The Delight
Office romance, office politics, and complications bring two people together who needed to find each other. It’s been a while since I read a book set in the office and I enjoyed the Australian city setting. It was heartwarming, humorous, and engaging.
Review
The story jumped in with the heroine and her co-workers anticipating the change when a new boss is brought in and he’s cleaning things up and not taking excuses. Ellen Kennedy and Alex Broadhurst experienced sparks from the beginning even when she was quick to leap to conclusions and lead with her emotions rather than get the facts and he was slow to open up about his personal life and kept people at a distance.
At first, the issues seem pretty cut and dry with the office issues and the pair of them circling warily, but then I enjoyed how the author revealed a secondary layer of personal growth needed for both Ellen and Alex. They have to fix themselves even while attempting their first real relationship.
I found the story parts engaging and parts frustrating like a good romance with conflict will supply. It wasn’t a particularly exciting story, but it had some great internal tension built-in as the pair struggled together, separately, and, the big game-changer, the work issue.
It was my first time reading the author’s work and I did love reading a contemporary set in another country by a native. I can definitely recommend this one for those who enjoy a steamy office romance with good character development.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges
Romance Roundabout #261 CR
New Release #149
Recommendations
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Office romances can be a hit or miss for me. I love the forbidden feel of the relationship, but at the same time, I know how unprofessional it is to have any kind of relationship with coworkers, especially when it is a manager-employee type of thing. Somehow there is always drama at the climax of the book and it’s the same old kind of drama (when it comes to workplace romances). It sounds like this book has that sort of thing in it. But that’s okay! That is typically how office romances work. I read them in small doses and… Read more »
That is true. They do tend to have a narrow list of potential conflicts. This is one where there is a clash of ideologies and some past personal growth so its not too formulaic. 😉
Yikes! I’m on the fence when it comes to office romance, but having a friend from Australia, I’m glad that it’s set in another country. Happy Friday! Hugs…RO
I enjoyed reading the backdrop of Melbourne. 🙂
I’m actually kind of intrigued by this one? I don’t know if it’s the desire for something new–even when the trope itself isn’t new–or if I’m just interested in this one on its own. Regardless, this sounds pretty fun and I could really use a pick-me-up like it for now! Office romances can be a bit off putting if it’s written by the wrong author but based on your review, I don’t think this is the case with Deal Breaker. I’m going to look into it.
Hey, that’s great, Jessica. Yes, this one has some very personable elements to take it from blase’ to engaging. Hope you enjoy it when you get the chance.
Office romances trope can be tricky, but this one sounds like it was well done. Great review, Sophia.
I agree, Nadene, to both the tricky and the likeability of this one. 🙂
New to me author, I like office tropes especially when there is back and forth bickering and banter while they try to deny the chemistry.
Oh yes, that is pretty much what I picture when I think of office tropes. This one was that, but it was neat how she infused a few other personal elements for each character that helped me get some depth from the story, too.
It’s been a while since I’ve read office romance and this sounds like a really good read Sophia Rose. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Vanessa @ Blushing Geek
I’ve not read it for a while, either, so it was a refreshing change.
Thanks, Vanessa!