I stopped reading about halfway through. Hot Copy wasn’t really a bad book. Many promising plot elements were there: office romance, (slightly over done) evil boss man, decent writing. For me, it fell apart with the main characters. They were both struggling with the death/illness of their mothers. While possibly handled realistically those issues got in the way of further, much needed, character development. Even though the story was told through alternating points of view, I never quite got why Corrine and Matt were attracted to each other. The absence of relatable characters is a show-stopper for me.

Ruby Barrett has done something truly extraordinary with her debut. Her fresh characterization pairs gorgeously with heart-wrenching emotion throughout this gender-flipped office romance, but for me the true standout is what she's done with the character of Wes. No spoilers here, but you will honestly find yourself rereading his passages and wondering why you've never met a male character like this one before. Is there something softer than a cinnamon roll? I think we have it in Wes Chambers.

Wesley Chambers put his life on hold for two years to take care of his Mom as she got sick and eventually died from ovarian cancer. He doesn't regret his decision one bit, but he does feel a little out of place as he tries to start taking charge over the direction of his life which right now includes starting an internship with people fresh out of college. Not only is he out of his element among his work peers, instead of being under the mentorship of the marketing company's CEO like originally planned when he interviewed out of college, he will be working for the firms only female executive Corrine Blunt. Corrine Blunt projects nothing but confidence and an icy exterior. What Corrine doesn't want anyone in the office to know is that life can be lonely as the only female executive when office gossip is harsh and creating distance between colleagues is a defense mechanism after too many unprofessional passes. She's hoping with her new intern she will have a chance to forage a new working relationship with a clean slate. Knowing Wesley's background as a caregiver for her dying mom makes her want to get to know this kind young man and who also seems to have an eye for digital marketing. However, the two don't even formally meet before getting off on the wrong foot. Corrine overhears Wesley talking to another intern and seemingly laughing when the other young man calls her "Blunt the C**t." Determined to put Wesley in his place she begins a campaign of revenge by sending him on menial tasks around the city and reducing his internship to administrative work without giving him a chance to explain. But as Wesley takes everything Corrine can throw at him she begins to wonder if maybe she did misjudge his character. After all, how can a man who wears raccoons on his socks be all bad?
VERDICT is that this is a fun contemporary romance that plays with traditional power dynamics when it comes to a workplace romance. I enjoy romance novels written from multiple perspectives when they are done well and this one is. Both Wesley and Corrine have equally strong voices and character development. Things can get pretty steamy at times with some workplace hookups and sleepovers, but there is some more substance to the over all story as well. Both characters are dealing with grief and have either faced the loss of a loved one or the potential loss of a loved one. I appreciate that we see Wesley struggle to grow and maintain several relationships. In addition to his romance with Corrine, he is often at odds with his sister, and trying to reconnect with a friend who drifted away during his mother's illness.