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Perks of Office
When your new boss is hot as hell, what hope is there for a poor lovestruck office worker? A light-hearted, age-gap lesbian office romance with sexual tension leading the polls.
After high-powered politician Bridget O’Keefe sweeps into the uninspiring life of Australian electorate officer Emma Ives, nothing is the same again.
Hapless, hopeless Emma is smacked with an instant crush on the polished woman who’s her new boss…her hot, untouchable, straight boss. Yes, she knows she’s an idiot because unrequited lust at work is a terrible idea. Even so, she can dream.
One long night changes everything. A political scandal leads to a fall from grace and Emma suddenly finds herself the one Bridget turns to for comfort. There’s a lot for Emma to wrap her mind around, even as her body loves wrapping itself around Bridget’s curves.
Is it just a meaningless night of passion, nothing more? Because there’s absolutely no way ambitious, beautiful Bridget wants anything more from Emma. Is there?
A light-hearted, age-gap lesbian office romance with sexual tension leading the polls.
After high-powered politician Bridget O’Keefe sweeps into the uninspiring life of Australian electorate officer Emma Ives, nothing is the same again.
Hapless, hopeless Emma is smacked with an instant crush on the polished woman who’s her new boss…her hot, untouchable, straight boss. Yes, she knows she’s an idiot because unrequited lust at work is a terrible idea. Even so, she can dream.
One long night changes everything. A political scandal leads to a fall from grace and Emma suddenly finds herself the one Bridget turns to for comfort. There’s a lot for Emma to wrap her mind around, even as her body loves wrapping itself around Bridget’s curves.
Is it just a meaningless night of passion, nothing more? Because there’s absolutely no way ambitious, beautiful Bridget wants anything more from Emma. Is there?
A light-hearted, age-gap lesbian office romance with sexual tension leading the polls.
178 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2022
85 people are currently reading
1521 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
May 7, 2022
Dating a Minister.
This is a debut that doesn't feel like one. It's pretty well-written and there's just so many good things to say about it.
This is an age-gap, workplace romance - my favourite - and the story about an electorial office manager having a passionate night with the Minister she works for and is crushing on, excited me. It's marketed as lighthearted, which isn't inaccurate because it does get pretty lighthearted and humorous when Emma's inner monologue comes on and I found myself chuckling periodically into my Kindle at what she had to say.
But beyond the funny stuff, I also experienced a whirlwind of other emotions that I wasn't expecting to have and I ended up being emotionally invested in the story. Liz Rain's style of writing makes it easy to read. The story is well-paced and is filled with a good mix of fun, sexual tension, passion and angst that comes from relationship conflicts related to priorities that come with being a politician. I enjoyed the journey that Emma went on from crushing on Bridget to being with her, from her POV. And even though we don't get Bridget's POV, the story is written well enough that we can also see Bridget's interest in Emma quite clearly.
A great debut that definitely puts Rain in my radar.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This is a debut that doesn't feel like one. It's pretty well-written and there's just so many good things to say about it.
This is an age-gap, workplace romance - my favourite - and the story about an electorial office manager having a passionate night with the Minister she works for and is crushing on, excited me. It's marketed as lighthearted, which isn't inaccurate because it does get pretty lighthearted and humorous when Emma's inner monologue comes on and I found myself chuckling periodically into my Kindle at what she had to say.
But beyond the funny stuff, I also experienced a whirlwind of other emotions that I wasn't expecting to have and I ended up being emotionally invested in the story. Liz Rain's style of writing makes it easy to read. The story is well-paced and is filled with a good mix of fun, sexual tension, passion and angst that comes from relationship conflicts related to priorities that come with being a politician. I enjoyed the journey that Emma went on from crushing on Bridget to being with her, from her POV. And even though we don't get Bridget's POV, the story is written well enough that we can also see Bridget's interest in Emma quite clearly.
A great debut that definitely puts Rain in my radar.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2022
Emma Ives finds herself in an impossible situation. She is attracted to her boss, Bridget O’Keefe who is a high powered politician. A political landmine explodes which may ruin Bridget’s career and she looks to Emma for support and possibly more.
Perks of Office may be a debut novel however Liz Rain is no amateur. The writing, pace and characters easily captivate the reader’s imagination and interest. The plot, although used in other novels, is written with a freshness that is appealing. Yet it is the characters who add the bright shine to this novel. Best friend Polly is audaciously funny and one hundred percent momma bear if anyone tries to hurt Emma. Coworkers Haromi and Jake add a convivial yin and yang atmosphere to Emma’s work and the story.
I enjoyed myself reading Perks of Office and cannot wait to read Liz Rain’s future novels.
I received an advanced review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Perks of Office may be a debut novel however Liz Rain is no amateur. The writing, pace and characters easily captivate the reader’s imagination and interest. The plot, although used in other novels, is written with a freshness that is appealing. Yet it is the characters who add the bright shine to this novel. Best friend Polly is audaciously funny and one hundred percent momma bear if anyone tries to hurt Emma. Coworkers Haromi and Jake add a convivial yin and yang atmosphere to Emma’s work and the story.
I enjoyed myself reading Perks of Office and cannot wait to read Liz Rain’s future novels.
I received an advanced review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2023
“Perks of Office” is a debut by Liz Rain. It’s an age-gap romance between Emma Ives, a manager of an electorate office, and the MP of that office/area, Bridget O’Keefe.
This review is difficult for me to write because it’s one of those books that I didn’t love but I didn’t hate it either. This is told in only Emma’s point of view and I think that hurt the story for me. Bridget remains a mystery throughout the story and it made it hard for me to root for the romance. Emma and Bridget don’t spend a lot of quality time together either so aside from being hot and that she’s passionate about her job, there wasn’t much the reader knows about Bridget.
Emma wasn’t a terribly interesting character, but her small group of friends made up for it. Her best friend, Polly, stole the show for me. She was funny and was quite the personality. Emma’s coworkers were also interesting and made the boring office job more fun.
There was a lot of humor that I really enjoyed, especially when Emma first meets Bridget and has such a hard time with her overwhelming crush. This is described as light-hearted on the blurb but I’m not sure that’s really true. There were several angsty moments that made me wonder where the story was going. I did like that Rain took the story in different in directions than I thought she’d go so that made it more interesting.
While I didn’t love this one, I look forward to Rain’s next release. This was a debut but if I hadn’t known beforehand, I never would have guessed. There weren’t the usual newbie bumps and “Perks of Office” was very readable as I flew right through it.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This review is difficult for me to write because it’s one of those books that I didn’t love but I didn’t hate it either. This is told in only Emma’s point of view and I think that hurt the story for me. Bridget remains a mystery throughout the story and it made it hard for me to root for the romance. Emma and Bridget don’t spend a lot of quality time together either so aside from being hot and that she’s passionate about her job, there wasn’t much the reader knows about Bridget.
Emma wasn’t a terribly interesting character, but her small group of friends made up for it. Her best friend, Polly, stole the show for me. She was funny and was quite the personality. Emma’s coworkers were also interesting and made the boring office job more fun.
There was a lot of humor that I really enjoyed, especially when Emma first meets Bridget and has such a hard time with her overwhelming crush. This is described as light-hearted on the blurb but I’m not sure that’s really true. There were several angsty moments that made me wonder where the story was going. I did like that Rain took the story in different in directions than I thought she’d go so that made it more interesting.
While I didn’t love this one, I look forward to Rain’s next release. This was a debut but if I hadn’t known beforehand, I never would have guessed. There weren’t the usual newbie bumps and “Perks of Office” was very readable as I flew right through it.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2022
Solid age gap romance.
I can’t believe this was this author’s debut.
I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by Liz Rain.
If you love age gap romances, give this a shot!
I can’t believe this was this author’s debut.
I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by Liz Rain.
If you love age gap romances, give this a shot!
May 14, 2022
Perks of Office is a dream debut you really don’t want to miss.
Perks of Office by Liz Rain is a dream debut, really. I want to congratulate Ylva for their good taste in publishing this fresh new Aussie author. I super enjoyed this one. For some reasons I always feel down under writers bring something extra to the table.
Office staffer Emma has a huge crush on her new boss, the high-powered politician Bridget O’Keefe. She knows it can’t ever be anything else but a dream. Highly polished, untouchable and straight, the Honourable Bridget O’Keefe - Corrective Services and Minister for State Development, Innovation, and Infrastructure - is way out of her league. Until one evening she isn’t.
What we get is a light-hearted, age-gap romance set on a backdrop of Australian local politics. Bridget sets the rules from the get go. She’s a high profile public figure and also Emma’s boss, so they have to operate on the extreme down-low. Something Emma thinks she can handle. But can she?
Like Emma, I fell like a brick for curvy Bridget. Because we are only privy to Emma’s thoughts (and what fun that is!), Bridget remains much of a mystery throughout the book and that makes her extra desirable.
The extras were fabulous. Ex-room mate Polly, now a Dublin exile, was hilarious and also fellow staffers Haromi and Jake provide great comic relief. Rain’s writing reminds me of Ashley Herring Blake’s Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, Lucy Bexley’s No Strings and KJ’s Coming Home. Smart, hilarious, original, and sexy as hell. Just excellent story telling!
f/f hot!
5 Stars
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Perks of Office by Liz Rain is a dream debut, really. I want to congratulate Ylva for their good taste in publishing this fresh new Aussie author. I super enjoyed this one. For some reasons I always feel down under writers bring something extra to the table.
Office staffer Emma has a huge crush on her new boss, the high-powered politician Bridget O’Keefe. She knows it can’t ever be anything else but a dream. Highly polished, untouchable and straight, the Honourable Bridget O’Keefe - Corrective Services and Minister for State Development, Innovation, and Infrastructure - is way out of her league. Until one evening she isn’t.
What we get is a light-hearted, age-gap romance set on a backdrop of Australian local politics. Bridget sets the rules from the get go. She’s a high profile public figure and also Emma’s boss, so they have to operate on the extreme down-low. Something Emma thinks she can handle. But can she?
Like Emma, I fell like a brick for curvy Bridget. Because we are only privy to Emma’s thoughts (and what fun that is!), Bridget remains much of a mystery throughout the book and that makes her extra desirable.
The extras were fabulous. Ex-room mate Polly, now a Dublin exile, was hilarious and also fellow staffers Haromi and Jake provide great comic relief. Rain’s writing reminds me of Ashley Herring Blake’s Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, Lucy Bexley’s No Strings and KJ’s Coming Home. Smart, hilarious, original, and sexy as hell. Just excellent story telling!
f/f hot!
5 Stars
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
May 5, 2022
A smart, funny, romance from debut author Liz Rains set with the backdrop of Aussie politics. Main characters in this one are Emma Ives, thrown in the deep end, with no experience, to run the electorate office in her home town. It shouldn't be too bad since the office has experienced staff in place, right? Uh, uh, with no real guidance but gut instinct and smarts, Emma and staff steadily limp along managing to keep things afloat. Enter politician Bridget O'Keefe with a heavy portfolio, she needs to walk a careful path when carrying out her Ministerial duties. A first meeting leads to an instant crush on Emma's part when Bridget checks in on her local office. No matter the business like approach, Emma's crush continues to grow even as the office becomes properly involved in local matters as never before. Then the unthinkable happens when Emma's dream becomes reality -Bridget turns to her seeking comfort as a result of a major political scandal.
I read through the night hooked by the cleverly written storyline, humor, touch of drama, romance, heat and HEA. Side characters in Emma's BF Polly (who keeps her grounded with offbeat humor and wisdom never mind she's away in Ireland), and staffers Haromi and Jake add nicely to the plot. I so wanted Mel to get her comeuppance.
Heartily recommend and on my re-read shelf. I look forward to reading more of the author's work.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. This is a voluntary and unbiased review.
I read through the night hooked by the cleverly written storyline, humor, touch of drama, romance, heat and HEA. Side characters in Emma's BF Polly (who keeps her grounded with offbeat humor and wisdom never mind she's away in Ireland), and staffers Haromi and Jake add nicely to the plot. I so wanted Mel to get her comeuppance.
Heartily recommend and on my re-read shelf. I look forward to reading more of the author's work.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. This is a voluntary and unbiased review.
February 4, 2023
3,5⭐️
I had problems getting into this story. For a long time (about 45%) the story held not much interest for me and then there was the power imbalance between the two MC. Age gap romances are only good when the MC balance each other in different parts of life.
But it’s a debut novel so maybe I‘m to harsh.
I had problems getting into this story. For a long time (about 45%) the story held not much interest for me and then there was the power imbalance between the two MC. Age gap romances are only good when the MC balance each other in different parts of life.
But it’s a debut novel so maybe I‘m to harsh.
May 15, 2022
A very promising debut novel
Sapphic fiction has seen lately an increasing number of new authors and it's always exciting to discover new promising talents like Liz Rain.
When Emma Ives starts working at the electorate office, she wasn't expecting to develop a huge crush on her unattainable boss Minister Bridget O’Keefe. As both women work closely together and a political scandal threatens to destroy Bridget's political career, a night of passion changes it all...
This is a very good debut age-gap workplace romance, so well written that you wouldn't guess it's the author's first book. Perks of Office has a little bit of humour, angst, romance and sexiness, all in a balanced combo. Both characters are very well fleshed and have great chemistry together. The sex scenes are sizzling hot.
As the world becomes increasingly accepting of same sex couples, it's more difficult to introduce the "fear of being outed" trope and make it believable. However, Ms. Rain did it realistically here by introducing Australian politics into the mix. I thought the conflict was done really well, so much so that I could feel and empathise with Emma's resentment for being kept as Bridget's dirty little secret.
The book is written in first person from the point of view of Emma so Bridget appears as an enigma to be unveiled. Both characters are presented with both triumphs and shortcomings and it's great to accompany them in their journey of personal growth. The cast of secondary characters is varied, and they introduce humour and the value of friendship to the story.
Ms. Rain chose the setting of her native Australia and more precisely Logan, Queensland, where she actually lives. This is reflected in the language, food and costumes which is an original departure from the ubiquitous American settings found in most Sapphic novels. Another good point in favour of this story.
If you are looking for an age gap romance with equal parts of humour, sexiness, angst and romance, this one is for you. 4.5 stars.
Sapphic fiction has seen lately an increasing number of new authors and it's always exciting to discover new promising talents like Liz Rain.
When Emma Ives starts working at the electorate office, she wasn't expecting to develop a huge crush on her unattainable boss Minister Bridget O’Keefe. As both women work closely together and a political scandal threatens to destroy Bridget's political career, a night of passion changes it all...
This is a very good debut age-gap workplace romance, so well written that you wouldn't guess it's the author's first book. Perks of Office has a little bit of humour, angst, romance and sexiness, all in a balanced combo. Both characters are very well fleshed and have great chemistry together. The sex scenes are sizzling hot.
As the world becomes increasingly accepting of same sex couples, it's more difficult to introduce the "fear of being outed" trope and make it believable. However, Ms. Rain did it realistically here by introducing Australian politics into the mix. I thought the conflict was done really well, so much so that I could feel and empathise with Emma's resentment for being kept as Bridget's dirty little secret.
The book is written in first person from the point of view of Emma so Bridget appears as an enigma to be unveiled. Both characters are presented with both triumphs and shortcomings and it's great to accompany them in their journey of personal growth. The cast of secondary characters is varied, and they introduce humour and the value of friendship to the story.
Ms. Rain chose the setting of her native Australia and more precisely Logan, Queensland, where she actually lives. This is reflected in the language, food and costumes which is an original departure from the ubiquitous American settings found in most Sapphic novels. Another good point in favour of this story.
If you are looking for an age gap romance with equal parts of humour, sexiness, angst and romance, this one is for you. 4.5 stars.
May 1, 2022
Being incredibly attracted to your boss can be both bliss and torture, especially when said boss is a public political figure - and presumably straight. Emma Ives convinces herself that she can keep her libido in check whenever she's in Aussie politician Bridget O’Keefe's presence, even though she's so affected by Bridget that she can barely get a coherent sentence out. Difficult that it is, Emma tries desperately to reign in that crush. But when a political scandal hits, Bridget leans on Emma for support and their relationship takes a sudden turn. But what it all means remains to be seen.
Because this book is set in present day and we've reached a point in society where it's not the scandal it once was when politicians or celebrities come out, it feels even difficult to read stories about closeted figures. Especially because Rain captures Emma's feelings so well as she grows tired of being a hidden secret. Emma is well written though, and no doormat, so I appreciate where the story takes her. This is a very sexy book and though the chemistry between the two women is palpable, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread waiting for the other shoe to drop. Knowing it was a romance helped because I held my breath quite a bit of the time, hoping for the best.
The secondary characters are really strong here, with Emma's fiercely protective best friend Polly and Emma's co-workers Haromi and Jake, who provide comic relief. Enjoyable debut and I look forward to more from this author!
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Because this book is set in present day and we've reached a point in society where it's not the scandal it once was when politicians or celebrities come out, it feels even difficult to read stories about closeted figures. Especially because Rain captures Emma's feelings so well as she grows tired of being a hidden secret. Emma is well written though, and no doormat, so I appreciate where the story takes her. This is a very sexy book and though the chemistry between the two women is palpable, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread waiting for the other shoe to drop. Knowing it was a romance helped because I held my breath quite a bit of the time, hoping for the best.
The secondary characters are really strong here, with Emma's fiercely protective best friend Polly and Emma's co-workers Haromi and Jake, who provide comic relief. Enjoyable debut and I look forward to more from this author!
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2025
I felt this book to the core. There’s something terribly ugly about a partner hiding or disguising a relationship. Not because it keeps the Queer couple from danger but just for convenience sake. I think that’s why so many people desperately wanted Abby to dump Harper in Happiest Season. Because good people like Abby in the film and Emma in this book deserved to be loved in the light not only the dark.
Emma Ives gets promoted to be in charge of a local office of a high-powered politician in Australia. She does a good job of turning the location into something special for the working class area. The Minister, Bridget O’Keefe, takes notice of the take charge younger woman and sparks fly, combust, and explode. It’s a very sexy book. The author rides the age gap, powerful woman and sweetheart tropes for all they’re worth. But underneath, is a potent story about self-worth and owning your own life. How long is too long to wait for someone and at what cost. Highly recommend the audiobook for the Cat Gould narration and just a wonderful book overall.
Emma Ives gets promoted to be in charge of a local office of a high-powered politician in Australia. She does a good job of turning the location into something special for the working class area. The Minister, Bridget O’Keefe, takes notice of the take charge younger woman and sparks fly, combust, and explode. It’s a very sexy book. The author rides the age gap, powerful woman and sweetheart tropes for all they’re worth. But underneath, is a potent story about self-worth and owning your own life. How long is too long to wait for someone and at what cost. Highly recommend the audiobook for the Cat Gould narration and just a wonderful book overall.
June 16, 2022
Adorable. Reminded me how wonderful sapphic romances can be. Terrific debut and a new autoread author to add to my list.
October 27, 2022
A good story that kept me entertained throughout. Excellent back characters and it felt real, a woman who knows what is good for her. Recommended.
July 7, 2022
Perks of Office is a very interesting debut by Liz Rain. It's an age-gap workplace romance between Emma and Bridget, her new boss. The story is told in Emma's POW, and Bridget remains an enigma throughout the story.
Perks of Office has a little bit of everything: humor, angst, romance and hot, hot sex.
Perks of Office has a little bit of everything: humor, angst, romance and hot, hot sex.
May 21, 2022
ARC received via Ylva in exchange for and honest review.
This is a debut novel for Liz Rain and features MC Emma, who starts working at a local electorate office for Bridget, the local MP. Emma is immediately taken with Bridget, but this seems one-sided until a political issue forces the two into closer quarters and they sleep together. They then start a relationship but Bridget is in the closet and Emma doesn’t like being forced in there with her.
This is only told from Emma’s perspective, which I found to be a flaw because she wasn’t that interesting, and I’d have liked to see Bridget’s perspective. Honestly, I found the side characters more engaging than either of the MCs, I especially enjoyed Haromi and Polly. I didn’t really buy into their relationship so wasn’t overly invested in it. I also found the political setting a bit overdone and was annoyed by what felt like a constant slam on the public service, but that may be because I’m an Aussie and live near where this is set.
This was a solid effort for a debut, the setting was probably just not my cup of tea. Anyone who likes political backgrounds or age-gaps would probably enjoy this. 3.5 stars.
This is a debut novel for Liz Rain and features MC Emma, who starts working at a local electorate office for Bridget, the local MP. Emma is immediately taken with Bridget, but this seems one-sided until a political issue forces the two into closer quarters and they sleep together. They then start a relationship but Bridget is in the closet and Emma doesn’t like being forced in there with her.
This is only told from Emma’s perspective, which I found to be a flaw because she wasn’t that interesting, and I’d have liked to see Bridget’s perspective. Honestly, I found the side characters more engaging than either of the MCs, I especially enjoyed Haromi and Polly. I didn’t really buy into their relationship so wasn’t overly invested in it. I also found the political setting a bit overdone and was annoyed by what felt like a constant slam on the public service, but that may be because I’m an Aussie and live near where this is set.
This was a solid effort for a debut, the setting was probably just not my cup of tea. Anyone who likes political backgrounds or age-gaps would probably enjoy this. 3.5 stars.
April 26, 2022
◦ Perks of Office
◦ Liz Rain
◦ MC Bridget O’Keefe & Emma
The book opens up to Emma being offered a new job, to manage an electorate office. This is where Emma meets Honourable Bridget O’Keefe MP.
This is a juicy little workplace romance with an added scandal. Ohhh! I really enjoyed this book, it was a page turner. The story is detailed and gives a inside to how the government works .
I thought Emma was a gem. She was holding onto pain from a previous relationship. She really wanted her best life, great job, someone to love and who really wanted her. She has been burned in the past and was leary.
Polly was the light of the book for me. She was the friend we all need!
Definitely check this out if workplace romance scandal books are your thing, you will enjoy it!
I know this is the first book for the Author and it was a very nice read I highly recommend this book! Thank you to YLVA publishing for the arc! 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
◦ Liz Rain
◦ MC Bridget O’Keefe & Emma
The book opens up to Emma being offered a new job, to manage an electorate office. This is where Emma meets Honourable Bridget O’Keefe MP.
This is a juicy little workplace romance with an added scandal. Ohhh! I really enjoyed this book, it was a page turner. The story is detailed and gives a inside to how the government works .
I thought Emma was a gem. She was holding onto pain from a previous relationship. She really wanted her best life, great job, someone to love and who really wanted her. She has been burned in the past and was leary.
Polly was the light of the book for me. She was the friend we all need!
Definitely check this out if workplace romance scandal books are your thing, you will enjoy it!
I know this is the first book for the Author and it was a very nice read I highly recommend this book! Thank you to YLVA publishing for the arc! 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 27, 2022
Lovely read. Funny. Romantic. Angsty, but happily-ever-after. What more do you need in a read? Note to author…write some more! Just saying.
July 31, 2023
not a whole lot of romance but a great book nonetheless.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
I have a hard time believing that Perks of Office by Liz Rain is really a debut novel. It is a well-written, polished and very engaging book to read.
This story gives us an age gap, office romance all wrapped up in Australian politics with a healthy dose of comedy added in. It also includes some steamy scenes and just the right amount of angst.
I have to admit I totally fell in love with Emma Ives, the main character and the person we see the story through since it is written in first person. She is very good as an office manager and always seems very professional…until she opens her mouth and speaks. Then she is very good at saying the wrong thing, or saying the right thing the wrong way, which adds all sorts of comedy to the story. It also makes her character quite endearing and lovable.
I had a little trouble connecting to her love interest Bridget O’Keefe, the politician Emma worked for. As I read, I kept thinking that Emma was too good for Bridget even as I was hoping the two would work things out. I must give kudos to the author for creating such intriguing and interesting characters. The somewhat comedic glimpse into Australian politics was also fun to read. It was definitely refreshing to see people mostly working together for their constituents instead of what we have in North America currently.
I really enjoyed this novel. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
This story gives us an age gap, office romance all wrapped up in Australian politics with a healthy dose of comedy added in. It also includes some steamy scenes and just the right amount of angst.
I have to admit I totally fell in love with Emma Ives, the main character and the person we see the story through since it is written in first person. She is very good as an office manager and always seems very professional…until she opens her mouth and speaks. Then she is very good at saying the wrong thing, or saying the right thing the wrong way, which adds all sorts of comedy to the story. It also makes her character quite endearing and lovable.
I had a little trouble connecting to her love interest Bridget O’Keefe, the politician Emma worked for. As I read, I kept thinking that Emma was too good for Bridget even as I was hoping the two would work things out. I must give kudos to the author for creating such intriguing and interesting characters. The somewhat comedic glimpse into Australian politics was also fun to read. It was definitely refreshing to see people mostly working together for their constituents instead of what we have in North America currently.
I really enjoyed this novel. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
April 30, 2022
What a great debut. I thought Perks of Office was engaging, funny and sweet. Emma was a great character. As this novel is written in first person point of view, we get some seriously funny internal monologue from her at times. She's quickly swept into an affair with her straight-laced politician boss, Bridget. I've read quite a few boss/employee age-gap romances but this took a bit of a different turn, and for that I was grateful. It wasn't run-of-the-mill and I was completely hooked from the very start of this novel.
Although I really liked Emma, I didn't get to know Bridget and I found this a bit of a disappointment. I also wondered throughout how Emma could have such strong feelings for Bridget when she barely knew her as an individual. Regardless, it was still an enjoyable romance.
I absolutely loved the Australiana aspect to this novel. As an Aussie, I had no issues getting the nuances that Liz Rain mentions, such as 'servo', Leigh Sales and Boost Juice. I really hope this translates well to those living outside of Australia though. If you need a definition, I'm more than happy to help 😊
All in all, a great novel and I'm looking forward to reading more from Liz Rain in the future.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Although I really liked Emma, I didn't get to know Bridget and I found this a bit of a disappointment. I also wondered throughout how Emma could have such strong feelings for Bridget when she barely knew her as an individual. Regardless, it was still an enjoyable romance.
I absolutely loved the Australiana aspect to this novel. As an Aussie, I had no issues getting the nuances that Liz Rain mentions, such as 'servo', Leigh Sales and Boost Juice. I really hope this translates well to those living outside of Australia though. If you need a definition, I'm more than happy to help 😊
All in all, a great novel and I'm looking forward to reading more from Liz Rain in the future.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
4 stars. I had been very much loooking forward to receiving my paperback copy because I love political romances.
This was Liz Rain's very promising debut novel from Ylva and I'll be looking out for the next novel.
What I really liked about this novel was that I was immediately in it. It reminded me very much of fanfiction (in an entirely good way), probably because of the first person POV.
Emma is on her first job and really likeable. When she has the hots for her new boss, it turns out a little different than I imagined.
First of all, all characters are thouroughly nice. I really liked that. The best friend Polly and Haromi and Jake are great secondary characters. Also, there's zero angst and drama. I also really liked that too. Both Emma and Bridget are adults in their relationship, and they do communicate well.
What cost this story one star is that it's a touch superficial. I would have liked to know Bridget a little better, which was admittedly difficult with this kind of POV and how their relationship started off, but still.
All in all this is a light romance for a nice afternoon and I absolutely recommend it.
This was Liz Rain's very promising debut novel from Ylva and I'll be looking out for the next novel.
What I really liked about this novel was that I was immediately in it. It reminded me very much of fanfiction (in an entirely good way), probably because of the first person POV.
Emma is on her first job and really likeable. When she has the hots for her new boss, it turns out a little different than I imagined.
First of all, all characters are thouroughly nice. I really liked that. The best friend Polly and Haromi and Jake are great secondary characters. Also, there's zero angst and drama. I also really liked that too. Both Emma and Bridget are adults in their relationship, and they do communicate well.
What cost this story one star is that it's a touch superficial. I would have liked to know Bridget a little better, which was admittedly difficult with this kind of POV and how their relationship started off, but still.
All in all this is a light romance for a nice afternoon and I absolutely recommend it.
May 23, 2025
I listened to the audio of this one on Hoopla. Cat Gould did a great job on the narration and brought the book to life with her great Australian accent. I liked both characters, Emma had recently broke up with her ex and was looking for a new job. Bridget was a politician, and hires Emma to work in her regional office. The romance was slow burn and then it got 🥵! I liked Emma’s character slot and glad that she stood up for herself as the romance continued. Also loved the cover of this book with all the colorful icons.
May 10, 2022
One of my favourite reads this year - characters you'll wish were actually part of your life!
April 27, 2022
I loved this book! It was so unexpectedly good. I’m an Aussie so maybe some of the humour and a lot of the references to C-list Australian celebrities and politics will be lost on people from other countries. However, I really did laugh out loud at some of the lines. In fact, I’d go so far as to say one of the lines in the book was the funniest I’ve read for at least the last decade. No spoilers, but it involves the c-word and it’s the only time it’s used in the book.
The story is told from only one POV – Emma’s. Therefore, for a lot of the story Bridget is as much an enigma to the reader as she is to Emma. This does not matter though, and it adds to the dramatic/romantic tension in the book. Also, Emma is totally adorable. Her “stream of consciousness” internal ramblings are funny and relatable.
The sex scenes are great. I thought they were more realistic and less idealised than most sex scenes are written in F/F romances, but still managed to be both erotic and cute.
The secondary characters add considerable depth to the story. Polly, Haromi and Jake are great fun and good people to have in your corner.
Perks of Office is ‘good different’. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it and was genuinely sorry when I was done. This will definitely be a book I go back to.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest review.
The story is told from only one POV – Emma’s. Therefore, for a lot of the story Bridget is as much an enigma to the reader as she is to Emma. This does not matter though, and it adds to the dramatic/romantic tension in the book. Also, Emma is totally adorable. Her “stream of consciousness” internal ramblings are funny and relatable.
The sex scenes are great. I thought they were more realistic and less idealised than most sex scenes are written in F/F romances, but still managed to be both erotic and cute.
The secondary characters add considerable depth to the story. Polly, Haromi and Jake are great fun and good people to have in your corner.
Perks of Office is ‘good different’. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it and was genuinely sorry when I was done. This will definitely be a book I go back to.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest review.
June 2, 2022
I was a little bit disappointed in this unfortunately. Minor spoilers below.
What I liked:
Polly. She seemed like a great, supportive friend.
I understand this is the authors debut novel and I know that debuts can sometimes be more miss than hit. While this had some debut bumps and grammar errors, the writing was still solid. I wish the author all the best for the future!
What I didn't like:
I wasn't sold on the relationship between Emma and Bridget. They barely talk the whole book. I actually thought Emma hooking up with Tash after her and Bridget broke up (although were they ever dating? Seemed like just sex) was a good sign, but then she went right back to Bridget.
Emma's job/Haromi/Jake. It really irritated me how Emma didn't know what her job entailed when she started. And she was their boss but acted like their best friend.
Bridget was a pretty absent love interest, and I know almost nothing about her. As I mentioned above, her and Emma hardly talk, and in the first half of the book Emma is just thinking about how hot she is, and in the latter part of the book she's not in several chapters after they 'break up'.
Unfortunately I didn't like this as much as I wanted to. Hopefully I'll enjoy the authors next book more!
What I liked:
Polly. She seemed like a great, supportive friend.
I understand this is the authors debut novel and I know that debuts can sometimes be more miss than hit. While this had some debut bumps and grammar errors, the writing was still solid. I wish the author all the best for the future!
What I didn't like:
I wasn't sold on the relationship between Emma and Bridget. They barely talk the whole book. I actually thought Emma hooking up with Tash after her and Bridget broke up (although were they ever dating? Seemed like just sex) was a good sign, but then she went right back to Bridget.
Emma's job/Haromi/Jake. It really irritated me how Emma didn't know what her job entailed when she started. And she was their boss but acted like their best friend.
Bridget was a pretty absent love interest, and I know almost nothing about her. As I mentioned above, her and Emma hardly talk, and in the first half of the book Emma is just thinking about how hot she is, and in the latter part of the book she's not in several chapters after they 'break up'.
Unfortunately I didn't like this as much as I wanted to. Hopefully I'll enjoy the authors next book more!
July 18, 2022
This is a debut, but you wouldn’t know it after just going in blind. It’s very well written and an enjoyable story.
This age-gap workplace romance, one of my least favourite tropes, is actually witty and great. I do have some questions, we are told in the blurb it’s an age-gap, but we don’t really find out the ages of our characters. So, I don’t know, this might have helped me enjoy this more. I just forget about the fact. This is also a workplace romance but the characters don’t really see a lot of each other at work. Bridget is the Minister Emma works for. How she gets that job (and keeps it) is all a rather strange happening for me. I guess that’s government for you.
Anyway, I like how Emma gets to be this uncommunicative idiot around Bridget. It’s endearing. As mentioned in the story as well I don’t understand how this can be a relationship because they don’t know each other. I think it’s good the author calls this out through her character. We are always in Emma’s first person POV so we miss Bridget’s thoughts, but you get a good feeling for the character through Emma’s thought process.
Highly enjoyable debut!
This age-gap workplace romance, one of my least favourite tropes, is actually witty and great. I do have some questions, we are told in the blurb it’s an age-gap, but we don’t really find out the ages of our characters. So, I don’t know, this might have helped me enjoy this more. I just forget about the fact. This is also a workplace romance but the characters don’t really see a lot of each other at work. Bridget is the Minister Emma works for. How she gets that job (and keeps it) is all a rather strange happening for me. I guess that’s government for you.
Anyway, I like how Emma gets to be this uncommunicative idiot around Bridget. It’s endearing. As mentioned in the story as well I don’t understand how this can be a relationship because they don’t know each other. I think it’s good the author calls this out through her character. We are always in Emma’s first person POV so we miss Bridget’s thoughts, but you get a good feeling for the character through Emma’s thought process.
Highly enjoyable debut!
June 4, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down. Once I got into it I was hooked, which is impressive for a Single POV, first person story. The Aussieness and humour had me laughing out loud, nodding like a bobble head, and feeling ridiculously seen. I could easily see myself running into these characters at any given time as I popped into Kmart on an errand run. In fact I’m sure I once worked with Haromi, and flatted with Jake in years gone by.
Emma is such a brilliant main character, a balance of human strengths and flaws and humour that made me (several times) spit coffee all over my iPad. I love how down to earth she is, her internal thoughts mirroring both my own and what I wish I was smart enough to think while also being her own worst enemy at times. Emma sums Bridget up in the best way
“Sometimes it’s like you’re a space alien with super extra-sensory powers, but everyday normal stuff is a mystery to you.”
Liz Rain’s writing style and voice is wonderful and the balance of emotion and humour made Perks of Office a warm snuggly delight to read.
Emma is such a brilliant main character, a balance of human strengths and flaws and humour that made me (several times) spit coffee all over my iPad. I love how down to earth she is, her internal thoughts mirroring both my own and what I wish I was smart enough to think while also being her own worst enemy at times. Emma sums Bridget up in the best way
“Sometimes it’s like you’re a space alien with super extra-sensory powers, but everyday normal stuff is a mystery to you.”
Liz Rain’s writing style and voice is wonderful and the balance of emotion and humour made Perks of Office a warm snuggly delight to read.
June 6, 2025
I loved this! A super narrative voice in Emma's pov.
Didn't love the rather flat narration of the audiobook tho
Didn't love the rather flat narration of the audiobook tho
May 25, 2022
So much fun!
Emma, an electorate officer has her world turned upside down when she meets Bridget O’Keefe, a powerful politician. Instantly developing a crush on Bridget, Emma dreams of an opportunity to get to know her better, even if she knows it’ll never happen. When a political scandal leads Bridget to turn to Emma, a night together leaves Emma wondering if perhaps her dream could be more after all.
A fantastic debut novel for Liz Rain that really met all the needs for a good political age-gap romance, with drama, angst, danger and most importantly scandal! It was fast paced and the way the relationship developed between Emma and Bridget was exciting and a little bit different. I just wanted to give Emma a big hug. We’ve all been there, in her shoes, and for me I found much I could relate to that had me secretly wishing she’d get an opportunity or a chance.
Once that personal connection had been established between Emma and Bridget you just knew it was fate. They suited one another so well. Emma really was taken by Bridget in a love at first sight moment and her enthusiasm was infectious, but I could completely understand why she was doubting anything would happen, even after something did. It was like a dream for her, and for people like Emma it is rare these things genuinely are as amazing as imagined, but she was lucky and I was so happy for her.
A great story that I thoroughly enjoyed, experienced many emotions reading, and has left me excited to read more of Liz Rain’s work in future.
Emma, an electorate officer has her world turned upside down when she meets Bridget O’Keefe, a powerful politician. Instantly developing a crush on Bridget, Emma dreams of an opportunity to get to know her better, even if she knows it’ll never happen. When a political scandal leads Bridget to turn to Emma, a night together leaves Emma wondering if perhaps her dream could be more after all.
A fantastic debut novel for Liz Rain that really met all the needs for a good political age-gap romance, with drama, angst, danger and most importantly scandal! It was fast paced and the way the relationship developed between Emma and Bridget was exciting and a little bit different. I just wanted to give Emma a big hug. We’ve all been there, in her shoes, and for me I found much I could relate to that had me secretly wishing she’d get an opportunity or a chance.
Once that personal connection had been established between Emma and Bridget you just knew it was fate. They suited one another so well. Emma really was taken by Bridget in a love at first sight moment and her enthusiasm was infectious, but I could completely understand why she was doubting anything would happen, even after something did. It was like a dream for her, and for people like Emma it is rare these things genuinely are as amazing as imagined, but she was lucky and I was so happy for her.
A great story that I thoroughly enjoyed, experienced many emotions reading, and has left me excited to read more of Liz Rain’s work in future.
August 2, 2022
It's a very good debut novel by Liz Rain.
The story sets in Australia and is about Emma who starts working for a Minister and quickly has a crush on her. The whole story sets in more time than the usual three it four months so it feels real and not rushed,giving the time to the characters to hurt and heal(or not!)
The writing is in first person with the point of view of Emma so we are reading Bridget through her eyes. The problem with these kind of book is that I want another book with the other MC pov after🤣.
The story is very good and Emma is unperfect and funny and her feelings are realistic.
Another story where the MC are not described as flawless physically and I loved that.
I just got a little bit of trouble getting really in the story in the beginning maybe because I don't really understand how public services works in AU and because we didn't see much of Bridget first third of the book.
But then I was hooked. Liz Rain as so much potential I look forward to read more of her work
The story sets in Australia and is about Emma who starts working for a Minister and quickly has a crush on her. The whole story sets in more time than the usual three it four months so it feels real and not rushed,giving the time to the characters to hurt and heal(or not!)
The writing is in first person with the point of view of Emma so we are reading Bridget through her eyes. The problem with these kind of book is that I want another book with the other MC pov after🤣.
The story is very good and Emma is unperfect and funny and her feelings are realistic.
Another story where the MC are not described as flawless physically and I loved that.
I just got a little bit of trouble getting really in the story in the beginning maybe because I don't really understand how public services works in AU and because we didn't see much of Bridget first third of the book.
But then I was hooked. Liz Rain as so much potential I look forward to read more of her work
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