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Ink #1
Company Ink
Cassie thought she had everything settled for life as a single girl in the city. A job in event management to fund her shoe obsession, a newly signed lease on a modern, chic Seattle apartment and a string of fun hook ups on the horizon.
Out of the blue, she loses her job, her shoe fund and her rent check in one fell swoop.
Desperate to find another job, she takes an assistant position at a prestigious law firm to keep the creditors at bay while she looks for her dream job. But then she meets her boss. Or is that bosses?
Adrian Cavallero is charming, smooth and confident. He and Cassie have an instant spark that is sure to ignite office gossip (amongst other things).
Blake Pearson is gorgeous and focused. Not one to stray from his restrained and measured lifestyle, Cassie’s spontaneity and no holds barred approach to life inspires him to loosen up (a little).
Cassie can’t deny the instant attraction she feels for Adrian, but Blake’s reserved nature intrigues her. Will she fan the flames with Adrian, or take it step by step with Blake?
Is it worth putting everything on the line for love and lust or are other things more important?
Out of the blue, she loses her job, her shoe fund and her rent check in one fell swoop.
Desperate to find another job, she takes an assistant position at a prestigious law firm to keep the creditors at bay while she looks for her dream job. But then she meets her boss. Or is that bosses?
Adrian Cavallero is charming, smooth and confident. He and Cassie have an instant spark that is sure to ignite office gossip (amongst other things).
Blake Pearson is gorgeous and focused. Not one to stray from his restrained and measured lifestyle, Cassie’s spontaneity and no holds barred approach to life inspires him to loosen up (a little).
Cassie can’t deny the instant attraction she feels for Adrian, but Blake’s reserved nature intrigues her. Will she fan the flames with Adrian, or take it step by step with Blake?
Is it worth putting everything on the line for love and lust or are other things more important?
- GenresRomance
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2022
43 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Lewis
9 books263 followersE.L. Lewis has always been a die-hard romantic. Born in Ukraine and raised in Canada, she grew up devouring love stories in every form she could find—and now she writes her own. A multi-genre romance author, she brings readers tales filled with sugar, spice, and heart, ranging from dangerous mafia romances to laugh-out-loud rom-coms. Between the pages of her books, readers will find first loves, last loves, and the epic journeys in between.
Her heroines are complex, confident, and unforgettable—and her love interests? The kind who would walk straight into hell if it meant winning their girl’s heart.
When she isn’t dreaming up new characters and plots, E.L. is living her own happily ever after in Orange County with her husband and their pup. She spends her days listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and showing up to airports far earlier than necessary.
Her heroines are complex, confident, and unforgettable—and her love interests? The kind who would walk straight into hell if it meant winning their girl’s heart.
When she isn’t dreaming up new characters and plots, E.L. is living her own happily ever after in Orange County with her husband and their pup. She spends her days listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and showing up to airports far earlier than necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2022
After Cassie loses her job in event management she is desperate for work, she has a serious shoe obsession that needs funding, so she takes a temporary job as a PA in a law firm. Cassie is immediately attracted to her boss, the charming Adrian, but she also feels some connection with her other boss, the quietly brooding Blake.
Company Ink was a nice, fun story it just didn't have that 'I can't stop reading' factor. Cassie started out sassy and flirty, going after Adrian. She was smart and funny. Then, she just suddenly did a back flip and wanted commitment. Cassie's best friend is getting married and she sees this as her cue to stop playing the field and get serious.
Cassie initially comes across as shallow and insincere but as we get to know here she is devoted to her best friend Monique and her cousin Vanessa. She really is a chilled character and I could see why everyone loved her.
Both supporting males are charming and handsome and I found it hard to pick a favourite and I enjoyed the tension between Blake and Adrian. It was never clear who Cassie would pick and there were plenty of misunderstandings between the three to keep the story interesting.
Love triangles aren't really my romance reading preference. However, I found Company Ink to be a light, fun read perfect for a holiday or beach read.
*I received a review copy from the publisher
Company Ink was a nice, fun story it just didn't have that 'I can't stop reading' factor. Cassie started out sassy and flirty, going after Adrian. She was smart and funny. Then, she just suddenly did a back flip and wanted commitment. Cassie's best friend is getting married and she sees this as her cue to stop playing the field and get serious.
Cassie initially comes across as shallow and insincere but as we get to know here she is devoted to her best friend Monique and her cousin Vanessa. She really is a chilled character and I could see why everyone loved her.
Both supporting males are charming and handsome and I found it hard to pick a favourite and I enjoyed the tension between Blake and Adrian. It was never clear who Cassie would pick and there were plenty of misunderstandings between the three to keep the story interesting.
Love triangles aren't really my romance reading preference. However, I found Company Ink to be a light, fun read perfect for a holiday or beach read.
*I received a review copy from the publisher
September 11, 2021
Is it possible to give a book more than five stars? If so, I would like to give this one 6:5! Thank you.
I personally love “love triangles”, but they have to be written correctly. THIS WAS THE PERFECT TRIANGLE. WOW. The MC is hilarious. The banter between the love interest is the best ever.
I couldn’t put this book down. This is a office romance meets hot lawyers meets DRAMA! If you like drama this one has so much. I was literally rooting for both guys until I finally picked one during the last maybe fifty pages? You will be jumping ships the whole book. You’ll throw the book across the room as well and will probably cry at some point (frustration crying).
I personally love “love triangles”, but they have to be written correctly. THIS WAS THE PERFECT TRIANGLE. WOW. The MC is hilarious. The banter between the love interest is the best ever.
I couldn’t put this book down. This is a office romance meets hot lawyers meets DRAMA! If you like drama this one has so much. I was literally rooting for both guys until I finally picked one during the last maybe fifty pages? You will be jumping ships the whole book. You’ll throw the book across the room as well and will probably cry at some point (frustration crying).
December 10, 2022
Probably one of the best love triangles I’ve read so far. Cassie is a baddie.
June 18, 2021
It’s that time of year, people: beaches, sunscreen, margaritas, and sexy light romance novels! This week I read Company Ink, by E.L. Lewis, and was not disappointed! If you can’t get to the beach, slap on the In the Heights soundtrack, smooth on some sunscreen, throw on your best bikini, open the windows, bask in the sun from your couch (unless you have a leather couch...gross, put down a towel first) and check out this law office love triangle.
First off, E.L, girl...we need to chat. You were able to accomplish something very few have achieved - getting me to like a Elle Woods-esque early twenties socialista. You not only had me rooting for her, but actually buying into her growth as a human. Also, I HATE love triangles, however, call JP Morgan, girl, because I was INVESTED!
Before I get ahead of myself and jump right to the compliment sandwich, let’s start with some plot.
Newly unemployed event manager, Cassie, needs a job. Faced with a looming rent bill, she accepts a position that will ultimately throw her in the path of both sexy Spaniard Adrian and swoony control freak Blake. Both lawyers, both her bosses, and both want her. With only a 6 month temporary assignment,can she hold off these men in order to keep both her job and heart safe?
The Compliment Sandwich:
The Top Bun (The Pro)
Cassie!
With absolute honesty I can admit that the twenty something shopaholic socialite is not my heroine of choice (don’t read that out loud..sounds bad); however, Lewis has created an empathetic, witty, and relatable character wrapped up in Manolo Blahniks and a fashion forward ensemble that would make Anna Wintour show an emotion..any kind of emotion..maybe just one.
When we first meet Cassie, she’s been dealt a massive blow: being downsized from her job as the youngest Event Manager in the publishing business - going from raking in the cash to possibly becoming fiscally prudent. With her roommate and closest friend teetering on matrimonial harmony and leaving her alone in singledom, she needs to get her priorities in order and grow up. Luckily, Cassie’s charm and resourcefulness prevent her from being unemployed for too long.
“Cassie! How is tweeting going to help you?" ”
“I have over three thousand followers," I defend myself. "One of them is bound to see my tweet, DM me, and offer me a job.”
True to her word, this tactic proves successful as she becomes a personal assistant to two partners at an extremely prestigious Seattle law firm. Two hotties, with a dislike of each other, both wanting to win Cassie’s affections in their own (sometimes dysfunctional) ways.
Besides her struggles with her love and work life, Cassie’s familial relationships are often tenuous at best. Her father is cold and distant and her young cousin, Ness, suffers from a traumatic brain injury which occured from a very unfortunate accident for which Cassie carries heavy guilt. Through Cassie’s interactions with both Blake and Adrian, however, these relationships transform. Each man provides Cassie a different aspect in which to view her situation. As outsiders, they can advise her how best to handle each problem and begin to promote growth in a healthy manner. It can be said that each man proves to be a viable partner in each relationship, making Cassie’s decision between the two exceptionally difficult.
The Meat (The Cons)
Okay, I’m a perv. I mean...I’m not, but I kind of am.
Let me explain. I like sex.
There, I said it...we’re better friends for it.
I mean to say, I like sex in books. I could have used a little more here. We are full up on emotions, but I would have liked a wee bit more slap and tickle to balance everything out. Honestly, it was difficult for me to find much wrong with this book - so there you have it.
The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
The humor!
Guys, this book is funny. Also, because it’s brand new, the references are fresh and timely. The plot reminds me of the Before Times..like it's a hair's breadth prior to the COVID outbreak; when we could laugh and not feel like crying on the inside at all times. When the world wasn’t a complete dumpster fire.
Wow, I took it to a dark place.
Let’s enjoy some of my favorite lines!
“As I descend the final stair and step onto the sidewalk, a rock-hard body collides with my shoulder, the force causing Stella to fly out of the box, spilling, her pot shattering on the dirty streets of downtown Seattle.
"No!" I shriek, dropping down to my knees. "Stella!”
[For some context, Cassie names everything - even inanimate objects. For instance, she holds a certain affinity to her bejeweled stapler, Stanley.]
“I'm going to name my work computer Elsa because this
bitch is frozen.”
“When I told Monique about this impending outing, she
gave me a giant lecture about presenting myself in a
professional manner. Truthfully, I was offended that
she'd think I'd make eyes at Adrian in front of potential
clients. I'm extra but I'm not extra fucking stupid.”
“I have never in my life had so many papercuts. They're
everywhere. Constant little reminders that I have been
slaving away, for almost two days, trying to digitize all of
Adrian's documents. I hate paper. I hate fingers. But
mostly I hate Adrian.”
These are just a few of the excerpts that I highlighted as I went along. I blew through this book so quickly, enjoying it so much, that I’m sure I missed some lines that I can rediscover on a second reading.
If you are looking for a delightful, quick, and light read, I would highly recommend picking up Company Ink. After researching a bit about the thought process that went into creating the book, I am truly impressed with E.L Lewis’ writing and her attention to detail. She wanted to create something that surpassed the general ‘office romance’ and plotted out the characters and how their personalities would further the internal growth of the heroine. Lewis states that in creating the backstory, she completed Myers-Briggs testing for all three main characters to determine whether she was developing their voices correctly and how they related to the world around them. That extra bit of effort is definitely evident on the page and enhances the relatability the reader has to the plot and the thruline. I’m excited to read more from E.L Lewis and hopefully to see this series expand.
To read more reviews or learn more about the podcast visit: Chick Lit Book Club Podcast
First off, E.L, girl...we need to chat. You were able to accomplish something very few have achieved - getting me to like a Elle Woods-esque early twenties socialista. You not only had me rooting for her, but actually buying into her growth as a human. Also, I HATE love triangles, however, call JP Morgan, girl, because I was INVESTED!
Before I get ahead of myself and jump right to the compliment sandwich, let’s start with some plot.
Newly unemployed event manager, Cassie, needs a job. Faced with a looming rent bill, she accepts a position that will ultimately throw her in the path of both sexy Spaniard Adrian and swoony control freak Blake. Both lawyers, both her bosses, and both want her. With only a 6 month temporary assignment,can she hold off these men in order to keep both her job and heart safe?
The Compliment Sandwich:
The Top Bun (The Pro)
Cassie!
With absolute honesty I can admit that the twenty something shopaholic socialite is not my heroine of choice (don’t read that out loud..sounds bad); however, Lewis has created an empathetic, witty, and relatable character wrapped up in Manolo Blahniks and a fashion forward ensemble that would make Anna Wintour show an emotion..any kind of emotion..maybe just one.
When we first meet Cassie, she’s been dealt a massive blow: being downsized from her job as the youngest Event Manager in the publishing business - going from raking in the cash to possibly becoming fiscally prudent. With her roommate and closest friend teetering on matrimonial harmony and leaving her alone in singledom, she needs to get her priorities in order and grow up. Luckily, Cassie’s charm and resourcefulness prevent her from being unemployed for too long.
“Cassie! How is tweeting going to help you?" ”
“I have over three thousand followers," I defend myself. "One of them is bound to see my tweet, DM me, and offer me a job.”
True to her word, this tactic proves successful as she becomes a personal assistant to two partners at an extremely prestigious Seattle law firm. Two hotties, with a dislike of each other, both wanting to win Cassie’s affections in their own (sometimes dysfunctional) ways.
Besides her struggles with her love and work life, Cassie’s familial relationships are often tenuous at best. Her father is cold and distant and her young cousin, Ness, suffers from a traumatic brain injury which occured from a very unfortunate accident for which Cassie carries heavy guilt. Through Cassie’s interactions with both Blake and Adrian, however, these relationships transform. Each man provides Cassie a different aspect in which to view her situation. As outsiders, they can advise her how best to handle each problem and begin to promote growth in a healthy manner. It can be said that each man proves to be a viable partner in each relationship, making Cassie’s decision between the two exceptionally difficult.
The Meat (The Cons)
Okay, I’m a perv. I mean...I’m not, but I kind of am.
Let me explain. I like sex.
There, I said it...we’re better friends for it.
I mean to say, I like sex in books. I could have used a little more here. We are full up on emotions, but I would have liked a wee bit more slap and tickle to balance everything out. Honestly, it was difficult for me to find much wrong with this book - so there you have it.
The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
The humor!
Guys, this book is funny. Also, because it’s brand new, the references are fresh and timely. The plot reminds me of the Before Times..like it's a hair's breadth prior to the COVID outbreak; when we could laugh and not feel like crying on the inside at all times. When the world wasn’t a complete dumpster fire.
Wow, I took it to a dark place.
Let’s enjoy some of my favorite lines!
“As I descend the final stair and step onto the sidewalk, a rock-hard body collides with my shoulder, the force causing Stella to fly out of the box, spilling, her pot shattering on the dirty streets of downtown Seattle.
"No!" I shriek, dropping down to my knees. "Stella!”
[For some context, Cassie names everything - even inanimate objects. For instance, she holds a certain affinity to her bejeweled stapler, Stanley.]
“I'm going to name my work computer Elsa because this
bitch is frozen.”
“When I told Monique about this impending outing, she
gave me a giant lecture about presenting myself in a
professional manner. Truthfully, I was offended that
she'd think I'd make eyes at Adrian in front of potential
clients. I'm extra but I'm not extra fucking stupid.”
“I have never in my life had so many papercuts. They're
everywhere. Constant little reminders that I have been
slaving away, for almost two days, trying to digitize all of
Adrian's documents. I hate paper. I hate fingers. But
mostly I hate Adrian.”
These are just a few of the excerpts that I highlighted as I went along. I blew through this book so quickly, enjoying it so much, that I’m sure I missed some lines that I can rediscover on a second reading.
If you are looking for a delightful, quick, and light read, I would highly recommend picking up Company Ink. After researching a bit about the thought process that went into creating the book, I am truly impressed with E.L Lewis’ writing and her attention to detail. She wanted to create something that surpassed the general ‘office romance’ and plotted out the characters and how their personalities would further the internal growth of the heroine. Lewis states that in creating the backstory, she completed Myers-Briggs testing for all three main characters to determine whether she was developing their voices correctly and how they related to the world around them. That extra bit of effort is definitely evident on the page and enhances the relatability the reader has to the plot and the thruline. I’m excited to read more from E.L Lewis and hopefully to see this series expand.
To read more reviews or learn more about the podcast visit: Chick Lit Book Club Podcast
July 12, 2021
Don't tell me it ended with that! I need the next book asap.
This was a surprisingly dramatic, funny and sexy romcom. It reminded me of those chickflicks where the storylines are usually like that. The entire time I was confused between who to choose among Adrian and Blake. I kind of liked the male leads more than the heroine herself because they were some really fine man (Adrian a little more fine than Blake). The small twists were a little predictable but the last twist was what got me on edge. It will be disappointing if there's no second book because I am so excited to see who Cassie will choose in the end.
This was a surprisingly dramatic, funny and sexy romcom. It reminded me of those chickflicks where the storylines are usually like that. The entire time I was confused between who to choose among Adrian and Blake. I kind of liked the male leads more than the heroine herself because they were some really fine man (Adrian a little more fine than Blake). The small twists were a little predictable but the last twist was what got me on edge. It will be disappointing if there's no second book because I am so excited to see who Cassie will choose in the end.
January 22, 2024
This was such a fun read! A love triangle done right. You really are kept guessing until the very end.
June 23, 2021
Company Ink by E.L. Lewis isn't your average office romance! When Cassie loses her job and takes an assistant position working for sexy, suave lawyer Adrian, she suddenly finds herself thrust in the middle of a love triangle with Adrian and his quirky, uptight boss, Blake. But as the story unravels, so does Cassie's life. The guilt she carries around over her cousin's accident (who suffered a traumatic brain injury) bubbles to the surface as her parents decide to move out of the country, pushing Cassie to finally confront the issues she has with her father. On top of all that, Cassie's best friend gets engaged and plans a wedding at the same Cassie's life seems to be falling apart right before her eyes.
On the outside, Cassie appears materialistic and superficial, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I fell in love with her optimistic approach to life, hilarious inner monologues, and heart of gold. E. L. Lewis made me laugh, made me cry and made me root for Cassie, Blake and Adrian til the very last page. This story is a MUST READ!
On the outside, Cassie appears materialistic and superficial, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I fell in love with her optimistic approach to life, hilarious inner monologues, and heart of gold. E. L. Lewis made me laugh, made me cry and made me root for Cassie, Blake and Adrian til the very last page. This story is a MUST READ!
June 18, 2021
“Company Ink” is an amazing read that tugs at your heart, makes you laugh, and inspires you to cheer for Cassie as she learns to navigate her personal and professional life in the middle of not one but two steamy office romances. The life lessons and love triangle are done so well here with the perfect balance of sweetness and angst and heart. I loved the feeling of being torn between the two very different but equally swoon worthy male leads and seeing Cassie’s growth throughout her journey from lost and stumbling young adult to a confident, independent career woman. Adore, adore, adore this book, and I know you’ll adore it, too!
July 3, 2021
More, please
I really enjoyed Company Ink. The characters are well-written and complex. This is no bad thing. But it’s the other characters that bring richness too - the serious best friend Monique who gives balance to Cassie’s recklessness, Kitty who then makes Cassie seem balanced at times, Luce who provides a shoulder to cry on and Ness too. If that wasn’t enough then there are the two men, Adrian and Blake who both have feelings for Cassie but are poor communicators and have their own secrets. I am desperate to find out which will win Cassie’s heart. Bring on book 2…quickly please as I’m hooked!
I really enjoyed Company Ink. The characters are well-written and complex. This is no bad thing. But it’s the other characters that bring richness too - the serious best friend Monique who gives balance to Cassie’s recklessness, Kitty who then makes Cassie seem balanced at times, Luce who provides a shoulder to cry on and Ness too. If that wasn’t enough then there are the two men, Adrian and Blake who both have feelings for Cassie but are poor communicators and have their own secrets. I am desperate to find out which will win Cassie’s heart. Bring on book 2…quickly please as I’m hooked!
July 1, 2021
The humor in this book is off the charts! I don’t even know how many times I nearly choked with laughter. But under the laughs is an amazing amount of heart that grows and grows along with the story.
I really felt for Cassie as she was torn between these two very different but equally sexy men, while she also had to balance a whole lot of personal drama. This story just grabbed me from the first moment and didn’t let go!
I really felt for Cassie as she was torn between these two very different but equally sexy men, while she also had to balance a whole lot of personal drama. This story just grabbed me from the first moment and didn’t let go!
July 8, 2021
Ends with a cliff hanger !
Okay so I loved it however it ends on a massive cliffhanger?? It did not state this isn’t a book 1 of this series that has a cliffhanger. Kind of disappointed I spent the entire day reading just to be left in the dark without book 2 or if there even will be a book 2.
Overall it was cute
Okay so I loved it however it ends on a massive cliffhanger?? It did not state this isn’t a book 1 of this series that has a cliffhanger. Kind of disappointed I spent the entire day reading just to be left in the dark without book 2 or if there even will be a book 2.
Overall it was cute
February 3, 2022
yassss i love the mc bc she embodies the girlyness that she has akong with her intelligence. and the fact that they like her and the little triangle is so yassss. v kawaii book tbh, this trope type is v well written.
August 4, 2023
i started out really disliking the mc/being annoyed by her & by the end i loved her! so cute & we love a little lovers triangle. cant wait to read number two!! thanks so much e.l lewis for the copy. this wouldn’t have been on my radar otherwise & im SO happy i had the opportunity to read it!
September 30, 2024
WOW! E. L. Lewis does it again!
I absolutely loved this book. Obsessed with the love triangle dynamic and every single thing that happened with these characters.
Did I binge this in 6 hours? YES I DID. Do I have any regrets? NO I DON’T.
Diving into the second one ASAP!!
I absolutely loved this book. Obsessed with the love triangle dynamic and every single thing that happened with these characters.
Did I binge this in 6 hours? YES I DID. Do I have any regrets? NO I DON’T.
Diving into the second one ASAP!!
September 13, 2025
This book just wasn’t for me. Something was missing but I’m not sure what it is.
I love the way the author writes her characters but something about this fell flat.
I would recommend reading the author’s other book Darlin’ , which I gave 5 stars too!
I love the way the author writes her characters but something about this fell flat.
I would recommend reading the author’s other book Darlin’ , which I gave 5 stars too!
June 21, 2021
I have so much fun while reading this. Totally love it 💞
July 1, 2024
Love this series!
December 31, 2025
The beginning had me giggling and kicking my feet but the end was ABSOLUTE BS
August 1, 2021
Can’t even describe how good this is!
Read the description on Wattpad and fell in love that I rushed to preorder it. LOL. This was my first time buying a published Wattpad book and I don’t regret a single thing. Never have I ever read a book with such an unpredictable and confusing love triangle. I had TROUBLE figuring out who the male lead was from the description to even the end of the book. That’s how I knew that this book was nOt LikE tHe OthErS! And I think that it’s unclear romantic direction is one of its many appeals among the humor, the structure, and character development. Just when I thought I would be team Adrian, the author swerved the car making me switch into Blake’s lane especially after the cabine scene. This is one hell of a book and I rarely 100% enjoy a book but I have to give it to the author. There’s absolutely no flaw with this story and it’ll probably be my most recommended must read.
Read the description on Wattpad and fell in love that I rushed to preorder it. LOL. This was my first time buying a published Wattpad book and I don’t regret a single thing. Never have I ever read a book with such an unpredictable and confusing love triangle. I had TROUBLE figuring out who the male lead was from the description to even the end of the book. That’s how I knew that this book was nOt LikE tHe OthErS! And I think that it’s unclear romantic direction is one of its many appeals among the humor, the structure, and character development. Just when I thought I would be team Adrian, the author swerved the car making me switch into Blake’s lane especially after the cabine scene. This is one hell of a book and I rarely 100% enjoy a book but I have to give it to the author. There’s absolutely no flaw with this story and it’ll probably be my most recommended must read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews