Here's a list of books that would make any HR dept dry-heave.
Look, I know that the concept of offices are kind of antiquated, considering the global and seemingly never ending panorama we’re all living through, but why not escape into the precedented-times-of-yore. Where folks sat right next to you! And no one obsessively cleaned their keyboard, mouse and cell phone multiple times a day.
Work, where we spend so much of our time, so of course this is one of the perfect environments for romance, tension and love to flourish. For any of my people & culture folks reading along, this is a true nightmare IRL and would assuredly open up ALL the worm-cans with the amount of Romancelandia bosses and their assistants that be getting it on.
But I digress. The workplace or office romance is a great one. Often-times coupled with enemies to lovers, great tension, chemistry and, when sh*t hits the fan during the 80% break-up it REALLY hits the fan. Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Perpetually bickering cruise company colleagues go on a trip to figure out how to improve business. This reads like a movie, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. The setting(s) out in the Galápagos are beautiful to imagine while trying to figure out, just exactly why our overworked gal Henley hates Graeme.
A cast of wacky side characters rounds out a really excellent debut from Angie Hockman.
The Perfect Catch by Meghan Quinn (Free on KU)
This is a classic forbidden workplace romance, between grumpy professional baseball player Walker and team PR manager Kate. I fully did not expect for this book to catch me off guard with so much deep emotion. In expected fashion Meghan Quinn creates such great, emotionally romantic moments between the two characters, and their relationship felt so visceral throughout the whole book. This is one of the latest books of her ‘Boys of Brentwood’ series, you can pick it up as a stand-alone, and you’ll love Walker and Kate and how much they get each other.
The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
Two assistants for fictionalized (and kind-of awful alternate universe) Chip and Joanna Gaines fall in love while trying to keep their bosses from ruining their amassed home design empire. There are some very sweet moments between our leads Carey and James, and some decent chronic illness representation. The story telling and delivery here is so great and is told from alternating points of view, including some police interview transcripts. It’s all parts funny, sweet, and heartfelt.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas (Free on KU)
Y’all, everyone is going to want an Aaron Blackford in their life. If you were a fan of the Hating Game, you’ll enjoy The Spanish Love Deception. This one is a great story that has some of my all time favourite tropes, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed, fake dating and secret pining! Aaron and Catalina are colleagues that never really got off on the right foot, but some desperate times call for desperate measures when Catalina needs to head home with a date for her sisters wedding. Also for our Henry Cavil lovers, you’ll thoroughly enjoy reading our boy Aaron during *that* soccer game.
New Orleans Rush by Kelly Siskind
Kelly Siskind is one of my stand out author finds this year. Her whole Showmen Series were such DELIGHTFUL reads. This is the first in the series and pairs a magician with a flighty-but-artistic woman running from the mob. After a few too many drinks, Beatrix keys a mustang that looks like her ex-boyfriends only to find out that is very much not his car, but Huxley’s.
In dire need of an assistant Huxley sees a perfect opportunity currently destroying his beloved car. These two are SO freaking fun, especially reading how Bea needles Hux on lightening up. Each of these showmen stories are so freaking great, pick this one up and get ready to feel some magic.
Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne
This was a pick-up after seeing a fellow twitter user ranting about her love for “lincondaisys” (a ship name from later in this series). Irresistibly Yours is the first in the five book Oxford series, and follows sports journalist and reporter Cole as he competes for editor position against scrappy tomboy Penelope.
This is a delightful friends to lovers, that I could not stop smiling over while reading. I will say prepare to suspend your disbelief HR folks as these magazine employees are having a lot of office “rendezvous”, that are kind of is just expected 🤷♀️. It’s fun, get into it.
Ten Rules for Faking It by Sophie Sullivan
Okay anxiety pals! This one is really going to hit home. Ten Rules for Faking It, is the story of anxious radio producer who accidentally goes on an on air rant about her sex and dating life. The station, struggling with ratings decides to force Everly into a bachelorette style dating game. Chris, her manager decides to help her with the game and sooner than later things start to heat up between the two.
Lots of talk about mental health and anxiety management. This one hit me in the feels a few times, and you’ll come to love the Ten Rules by the end of the book.
Mr. Fixer Upper by Lucy Score
Here’s another HGTV take with Mr. Fixer Upper. Gannon, one half of the sibling on screen talent is grumpy, frustrated and kind of ready to hang up his proverbial tool-belt in favour of doing his own thing. Paige their field producer is a hard working, ray of sunshine who really has to check her temper whenever Gannon is around. These two start off as adversaries, who for a moment you might wonder if they will be able to get over it.
After an on set accident leaves Paige out of commission, Gannon commandeers her recovery care. We love a big dude that works with his hands, and that ending, *sobs into a manly flannel*
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
Y’all. This fucking book made my cheeks hurt, so badly. Tessa really blew this one out of the water with her Ted Lasso inspired take on a holiday grumpy-sunshine romance. Formerly incarcerated woman, gets the chance of a lifetime to pursue her dream career.
Aiden, perpetually optimistic southern sweetie is the manager of a high end department store and Stella is a grumpy recently released from prison woman who needs a fresh start. I think the original challenge I had heading into this book was thinking my gal Tessa would make Aiden too sweet. But rest assured friends, Aiden is a big, kind on the outside, spicy on the inside man of our dreams.
Also, you may absolutely die when you hear his holiday dream. *swoon*
There you have it! Enjoy an office romance or two, and like most of us who have made our homes our informal offices, you kinda get the best of both worlds, if you get what I mean 😉.