#1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken delivers an over-the-top, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with this hilarious, standalone new adult romance.
I’ve known Jack my entire life. We went from being high school enemies to making out one fateful night at college to him being a giant D and making me cry. Now we’re both interns at the same company. Mortal enemy interns.
So when the chance pops up to finally beat him at something, to land my dream job plus a bonus? I don’t even blink.
I’m in. All in. I mean, how hard can it be? The managers say it’s like the Olympics for interns. All we have to do is play a few silly games, and if we win—our futures are unicorns and free wine for all. The only problem? Jack’s my partner, and in order to win, we will have to get along.
As the stakes get higher, so does the heat, and damn is he hot when he’s… never mind. I can focus. I can totally focus and not make out with him or end up in his bed—again. I can do it. For the sake of my career, I can do it. I just need a blindfold, sage, and a lot of prayers.
My job is the only thing I have right now. My focus is strong. But when that stupid guy smiles, all I can think about is that one kiss, followed by the second, and I wonder if my priorities are in order or if I’m falling for the enemy once again.
Enemies to Lovers. Forced Proximity. Office Romance. New Adult. Chaos.
First of all, introducing Max Emory AKA Evil Genius 😅
«I‘ve never actually met Max Emory, but I’ve heard he’s… extremely out there. As in, he has a pet gecko in his office rather than a fish. Keeps goats randomly on hotel property, actually has a foundation for them now called Hades and Persephone Farms, and well, the list goes on and on. And on. Some people say he even thinks of himself as a matchmaker of sorts in his spare time, but they also say in that same sentence that he nearly killed the last two interns he promoted, so who knows? You’d think that would deter anyone from working for his massive empire, but the pay is really good for an intern; plus, you smack that on one of your resumes, and people are impressed you actually survived Hadesgate. Whatever that is. I mean, I’ve heard rumors that the goat attacked an employee, but I’m sure that’s all just office gossip. “The second annual Emory Games are about to begin,” he announces in a boisterous voice. “This year, however, will be a little different.” What the hell are the Emory Games? But also, does this include Hadesgate? “I’m sure you’re wondering what the hell the Emory Games are…” He grins. “Follow me.” He suddenly stops; I nearly run into his back before he turns around and adds, “Don’t walk loud; it irritates the gecko.” And that, folks, was my first intro into what would soon be—the weirdest few weeks of my life.»
So, as we can see, he's completely insane. Lots of laugh, he's amazing. All the time, makes people wonder if he smoke something...
What I like about Rachel V.D., her characters have a story together, it's not instalove. Jack and Ivy went to school together. Of course, they also hate each other (or not). They both apply Emory Enterprises, and have to play the GAME!!! This time they don't do the roommate thing (risk law sue) as Dustin is always alerting Max. So this time they'll be neighbors and they choose the partner to play the games. Again, they have to face the fears, will they do it together? This one is more soft, Office Hate was more steamy. Sweet, funny, hot, no dramas. These two see the amazing thing they have together and don't let go.
This was giving me the same vibes as The Hating Game and the first four chapters had me invested but then it turned silly and kind of cringey. Although the book made me laugh at some parts, the last half was a total flop show tbh. Ivy and Jack had so much potential but neither the plot nor the characters were developed, they lacked depth and the ending wrapped up too quickly.
This book came in right when I needed a funny romantic comedy contemporary romance. Even as I say that I’m not really into office romances, I’ve realised that I have indeed read my share of them. Office Date was a quick read that was so much fun! I couldn’t stop smiling! Ivy is sweet with just the right amount of sass and Jack is truly charming.
I adore RVD’s contemporary romance books and Office Date, a forced proximity, enemies to lovers with the right amount of “Chaos” was such a perfect weekend read.
Office Date by Rachel Van Dyken is a day on beach sipping fruity drinks. Or drinking hot chocolate in from of fire wrapped in blanket in a snowy day. In one word, whatever is the most relaxing of experience for you. Office Hate will erase all your stress from the first page. And by the time Jack and Ivy reach the end of their hilarious adventure, you will feel all light and fluffy. Witty. Laugh out loud. Swoony. Sweetly emotional.
When Ivy applied for internship at Emory enterprises, she didn't know one of her coworker will be her childhood neighbour aka childhood to college crush aka enemy, Jack. And she definitely didn't expect she would have to partner with him to compete and win the annual Emory Games...a strange hilarious mix of Hunger Games, Squid Games, Nickelodeon and adult dating games.
This story just made me feel 100% lighter after finishing. It was witty and hilarious and quirky and just complete feel good. Ivy is sweet and sassy. Jack is just so sexy and charming and irresistible. They went from friends to enemies to coworkers and they never worked out their inner feels. This crazy game, the brainchild of the crazy CEO, will test them. They have to build trust and rely on their understanding and depend on each other to win challenges. And it would make them realise that they love each other. The challenges were just so entertaining! I laughed so hard and even now I am smiling as I write this review. Ivy and Jack have their own insecurities and this game pushed them hard. Be ready to have a blast of fun and feels in Office Date by Rachel Van Dyken.
Office Date is a fun, angst free novella-length story that, sometimes, romance readers just need to read! Though it is shorter in length, it doesn’t lack in the steam.
Like in the first book in this series, Office Hate, Max Emory is back with his competitive Emory office games. This time, Ivy and Jack are two of the interns competing. They are high school enemies (turned her college crush), but now have to work together to win this competition and a guaranteed job in management.
Max is a little out there. I loved his assistant/cousin, Dustin, though. Their conversations together were hilarious.
If you are looking for a fun, drama free, steamy, quick read, pick this book up! It will leave you smiling.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unedited copy provided to facilitate review on recommendedromance.com.
OFFICE DATE by Rachel Van Dyken is an over-the-top, laugh-out-loud crazy adventure. Awkward situations, romance, and add a dash of Max Emory. The office games have returned and a new group of interns are now fighting for their lives, er, jobs. OFFICE DATE will keep you entertained and have you laughing from start to finish. Ivy and Jack have some past issues to work out, but being forced to work together makes you see what’s in front of you. It’s the perfect summer afternoon beach read to add to your collection and will leave you smiling.
Who can take a workplace romance and turn it on its head? Our girl, RVD, that's who! This premise is one of the most unique I’ve seen in a long, long time, and my romantic heart tripped in delight as I flew through the pages.
First, you need to know a little about the company. CEO Max Emory is, well, let's call him eccentric, with a penchant for matchmaking. For this year's Emory Games, where he has the interns compete for permanent jobs with tons of perks, he has his eye on Ivy and Jack.
Jack and Ivy have a history, going back to high school and including an interlude during college that blew up in their faces and made them mortal enemies. But they both know their only hope to win the games and its coveted prizes is to try and set aside their differences and team up together. What follows is a hilarious, heartfelt, smexy time full of ludicrous shenanigans that hopefully result in one kind of trophy or another. *wink, wink*
Okay, y'all, this one is the most perfect rom-com beach read. The ultimate escape. Light on angst and heavy on humor, I think this grin is now permanently affixed to my face, and my romantic heart couldn’t be happier!
In fact, I loved it so much that I had to immediately grab the previous book in the series, so while you’re running to 1-Click this one, I’ll be catching up on the first one. Enchanting and oh-so clever, with all the best feels, hands down, this brilliant, light-hearted, ridiculously fun read will be one of your best romance escapes this year.
Well that was loads of fun! I’m digging the light-hearted fun version of the usually dark and angsty Rachel Van Dyken. This is a short, sweet little read that had me laughing out loud and grinning ear to ear. What a silly and swoony escape!
While this is an enemies to lovers to trope, this one stays pretty sugary overall. Heroine Ivy realizes that her new colleague at her exciting internship is none other than her longtime crush and frenemy, Jack- her childhood neighbor. But she soon finds herself partnered with him for the riotously fun and funny Emory Games. Cue all the crazy antics and rom-comy fun.
Legit I want to play the Emory Games- what zainy fun. And honestly, any book that makes heavy use of the cult classic Nickelodeon competition show Legends of the Hidden Temple and the almighty Olmec is going to have me rolling with laughter and nostalgic glee. This was fun, it was light, clever and funny- and just kooky enough to keep me on my toes. The chemistry is charming, the story fast-paced, and the laughs aplenty. Truly entertaining from start to finish- a perfect feel good and funny bite.
Rachel Van Dyken is one of those rare authors who can hop from writing a dark romance to a rom-com, like her talent has no bounds and I am here for it!!
Office Date is the second year of Emory Games, by the one and only Max Emory! If you haven't yet please go read the Consequences series! I've never in my life stayed up until 4am laughing so hard my stomach hurt. So trust me when I say that series is a must, and it is Max Emory that makes it what it is.
And now we get to have a dedicated series where Max himself is happy in love and continuing to matchmake in his weird and wacky ways!
Office Date follows two interns Jack and Ivy! They have a history before working together and it does come back to bite.
As Max starts this year's games, all interns need to be paired off to carry out tasks to act all date like. Meanwhile board members sit and enjoy the mayhem and make bets!
There is truly so many more layers and craziness that goes on that will have you laughing so be sure to have no snacks around and just your Kindle.
Office Date is just pure joy and enjoyment. It's to give you some light and joy when you need it. It's fun, so don't take it seriously and just bask in Max Emory's weird mind and respect him for providing such generous content that I cannot wait for the third year of Emory Games!
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
In this book, we enter the crazy, twisted world of Max Emory and his Office Games. These books bring a smile to my face, because you never know what to expect, just that it will be outrageous and have you holding your stomach from laughing so hard. We meet Ivy, who is almost dead broke and out of desperation, an intern at Max's company. Also interning there is her nemesis, from childhood, Jack. He is currently driving her to the point of homicide, by stapler. Max, in his evil genius way sets up his Office Games with a twist. After each team voluntarily pairs off, he says that this years theme is "Office Date". Each team needs to follow instructions and act in a way that is "date like". Besides setting up ridiculous team tasks, he is setting up bets among the board members and his cousin, Dustin, is try to keep Max just on this side of legal. This creates another level of hilarity, that you should not be eating or drinking, while reading this book (it's a chocking hazard). The longer that Jack and Ivy work together, the more that they start to "see" the real person inside. It's wacky, it's sexy, it's one of the most delightful and fun books that I have read in a very long time. Thank you to Rachel Van Dyken for the advanced copy.
This was a quick and easy read. Whilst I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first book in this series, it was still filled with some funny moments and a good enemies to lovers story. Max's Emory Games sure are interesting and this is just the kind of deliberately silly over the top kind of story that will let you just have a bit of fun whilst reading and not get into your feels too much. It's light and easy and I read this really quickly.
Jack and Ivy’s ‘office dating’ journey Is tenuous considering their history prior to it, but it is more than entertaining and just laugh-out-loud funny! Plus add in the fact that they’re interns for Max and you know it’ll clearly be stupendous. I just can’t get enough of the shenanigans that Max comes up with for The Emory Games. I’m eager for the Third Annual Emory Games… you know they’re gonna make it rain pain! All I can say is—bring it, I’m down for a participation trophy😜—I’m ready! Office Date by Rachel Van Dyken is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Rachel VanDyken’s stories are always pure solid gold! She is a master of her craft! Her ability to write emotional gut wrenching stories and then turn around and write the most hilarious RomCom is true art!
Office Date is the most hilarious story that I have read this year! Max is definitely a mast matchmaker!! Jack and Ivy had me rolling with laughter! Their quick wit and sharp barbs had me hooked! I read this story in one sitting! It is a quick RomCom but RVD really highlighted the important parts and really showed us who these two are!!
A very enjoyable read and the perfect book to start the summer with!
So fun! Childhood friends to enemies to coworkers to lovers, Office Date was a laugh out loud second chance romance. It definitely reminded me of the Consequence series, which I adore. And I loved seeing Max again, he is so completely wacky! A great read if you need some silliness in your life!
I was hesitant to read another office romance story because after reading so many they all start to seem the same. After reading this story, I can 100% say that that's not the case when it comes to this one. This story is unlike any other office romance book I have ever read. Everything was completely unexpected in the best possible ways. This is the type of book that brightens your day and leaves you with happy feeling, and I absolutely loved it. I was laughing from the beginning to the very end and ended this story with a smile on my face. I loved the main characters in this story. Jack and Ivy were meant to be together, even if at one time they were enemies. I truly enjoyed how everything played out. I don't even know what to say about Max and his cousin Dustin. One thing's for sure is that they are entertaining characters and a touch of crazy, and Max might be one move away from lawsuit. Their antics sure kept me wanting more. I enjoyed everything about this story: the office setting, the characters, the enemies to lovers, the romance, the steamy scenes, the challenges and everything else this book entails. I'm looking forward to not only reading more books with Max and his match-making skills, but any book that this author writes.
I love steamy office romance books. This one hit the spot right when I needed it the most. It helped me escape on a day when I needed it, and I loved every second of this amazing world Rachel's built here. I love that she took a troupe that's been done a lot and made it her own in a way that made this particular book feel fresh and new.
Rachel is one of my top ten authors of all genres. Her ability to write amazing stories in multiple genres and troupes, amazes me everyday.
To say the least Max Emory is an unusual and eccentric CEO who just loves to play matchmaker. He puts on an annual Emory Games where his newest interns participate for the prize. This year he pairs Ivy and Jack together. They are 'enemies' from childhood and are not excited about being paired for the games. Growing up they had a secret crush on each other but thought the other one hated them. The games were intense and hilarious. The story line is a little wacky and will keep you laughing at the antics. Like when Ivy's ex shows up to give her and Jack a massage. And the way Jack treated the situation will have you in stitches. A slow burn romance that was a fun read. The characters are hilarious and well developed. I read an advance reader copy via Valentine Productions and voluntarily chose to review.
I received this arc for my honest review. Rachel has seriously out done herself with this one. It was laughs galore. I devoured this book in one day, I just couldn’t put it down. I don’t want to give much away that could be considered a spoiler, but I will say to be prepared for all the laughs that will have you spitting out your drink. Jack and Ivy leave you with your stomach sore from all the laughs and your chest tight from the moments that you can’t help but swoon with them. Hands down an amazing read that you will not want to miss out on. I definitely recommend this book to everyone.
Office Date is a highly entertaining, comedic story with characters that make you laugh and antics that may be somewhat out there! Honestly this book is such a breath of fresh air. Max Emory and his unique games, his quirks and the outrageous things that come out of his mouth could be turned into quite the tv show. With an office game where interns compete for a job, they need to win. What do they have to do? Let me start by saying, its on like donkey kong….what Max has in store for them is quite something. Ivy and Jack really do their utmost and their banter and teamwork just work! This is a book that has to be devoured and when you finish, happiness abounds! Absolutely loved everything about it!
Office Date is my first Rachel Van Dyken book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. . The chemistry between the characters along with the strangest situations made me stick to their pages until the end . Ivy and Jack are co-workers, enemies in the race for a permanent position and both work for an eccentric billionaire who puts them in strange competitions to win the permanent position and the best benefits . It's a fast read, an Enemies to Lovers loaded with slow burn and steamy scenes that are guaranteed to make you smile at the end of the book . . . Thanks to Rachel Van Dyke and Valentine Pr team for give me this great book in exchange for my honest opinion
This book is laugh out funny with hilarious games the interns must compete in to win a signing bonus, job, benefits and an apartment with Max Emory’s company. Max is so eccentric and funny. The interns pair up and the competition starts. Ivy and Jack have known each other for a long time but can’t stand each other. What starts out as enemies quickly turns to attraction and chemistry. When I say this book is funny, you can’t even imagine how hilarious it is! I HIGHLY recommend for a fun and lighthearted read that plays in your head like a movie!
Office Date is the perfect quick read! A book that is funny, messy with wtf moments were you say he didn't! OH he totally did! He really went there. 🤣 I loved everything about this! 5 🌟 read with Hea and lines leaving you wanting more! Well done RVD! 👏
When you’re having one of those days where everything seems to be going wrong and you kind of just want to cry, you really want to have this book by your side. Expect a perpetual smile, some laugh out loud moments and Max. Yes, Max from the Consequence series is back and I really didn’t know how much I needed him until I read this book. The consequence series was my first foray into Rachel Van Dyken and I have bought every book and audiobook in that series. And with good reason- because they make me smile and laugh. Those same feelings are engendered by this book.
Ivy and Jack are enemies who are forced to play a game that Max’s company put in place. The stakes? A job, a great apartment and a fantastic starting salary. The risks? Loss of mind and being stuck in situations that you just can’t imagine (but that tickle the reader’s delight). Can they put aside their differences to win? So so many funny moments along with multiple heartfelt moments make this a purely wonderful piece of escapism fiction. I can’t wait to see Max again!!
Max Emory is at it again! What a great read. If you haven’t read Office Hate you must. Office Date is technically books 2 but can be read alone. It was a laugh out loud read. Rachel never let me down with her books and this one did not disappoint at all.
This story is about Ivy and Jack. They were childhood neighbors, turned enemies, turned Emery Game partners. Both applied for an internship at Emory enterprises, not knowing the other has also applied and discovering that they both got the job on the first day at work. These two can’t stand each other but can they work together to win the games? They both need the job and Ivy needs the money. The prize at the end would be a dream come true for anyone.
Can Jack convince Ivy that they would be perfect together? Can Ivy forgive him for the past and move forward? Will they take the step together and help each other to the end or will they kill each other first. The chemistry between the characters was HOT! Must read book!
After a weekend of bingeing mafia this girl needed some light, sexy & kind of traumatic fun…thanks Jill & Rachel for making Memorial Day 22 a good one.
Y’all MAX is back! And he’s full of evil genius plans for this year’s batch of interns😈. Poor Ivy & Jack have no idea what all they are in for but trust when I say you will enjoy every minute of it. You will definitely laugh out loud & may even have a few OMG moments and you will definitely fall in love with Ivy & Jack…if they survive this year’s Emory Games🫣🤐🪨🤣
Fave quotes: “IS HE MURDERING US?” someone yells. “We’re a Dateline episode.”….oh man! I feel so bad for them…not😂
“So…” She finally breaks the silence, sets her drink on the table, and leans forward. “We’re basically going to destroy everyone, right?” “Right,” I agree with a smile. “Mainly because we’re so good at Squid Game aka Max’s Ministrations.”💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
4.5 stars. This is another fun and crazy story in the world of Max Emory. If you have read the Consequence series or Office Hate, you have experienced the “evil genius” that is Max (don’t worry-this is a standalone if you haven’t met Max yet). In this book, he once again is having his interns play in The Emory Games. Jack and Ivy have known each other since middle school but have not really gotten along. When they become partners, going through the challenges of the game allows them to get to really know each other. This book is a quick read that is silly, fun and will make you laugh out loud. If you are looking to just sit, relax and forget about the real world for awhile, this is the book for you!
Enemies to lovers is not my favorite trope, not going to lie. However, goats, geckos, Emory Enterprise Games, and Max Emory himself, sold! This was a fast, laugh out loud funny read that I read in one sitting. I loved it. I loved how Ivy was the stronger, motivating character out of her and Jack. And despite this being a quick read both characters went through quit a bit of character development, especially Jack. With each standalone at Emory Enterprises I keep hoping we get a book that brings back all these couples for one big competition. These books are great.
Childhood neighbors, enemies, once scorned, unrequited crushes, Max Emory, Legends of the Hidden Temple, competitions, and amazing spice!!! Did I confuse you yet? This book is so amazing. I cannot even get into all the awesomeness! But you need to read this. Like you need to read this now.
Max Emory. If you have read any other book that he has been in. You know this will be hilarious. And it holds up to the standard we set Max at :) Love it!!!! I am going back to read all the books he is in.
This is not the first book in the series but is a complete stand alone. Everything you need to know is given to you. Once you read this. You will want to binge them all!
are you looking for your next laugh out loud one sit read?! Is one of your favorite tropes enemies to lovers?! If your answer is yes to these questions this book is your next read!! I loved loved loved this book! Ivy and Jack were amazingly funny characters! I loved them! I didn’t know how much I needed a good laugh until I read this one! I could not put it down!!! My only complaint is that I wished it was longer, I wasn’t ready for this one to end! I absolutely recommend this book!