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.

Deal Breaker isn't exactly what I expected. It's a bit of a disappointment, to be honest. I love the forbidden, office romance trope. It usually conjures up sexy, naughty, forbidden trysts in offices, supply closets and conference rooms. Unfortunately, Deal Breaker did not live up to this. It lagged, A LOT throughout the book and the romance/relationship of the story was lost in all the minutiae of the business deal Ellen and Alex were working on.

Ellen and Alex had a hot one night stand about 8 months ago that Ellen never forgot. One day she was introduced to her new boss and lo and behold, it's Alex. He doesn't seem to recognize her, though, and she goes happily (but a little miffed that he doesn't remember her or their night) on her way, trying to get a leg up on the competition in the mess of a company her former boss left the office with. But, as Alex and Ellen start to work closely together on an account they're both working, the attraction that was between them 8 months ago, flares up and soon they're both desperately trying not to act upon it. Here's where I got bored and started to skim, because I like my office romances to be hot and delicious and all forbidden, but ultimately and quickly, consummated. But, Deal Breaker didn't go that route. No, instead they agreed they would just forget their one night stand ever happened. Yes, the tension is there, but it's not acted upon for a long time and I was about yawning, desperately hoping they'd get together, SOON! Finally they do, but it's kind of lost in the all the inner workings of the account they're working.

I do like how both Ellen and Alex have interesting backstories, especially Alex's with his sister's medical condition. And I like both Ellen and Alex, they're interesting, likable characters, but I don't think their relationship was developed fully, it wasn't given a chance to completely come out in the open. One moment they're finally acting on their attraction, the next the big blowup happens and she's out the door, not to be seen for weeks when Alex finally makes his way back to her. Sigh... if only their relationship had been as interesting as they were, then I could have rated Deal Breaker higher. As it's written, though, I just can't justify more than 3 stars. To be fair, it might not even deserve 3 stars, but I liked both Alex and Ellen a lot, so I cut them some slack.

We meet Ellen who works in a male-dominated field as management consulting. Her boss Alex, ends up being the one-night stand she has a year ago. They both try to ignore the chemistry then have, but eventually give in to a friends with benefits situation, but of course that changes with the amount of time they spend together. Of course, problems arise, will love be able to keep them together? Find out, you will enjoy

When I read the book description of ‘Deal Breaker’ a view weeks ago, I knew this was a book I wanted to read. It just sounded like a perfect romantic read.

In ‘Deal Breaker’ we meet Ellen Kennedy, an ambitious young woman who really wants to make it in her line of work. Ellen worked really hard to get where she is now, so when her new boss happens to be the guy she had a hot one night stand with months ago, she is in complete shock. Understandable! I really enjoyed reading about Ellen. She was fun, and I loved how ambitious she was. She wasn’t a woman to mess with, and she stood up for what she believed in.

The other main character was Alex Broadhurst. A handsome guy with a complicated personal life, and who worked hard to where he is now. Alex was an interesting guy to get to know. He was mysterious, charming and hard working. The chemistry between Ellen and Alex was especially in the beginning addicting to read about. I loved how they grew closer and it was definitely fun to read about.

Unfortunately, this story became less interesting half way through. The whole personal stuff in Alex life was just weird. I couldn’t connect to that part of the story at all. Even as a nurse, I just didn’t get it. I can’t really explain more without spoiling it, but trust me.. I was weird.
And I felt like the exciting stuff between the romance of Ellen and Alex happened in the middle of the book. After that the story just became too slow for me. And I lost interest.

What I did enjoy was the whole old friends of Ellen bit. I loved how these four girls grew up together and always stayed close. Although this wasn’t the main subject of the book, I really enjoyed that part and would have loved to read more about that friendship.

Overall I think this book had a lot of promise, but was just a little disappointing in the end.

I am a huge fan of office romances and Deal Breaker by Marnie St. Claire is a terrific addition to the trope. This story takes place in the land down under and I enjoyed the Melbourne landscape, as well as the local colloquialisms.

Ellen Kennedy works very hard in the male-dominated field of management consulting. Her new boss is Alex Broadhurst, who just happens to be the man she spent an incredible night of passion with a little less than a year ago. Ellen and Alex still share a lustful spark, which they attempt to ignore at the beginning of their professional relationship. Overtime, they give into their feelings, and their friends with benefits arrangement becomes so much more. However, due to a poorly executed work situation, love many not be able to conquer all.

Now that I no longer work in the corporate world, I can sit back and read about the goings on from a well conceived narrative. Ms. St. Claire's interpretation is quite realistic and similar to some of my experiences. I found the emotional plot to be both sweet and self deprecating. Alex is an amazing guy and his kindness truly left me feeling good about generosity. Overall, Deal Breaker ticks all the boxes for an office romance with a twist.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

I feel conflicted about this one.
On one hand I liked it, and on another I absolutely didn’t.

It starts off with Ellen walking into her new manager’s office. Upon entering she realises she had a one night stand with him about 8/9 months previously and it looks like he has no idea who she is. With some awkward exchanges and flirting they realise they want each other too much to ignore their feelings.

I think, for me, I feel conflicted because I really didn’t like Alex. He came across mostly pompous and like he had a stick up his rear-end.
Ok, yes he had some issues but boy did he go on about them and feel sorry for himself.
Ellen was better and I honestly (at times) had no idea what she was seeing in this guy.

I ended up actually liking the secondary story of the job they needed to do and the wooden toy makers. I found them as a whole a lot more interesting and wanting the “little guy” to succeed against the giant company.

Altho saying this, I did finish it quickly and it kept me interested enough to read the whole thing. This type of storyline can be a little cliche but I have always liked it for a nice easy mindless read. There is a bit more to this than just the boss/employee relationship, but it is still an easy relaxing read.

I am unsure if I would read anything more from this author, but I will definitely keep an open mind about any of her future work.
Good writing, unfortunately just needed a nicer male lead in my opinion.

This story might have the most original obstacle to the couple’s HEA that I’ve ever read in romance novels (but of course Alex and Ellen, both management consultants, have their HEA). I really liked how the author built the suspense on Alex’s secret; and this dimension adds to his personality and depth as a character.
I also liked the insight on the consulting industry, even if there were some very murky waters there and I’m not sure what’s best: be ethical with your client, sell your soul to the devil, fight for what’s right and fair and betray your client... (there are other options; I thought the author came up with sensible solutions for both the hero and heroine’s ethical and professional dilemmas).
And Philippa… what a character! It was sweet that she had a HEA too.
The depiction of the effects of TBI on the patient and relatives is very solid and sounds well researched.
Even if in the beginning I didn’t feel quite connected to the main characters (specially the heroine) they kind of grew on me later on. And I loved the setting, in Melbourne, Australia.

This book was not I was expecting. I really not think this book was good. However, I was proved wrong. I am looking forward for the next book.

Loved it...Alex fell for Ellen the first time he seen her. So when he takes over a company he ends up working with Ellen. Things begin to get complicated when Ellen find he takes care of an old girlfriend that is disabled. A great read.

Overall I found "Deal Breaker" to be exciting. Nice job on the plot.

dnf. Wasn't really into the writer's style, so I ended up skimming the first couple chapters before just giving up.

Did not like the book. I was expecting something different than the story that I received based on the description. Did not finish this one, but hoping that I can fall in love with a different novel by this author. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review!