⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️

Such a beautiful story about creating your own legacy and following your dreams even when they aren’t tangible. Gosh I loved the meanings behind this story. It was incredibly written the style seemed almost whimsical at times and I enjoyed the pacing so much. Casey was relatable and I liked that this was single pov and we really got a lot of character development for her. The fact that her and Alex’s stories paralleled in some ways really drove in their connection and added to their dynamic. He made it so hard for her to hate him and I loved that. They had incredible banter and chemistry so palpable other characters everyone around them picked up in it. I want to back up and just say their meet cute had me laughing so much and his nicknames for her are everything. There was a great group of side characters and representation. I would not consider this to have a true third but can’t explain why without giving to much away. However I will say that the way these two show their love is soul deep and absolutely made me ugly cry with how much emotion is behind it, the London scenes in particular.

Overall this was a stellar read and debut novel perfect for people who love workplace romances, funny elevator moments, great side characters, enemies-ish to lovers, banter, healing journeys, open door that fades to back and characters that are relatable.

Casey and Alex shine as work rivals and more in Love Interest by Clare Gilmore. When Alex gets the job Casey wants but they have to work together, Casey is forced to confront her animosity toward Alex as well as her career goals.
Two of my favorite tropes in this story - workplace romance and forced proximity - were executed to perfection. I loved the fleshed out office setting with employee archetypes everyone knows, and I was so invested in all the characters Gilmore introduced. Casey and Alex's dry humor was so fun and made them a great match. In the last 30% of the book, there were so many quotes that I am still obsessed with. I loved this debut and can't wait for more from Clare Gilmore!

I loved this book! I was invested from the very first chapter. Casey and Alex go from office enemies who have to work together on a project to something more. Their evolution from enemies to lovers was everything I could have asked for. I also enjoyed the evolution of each of the main characters and learning more of their backgrounds. I couldn't put the book down and can't wait for future books from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of 'Love Interest'.

Big shoutout to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing the ARC for Clare Gilmore’s debut, Love Interest.
I’m obsessed with this book!

Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
A Small Dose of Fake Dating

Whatever romantic trope you’re looking for, this one will check the box.
Casey Maitland has just been rejected from an exciting career pivot at LC Publications when she discovers that she was rejected in favor of the son of one of the board members, Alex Harrison. Alex is everything that Casey isn’t- wildly good with people, terrible at fiscal responsibility, and determined to make Casey like him.

The premise might seem predictable, but the story was amazing. Definitely a binge read! An amazing debut! I will read anything else she publishes!
This one is out October 10th! You have to check it out!

📚NETGALLEY REVIEW📚

Love Interest by Clare Gilmore ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Casey has been working her way up at Little Cooper, so when the job she wants goes to the devastatingly handsome Alex, her instinct is to hate him. However, through work they tear each others walls down. Can they work together as friends, or will their mutual attraction become too much?

I’m here for all the enemies to lovers/coworkers romances, and this one is no exception. The characters were written in a way that you couldnt help but be invested in the outcome. I truly enjoyed this debut novel.

This comes out October 10th! Make sure you throw this on your tbr.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

I didn’t realize at first that this was a debut novel, for that- it was a great first book! I did find the writing a bit choppy at times but overall enjoyed this cute story. There was a lot of side characters, some I cared about more than others.

Casey works in finance at a media company. She gets turned down for a new position and instantly dislikes Alex who gets the job. As the two work closely together, they both see each other in a new light.

Such a great debut novel! Swoony and delightful! I enjoyed reading Casey and Alex's connection growing from enemies to more. There were light hearted moments that made me laugh while other moments that at my heart.

This had a bunch of my favorite tropes:

Enemies to lovers ✔️
He falls first ✔️
Workplace romance ✔️

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was a pretty delightful read. The tension was evident at the beginning and I enjoyed reading Casey and Alex's connection growing from enemies to more. There were light hearted moments that made me laugh while other moments that tugged at my heart.

I did have some issues with the flow of the book. With this being the author's debut book, the paragraphs felt choppy and the fluidity of the story was not the best. I enjoyed the author's context and character development and I think with time it will only get better.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I love this hilarious, swoony, heart-filled romance that Clare has written. Such rich characters and a story that gripped me, I loved it from start to finish.

3.5 stars!! This was a super cute read :). I LOVED the entire New York enemies to lovers dynamic!! Every little thing Alex said or did had me on a chokehold; it's so obvious he has always cared about her and it's so beautifully written. The tension between them UFFF. What I would say in terms of things I didn't like is the amount of extra information. For example when another character asks a question, Casey starts going on about her stepdad and her dad's love story which is kind of irrelevant to the current situation? But anyways, such a fun one-time read to just cuddle up to. Can't wait for this author's future works!

I’ve tried to read this book a few times now and it’s not holding my interest. Just within the first few chapters, so many characters have been introduced that I’m finding it hard to remember everyone’s role. I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book, however, I won’t continue.

Clare Gilmore's debut is a sparkling delight!

I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Love Interest for review. Set in New York City, this romance feels like Sex and the City meets Gossip Girl but with a more diverse, fun, and loving set of characters. Casey and Alex have nothing in common, except they both applied for the same job. Alex gets it (of course, the Ivy League nepo baby he is) and Casey is stuck with a compromise: if she gets the magazine subsidiary off the ground, she can transfer to London. A move to London to follow her dead mother's footsteps is a bucket-list item so Casey eagerly accepts. What she can't anticipate is how addicting Alex is once she gets to know him. Between his charming personality, his wonderful smile, and the fact that he just might not be as much of a spoiled nepo baby as she once thought, Casey's a goner. But something fishy is going on at their company and her transfer to London is looming in the background. Can these two make it work, or were they always destined to fail?

I LOVED this book! Casey and Alex are still wandering around in my mind several days after finishing their story.

This is a co-worker romance, which starts out rocky as Alex gets the job Casey was gunning for. However, they get over that fairly quickly and become friends, and then more, as they continue working together and get to know each other.

The book has some great prose (Clare Gilmore can write!) as well as some nuanced and lovely character exploration and growth. Yes, the separation that inevitably comes between Casey and Alex is predictable, but it doesn't feel tropey - you understand exactly why they each make the choices they do.

I really enjoyed this book. The best co-worker romance I've read since one of my favs, The Hating Game. Looking forward to reading more from this debut author if this is her first go at it! Thanks for NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was so great! The romance was adorable and I really enjoyed the corporate drama. The ending was perfection too.

This is an astonishing, first rate debut from Claire Gilmore. She has such a clear style and tone to her writing that I can’t get over that it’s her first published work. Both MCs are young, in their mid-20s, trying to live up to their parents’ ideals, while discovering that they have to forge their own way. And they fall in love slowly and seamlessly, with some hot, door ajar bedroom scenes. I can’t wait to read what the author comes up with next!

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Griffin.

Love Interest
Clare Gilmore
4⭐️

I always love when debut novel make me go “this is a debut!?” and Love Interest had me doing that the entire time I was reading. It was a rom-com lovers dream with authentic and lovable characters, witty banter, angst, tension, spice, ( I feel like an “oh my” is needed here) and some amazing communication.

What I loved;
💜 Enemies To Lovers
💜 Workplace Romance
💜 Only One Bed
💜 He Falls First

Pub Date: Absolutely would recommend and I am 💯 keeping an eye out Gilmore’s sophomore novel!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc for an honest review.

"In her captivating debut novel, 'Love Interest', Clare Gilmore skillfully weaves together workplace dynamics, romantic tension, and the transformative power of love. Casey and Alex's journey from rivals to lovers is both heartfelt and entertaining, drawing readers in from the start. While some readers may have desired more tension before their relationship took off, Gilmore's lovable characters and the depth given to side characters add layers of authenticity and relatability. The inclusion of diversity, though at times slightly exaggerated, brings a refreshing richness to the story. Furthermore, Casey's personal growth and her ability to stand on her own outside of the relationship showcase Gilmore's talent for crafting well-rounded characters. 'Love Interest' is a promising debut that satisfies both romance enthusiasts and those seeking a story that transcends the confines of a traditional love story."

3.5 STARS
Numbers are Casey Maitland friends even though both her mother, whom she lost at a young age, and father were and are of the artistic bent. Casey is living the expensive, crowded, and sometimes crazy dream in Manhattan working for a magazine publication company as a financial analyst; they are going through some changes trying to stay relevant in a digital world. When Casey applies for an opening that would expand her skills beyond financial, she is dismayed to find out the board chairman’s son edged her out.

Wunderkind Alex Harrison seems like Casey’s polar opposite with his Harvard education, charisma, high spirits, and handsome looks that makes every instantly like him…everyone except Casey. When they are assigned to work on the same project focusing on an online format, Casey is determined to ace this job so she can get a transfer to the London office. Casey’s late mother was from there, and she has always felt a desire to connect with that part of her heritage.

Although Casey is initially prickly, resentful, and not at all a fan of Alex which somewhat seems over the top, she begins to see her first impressions were not only biased, but incorrect. Alex has a vitally and excitement about life that challenges Casey’s carefully controlled behavior. Casey and Alex both have some complex family issues causing them to doubt their individual worthiness. When some corporate naughtiness starts coming to light, they are involved in such a way that the house of cards could potentially cause Casey and Alex to be collateral damage.

Although this story has a strong romance element it reads more as a women’s fiction since Casey has several fraught issues to deal with including her lack self-esteem and internal self deprecating monologue that inhibits her happiness. Alex helps Casey to recognize life has more possibilities than she previously thought while she in turn shows him that he has more value than being everyone's' friend and favorite entertainment. While at times deeply angsty, the writing quality of this story carries it though for the most part with a few misses concerning Alex’s and Casey’s relationship that did not quite make sense towards the end.

Enemies to lovers, a workplace romance, only one bed, a no-regrets attitude, and a trip to London. What more could a fan of romance novels ask for?

Casey works at a large magazine publisher in Manhattan and finally decides to branch out of the introverted, number-loving finance role she’s filled her entire career by applying for a more creative project manager position within the same company. When she’s passed up for the job only to find out the position was given to Alex, the son of the board's chairman, she seems to be the only person who isn’t instantly charmed by the handsome Alex Harrison.

This fun rom-com has some of my favorite tropes; enemies to lovers, a character-driven plot with personalities that are more complex than what meets the eye, a little family drama, secrets in the workplace, and a heart-warming supportive cast of friends and family. Casey may have a small group of friends, but I loved each of their unique personalities. The fun they have and the support they offer each other come across easily and authentically.

Fans of Abby Jimenez and Sophie Sullivan will enjoy this debut novel by Clare Gilmore. I will for sure be watching for her next book.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for an eARC of Love Interest.

I LOVED this book. I felt that Alex and Casey were both such realistic characters. I really enjoyed following their relationship from the very beginning. I also felt like the friendships showcased in the book really resonated with me.

I definitely recommend reading this book!