the story wasn’t explicitly about defining their sexuality, they were simply attracted to one another. It was a fun read, and the ending was tense and exciting all at once.
May 26, 2022
When career drifter Katy Daniels is offered a job with the enigmatic Riley Daniels, CEO of tech firm Byrsa, she starts to take her job and herself a bit more seriously.
The story begins slowly and indeed the whole romance between Katy and Riley is a slow burn which I think made it more realistic given their personalities and situation. As their relationship develops and Katy grows in confidence under Rileys guidance, she has to decide just how far she will go to protect Riley and her secrets.
The action definitely speeds up in the final third and I enjoyed the twists - only some of which I had worked out.
The book also provides something of a social commentary of capitalism and money especially in the City of London which fitted perfectly with Byrsa as a leading global company with huge profits and almost limitless resources.
As a records professional dealing with data day to day I enjoyed the description of Byrsa and its operations. Would love some of the inventions Riley comes up with too - especially that rubbish sorter. Not sure about the electronic spider though!
This was an interesting read. A little outside of my normal choice but I enjoyed it.
The story begins slowly and indeed the whole romance between Katy and Riley is a slow burn which I think made it more realistic given their personalities and situation. As their relationship develops and Katy grows in confidence under Rileys guidance, she has to decide just how far she will go to protect Riley and her secrets.
The action definitely speeds up in the final third and I enjoyed the twists - only some of which I had worked out.
The book also provides something of a social commentary of capitalism and money especially in the City of London which fitted perfectly with Byrsa as a leading global company with huge profits and almost limitless resources.
As a records professional dealing with data day to day I enjoyed the description of Byrsa and its operations. Would love some of the inventions Riley comes up with too - especially that rubbish sorter. Not sure about the electronic spider though!
This was an interesting read. A little outside of my normal choice but I enjoyed it.
April 25, 2022
Sensational! I devoured this book in a day. Huge thanks to Claire Maxwell for sending me a copy.
Katy is a relatable protagonist, let go from Her boring but previously, reliable office job.
Katy is a strong, truth speaking woman who doesn't just tell people what they want to hear. A quality Her interviewer, the seemingly perfect Riley, admires in Her.
We follow Katy in Her career, relationship and family life and the dizzying adventures that befall Her.
An absolute must read!
Katy is a relatable protagonist, let go from Her boring but previously, reliable office job.
Katy is a strong, truth speaking woman who doesn't just tell people what they want to hear. A quality Her interviewer, the seemingly perfect Riley, admires in Her.
We follow Katy in Her career, relationship and family life and the dizzying adventures that befall Her.
An absolute must read!
June 12, 2022
This was an enjoyable tale of a woman who conditioned herself not to care about work and anything really until she takes a high powered job as a personal assistant for a highly driven woman who has mysterious secrets. Their 2 worlds collide putting everyone in danger. Some good twists and turns and a few surprises along the way.
June 13, 2022
I wasn't rea!ly sure what to expect from this book but was pleasantly surprised. Read the whole book in one sitting, it was a compelling story and I wanted to know more about the characters and liked the way the story unfolded.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by netgallery for an honest review.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by netgallery for an honest review.
May 23, 2022
The Manager is an intriguing read of infatuation and secrets. I thought this was a fascinating story covering topics of gender, workplace power and cyber security. Katy and Riley are both such interesting characters- Riley, so driven and Katy seems almost consumed by Byrsa and it’s enigmatic CEO. I really enjoyed seeing how the different relationships in the story played out -Cam and some of the other employees added a touch of reality to the world lived in by the two women.
May 26, 2022
Such an easy little read. Cliche but loved it
May 18, 2022
"Power isn't always being the loudest person in the room."
Modern-day techy version of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets Ninth House, if instead of ghosts the action revolved around money. Add to that a sprinkle of Something to Talk About, and you have the prefect recipe for a sapphic romance thriller.
The vibe works really well - it's much more of a character story than an action-packed one, but I was completely engrossed and devoured it in three sittings!
I was also under the impression from the synopsis that it was going to be a much darker novel, and was worried because I scare easily, but it's actually more of a contemporary fiction with a thriller element in the final 20% or so.
We know there's going to be some sort of third act shocking reveal, but even my brain - which is always trying to guess the twists in stories - did not see that coming, and honestly it was so good.
The ending works perfectly for the world the author created - the morally grey characters are not perfect, and no one receives absolution for their questionable actions, yet there's a satisfying conclusion, which can even be considered a happy ending - if you are willing to somewhat stretch the cheesy definition of the term.
Thank you @wbecreative & @clairemaxwell for sending me an advanced copy of #TheManagerBook
Modern-day techy version of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets Ninth House, if instead of ghosts the action revolved around money. Add to that a sprinkle of Something to Talk About, and you have the prefect recipe for a sapphic romance thriller.
The vibe works really well - it's much more of a character story than an action-packed one, but I was completely engrossed and devoured it in three sittings!
I was also under the impression from the synopsis that it was going to be a much darker novel, and was worried because I scare easily, but it's actually more of a contemporary fiction with a thriller element in the final 20% or so.
We know there's going to be some sort of third act shocking reveal, but even my brain - which is always trying to guess the twists in stories - did not see that coming, and honestly it was so good.
The ending works perfectly for the world the author created - the morally grey characters are not perfect, and no one receives absolution for their questionable actions, yet there's a satisfying conclusion, which can even be considered a happy ending - if you are willing to somewhat stretch the cheesy definition of the term.
Thank you @wbecreative & @clairemaxwell for sending me an advanced copy of #TheManagerBook
May 21, 2022
This book is the reason I love reading and book blog tours! Thanks to social media I was sent a copy of this book by WBE creative and I’m so glad I was otherwise I probably wouldn’t have discovered it.
This book starts off quite slowly as the story builds and we get to know who Katy and Riley are and as their relationship builds. Then things start to happen but not in the way you are expecting! The speed of the story picks up pace at this point. The first part of the story is quite edgy, with a cool, and tense atmosphere. The second half has a slightly different warmer atmosphere but is just as tense with a great ending. What makes this book though is alongside the really great story is a really sensitively written book about being different, accepting your past and finding the confidence to be yourself.
This book starts off quite slowly as the story builds and we get to know who Katy and Riley are and as their relationship builds. Then things start to happen but not in the way you are expecting! The speed of the story picks up pace at this point. The first part of the story is quite edgy, with a cool, and tense atmosphere. The second half has a slightly different warmer atmosphere but is just as tense with a great ending. What makes this book though is alongside the really great story is a really sensitively written book about being different, accepting your past and finding the confidence to be yourself.
June 17, 2022
I went into this book expecting its social commentary, but was pleasantly surprised by its romance-oriented and increasingly action-packed storyline. And when I say I didn’t expect the twists, I mean I didn’t even see them coming when they were right around the corner.
So many books I’ve been reading recently have been about 20-something women struggling, and only while reading The Manager did I notice how much I appreciated exploring the mind of someone who seemed confident in her achievements - albeit the occasional self doubt.
Though at times I felt there were too many similes in the narration, overall Wilson did a great job of portraying corporate life in the City and its effects on those in it. Some difficult topics discussed include the loss of a parent, familial abuse, and violence. But if you’re in the market for a thriller or an office romance (or both!) this is a book worth looking into.
Thank you to WBE Creative for the review copy!
So many books I’ve been reading recently have been about 20-something women struggling, and only while reading The Manager did I notice how much I appreciated exploring the mind of someone who seemed confident in her achievements - albeit the occasional self doubt.
Though at times I felt there were too many similes in the narration, overall Wilson did a great job of portraying corporate life in the City and its effects on those in it. Some difficult topics discussed include the loss of a parent, familial abuse, and violence. But if you’re in the market for a thriller or an office romance (or both!) this is a book worth looking into.
Thank you to WBE Creative for the review copy!
July 1, 2022
office romance, sapphic energy, hot girl boss (literally), dysfunctional pasts and unpredictable plots. this is bookstagram’s fantasy.
katy has worked in the city of london as an assistant to a stream of misogynistic bosses for the entirety of her career. however, when she is made redundant, the universe forces her onto a path that will make her question the purpose of her life before riley. as a woman leading a male dominated industry, riley is an enigma. but katy’s past is more intertwined with riley than she realises, the mystery behind the woman of her dreams known to her much more than she wants.
okay, maybe katy is your typical female main character, but riley is the sapphic dream. she bodies divine feminine energy, domineering a world where men try to overpower her (and fail). i want to be riley when i grow up. she has the perfect amount of depth to her character, never giving everything away about her at once. trust me, you are in for a ride with her from the moment you pick this book up.
thank you to @wbecreative for sending me their first published book, which turns out to be a.k. wilson’s debut and will be released on 17th may !!
katy has worked in the city of london as an assistant to a stream of misogynistic bosses for the entirety of her career. however, when she is made redundant, the universe forces her onto a path that will make her question the purpose of her life before riley. as a woman leading a male dominated industry, riley is an enigma. but katy’s past is more intertwined with riley than she realises, the mystery behind the woman of her dreams known to her much more than she wants.
okay, maybe katy is your typical female main character, but riley is the sapphic dream. she bodies divine feminine energy, domineering a world where men try to overpower her (and fail). i want to be riley when i grow up. she has the perfect amount of depth to her character, never giving everything away about her at once. trust me, you are in for a ride with her from the moment you pick this book up.
thank you to @wbecreative for sending me their first published book, which turns out to be a.k. wilson’s debut and will be released on 17th may !!
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