I will never turn down a women in STEM romcom. I really loved getting so much of the male MC's POV on this one. In fact I think I felt more familiar with his personality and approach to thing better by the end of the novel. The female MCs driving reasons never fully clicked with me. I did love the nibling and all the interactions surrounding them however. This book definitely had great representation.

Thank you so much to Berkley Pub for the ARC of this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Denise Williams is an auto buy author for me and she never disappoints. This one is not my favourite of hers, but still a great read.

Pearl and Cord fell in love 8 years ago but Pearl chose her career and moved across the country instead of leading with her heart and staying with Cord. They meet again when Cord joins the board at the company Pearl works for. Their chemistry is still undeniable, but will Pearl take a chance?

Really enjoyed this second chance romance and definitely recommend.

Pearl became the acting director of the non-profit organization she started working at when the director left under a scandal. She needs to keep things clean for the organization that she truly believes in. Unfortunately for her, the newest board member is the person she left in Chicago five years ago right after he confessed his love to her. The chemistry is too hard to ignore this time around, but no one can know they are seeing each other. They are hesitant to trust their feelings and each other as they grow closer and must decide whether to leap into love.

I enjoyed Pearl and Cord, even though I felt that Pearl got in her way a lot of the time. They had great chemistry and banter and Cord was a huge cinnamon roll. He believed in the organization that Pearl worked for and wanted to do anything he could to support her and the organization. There was some miscommunication in this book, but I did find that they talked about the miscommunication and worked through it (though they were hard-headed some of the time!).

I liked that we got flashbacks to how their relationship started seven years ago, up to what happened five years ago when Cord confessed his love. I also liked the diversity in this book and how there was a focus on women, nonbinary and people of colour in the tech world and the obstacles they encounter.

Overall this was a great, inclusive novel that looked at trusting yourself enough to fall in love. This is a great story with a happily ever after. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

Read if you like: second chance, forbidden, forced proximity, STEM, cinnamon roll MMC, workplace romance

Technically Yours is a wonderful contemporary romance set in the corporate/non-profit world. If you like strong women and cinnamon roll heroes, this book is for you! Denise Williams is one of my favorite authors and Technically Yours is up there as one of my top books from her. Pearl and Cord worked together years ago at FitMi and just when it almost seemed like they could start a relationship, Pearl left for another job. Now, years later, they are back in each other’s orbit professionally and the chemistry is still there. Giving in could mean a professional scandal - is it worth the risk?

Pearl was a realistic, strong heroine with her hesitation about risking her heart. Cord complemented her beautifully with his support and love. Interesting, fully fleshed out side characters - such as Pearl’s sister’s kid, Tye - made this book even more of a joy to read. This is a book I can’t wait to read again and again.

I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

Received this ARC via NetGalley…

I was waiting for this love story ever since The Fastest Way to Fall. I always love it when the guy falls first and falls harder.

Cord is so sweet and Pearl is stubborn, yet strong.

I love that there were non-binary characters in this book. That’s always amazing to see representation and the support for the queer community.

Technically Yours by Denise Williams offers a delightful blend of second chances, witty banter that crackles, and sizzling romance that will leave you breathless. Prepare to be captivated as you embark on a journey filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, and an unwavering desire to see Pearl and Cord find their well-deserved happily ever after. This enchanting tale is guaranteed to fog up your windows and leave you yearning for more.

Confession.. Technically Yours is the first Denise Williams book I have read though I’ve heard so many great things about her books.

Eight years ago, he fell in love with a stranger he couldn’t have—today, she’s back in his life and the sparks between them threaten to set her career on fire.

This book has my favorite tropes…part second chance romance and enemies to lovers. However I just wasn’t sold on Pearl and Cord’s romance. It felt one sided and full of just lust not actual connection. I also wasn’t feeling the technical aspects of their job either which made the story dull. The spicy scenes were 🔥🔥🔥 though. 🤣

While this one missed the mark for me I want to read more of her work.

I’m a big Denise Williams fan, but this may be a new favorite. I binged it in under 24 hours. I loved the alternating timelines between their past and present. I loved that we got both Pearl and Cord’s perspectives. I really enjoyed learning about their company and especially Thai and their mentorship relationship. I loved how Cord supported her and helped her be Anne to put her heart first. I also loved seeing Britta and Wes and Pearl’s relationship with her sisters. I alternated between the audiobook and the ebook and the narrators are two of my favorites!

Rating: 4/5
Steam: 3.5/5

Thank you to Berkley Romance and PRH for access to this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

I must admit, I love Denise Williams but it took me a few attempts to truly dive into the story. While it did eventually captivate me, this initial hurdle does impact my overall rating.

In terms of character dynamics, I appreciated that amidst the miscommunication, Pearl and Cord made a concerted effort to engage in open and honest conversations. The author's use of flashbacks was a delightful touch, offering a glimpse into their past friendship and love story. Pearl's cautious approach to romance, stemming from past workplace experiences, was present. It was so evident that she aimed to lead with her head rather than her heart this time around. While this is understandable, I think it lead her to forgo potential moments of true happiness. While I empathized with these kinds of reservations, the indecision/conflict felt drawn out.

Now, let's talk about the steam - it was nothing short of perfection. Denise, you outdid yourself! Cord's character was chef's kiss; the ideal blend of nerdiness and charm. And can we talk about his endearing cat? That quirky addition added a delightful touch to the story. It's worth mentioning the commendable representation across various facets of the story. This added a layer of authenticity and depth to the overall reading experience and I love that this story can be a place someone feels seen.

This second chance, dual POV, interracial forbidden romance between two work colleagues hit all the marks for me!!

- A strong, bad-ass FMC (Pearl)
- A swoony, cinnamon roll MMC (Cord) who just wants to make Pearl happy
- A diverse cast of characters
- Strong female and sister friendship bonds
- Bro chats
- Plus cameos from The fastest way to fall's Britta and Wes

While there was some miscommunication, the characters DID talk things out and I loved that the story was told in flashbacks so we got to see how they fell in love the first time. Pearl had been burned by workplace romances in the past and she's determined to think with her head not her heart this time around. The problem is Cord just won't give up, even though the way he tries to show his love isn't what Pearl wants.

A swoony, steamy, slow burn that was great on audio narrated by January LaVoy and Joe Arden. I can't wait to read the next book featuring Pearl's other sister. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley romance for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!

Denise Williams has set the bar because this book was GOODT… like good down to the last drop. I started reading it as my night time book and simply couldn't put it down. I was like - no one speak to me, I need to finish this book!

The book opens with Cord and Pearl breaking up but neither really wanting to let the other go. Fast forward five years later and they are working together… again. First, let me say that Ms. Williams doesn't make you wait for the characters to get together! Mr. Cord Matthews... whew baby! I see you sir! He was smooth but not smooth at the same time which made him such a swoony character! Cord had been in love with Pearl for several years and I loved how he just loved her and would wait for her, giving her all the time she needed.

In the past, Pearl gave everything to her relationships only to see them fall apart and have her trust broker. So, she has decided to put nothing over her career or family. Pearl didn't want distractions in her new position but Cord was just that. They agreed to keep things professional, until they didn't... the woods scene (IYKYK). Girl, let that man love you!

This book gave me all the feels! The two main characters had a friendship with just the right amount of tension. There was good scene after good scene in this story! This book was the triple S for me… sexy, sensual and steamy and was just so perfectly orchestrated!

Pearl Harris learned the hard way not to mix business with pleasure. After a scandal leaves her as acting director of OurCode, a non-profit aimed at helping teenagers develop their love of coding, Pearl knows she can't step one foot out of line. Unfortunately for Pearl, the new board member happens to be her old boss and the one man she hasn't been able to stop thinking about. Cord Matthews fell hard for Pearl the moment he met her. The pair had a flirtation, but it ended before it could begin. When the pair cross paths again, their chemistry is too hard to ignore. But is Pearl willing to put everything on the line to follow her heart?

I liked Pearl and Cord's flirtation in Williams's previous book, so I was glad they had their own story. They had such great chemistry and banter. I loved how gone for Pearl Cord was. He was willing to bend over backward for her, and while there were some moments when he may have gone a little too far, I thought it was sweet. I understood Pearl's hesitance to start a relationship, but the indecision felt dragged out. My favorite part of this was Pearl's family. They had such a warm, supportive dynamic that I loved. If you're in the mood for a steamy, second-chance romance, I recommend picking this up.

Finally we get Pearl and Cord's story!

Read this one for:

- Forces proximity
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance
- He's GONE for her
- Just a hookup
- Workplace

Five years after working for Cord and having feelings for one another, Pearl moves back and finds Cord at the first big workplace event she is attending. Cord can't help but want to be near Pearl again so he accepts a board member position at the foundation Pearl works for and a mentorship with Pearl's niece.

The two are forced to be around one another which brings up all the old feelings. They end up sneaking around to hide it from the board and anyone who it would be risky finding out about them. The story is told between the present and the past weaving their tale of love and the second chance opportunity they are getting now.

This book had such a positive push for the STEM community. I loved Pearl's niece Tye. They were some really fun interactions with them and seeing the positive impact the mentorship program had on them was really great.

Can't believe this is the end to this group of people and series!

Thank you to Berkley for providing ARCS to the Joyful Chaos Book Club for our honest reviews.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this advanced reader copy. I've been looking forward to this since I read "Fastest Way to Fall" earlier this year.

"Technically Yours" has moved Denise Williams into not just auto-buy status, but I'm ready to go through her back catalog too. Time after time, her ability to balance steam with story makes her books utterly all-consuming. Once I finally dove into "Technically Yours" it had me up after midnight and back at it again first thing in the morning. I was hooked.

First, it's important to note that this is part of a series, but it stands alone just fine. Wes and Britt from "Fastest Way to Fall" are side characters that mostly serve as sounding boards for the main characters.

Speaking of whom, oh, Cord and Pearl... I had no idea their journey would be so rocky and it's 90% on Pearl. They could have renamed this "Cord's Got It Bad." The pining! The angst! I've never seen an MMC shoot his shot *this* many times in a book and get rejected. He was all in. Our girl Pearl was a fortress of principles. I can't say I completely understood her reasoning, but at least the author keeps you drawn in enough that you find yourself pursuing Pearl almost as much as Cord (but not really because seriously, no one's ever wanted another human being as much as Cord wanted Pearl). The only gap for me in this is that I wish she'd given Cord more character development. Being in love with Pearl is the driving force behind his whole story. He could have had a little more going on.

I loved the non-binary rep as well as the references to race in the tech world. The author continues to show us that romance doesn't have to happen in a vacuum.

This is also the spiciest Denise Williams book I've read and I thought nothing she did would top "Do You Take This Man?" where, I swear, RJ and Lear were at it all the time. Lots of passion here.

If you already love Denise's books, "Technically Yours" should already be on your TBR. You won't be disappointed. It's also a great introduction to her work because this is what she does best: giving us Black girl happy endings every time.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.25⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Contemporary romance 📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
Such a sweet and heartfelt romantic comedy

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Second chance romance
Forbidden love
Workplace roamnce
Relatable characters
Daul POV
Strong women
Great chemistry
Medium steam
Character growth

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
STEM rep
LGBTQIA+ rep
The mentorship program
All the diversity
Tye!


𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
The conflict was a little annoying

Known for her unmistakable brand of sweet, heartwarming romances, it is always with great delight that I dive into one of Denise William’s charming stories. And, trusting her implicitly to deliver a happy and truly enlivening reading experience cover to cover. Yet I was completely unprepared for how much I would find myself loving every single word of this enchanting little gem.

After briefly being introduced to Cord and Pearl, and given the tease of something more, in one of her prior books - I was eager to see their story unfold.

Unfortunately this turned out to be a not quite to my taste read. I’ve enjoyed Denise Williams other books in this world shes created, and as always she proves to be a talented writer.

I struggled to get into the story. For one, alternating timeline can be hit or miss for me. In this case, I wasn’t feeling it (though I did appreciate that it was clearly called out at the beginning of each chapter). I also wasn’t really feeling the initial premise. If your boss was fired for an inappropriate relationship and you take on the position in the interim….yeah, did not love that. I was also having trouble connecting with Cord and Pearl - which makes it hard for me to stay invested in the story. 🤷‍♀️

All that to say, Williams is a talented writer and I know this one will find its audience, it just wasn’t a perfect match for me. As always, I’ll continue to try anything Williams writes and look forward to trying more from her in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.

Another banger by Denise Williams!!!

-second chance romance
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-slow burn

Steam: 2/5

CW: misogyny, sexism, emotional abuse, sexual harassment, pregnancy

Pearls past experiences have taught her that you don’t mix work with love. When Cord is suddenly now on the board for her company however, pearl finds it hard to keep that sexual tension from changing her mind. Cord has been in love with her for years, and knows he has to take a chance to finally get her to see he is the right guy for her. With a recent director/board member affair scandal on their heels however, can the two make it work?

I just love Denise Williams, so I knew this would be a book I fell in love with! Second chance love, forbidden love, what more could we ask for? From page one the tension between these two was on fire, and I needed them to give it a chance. I really loved the dual timeframe, I think it helped so much to see Cord and Pearls relationship in the past, and how we got to present day. Overall this is an amazing story we have come to expect from Williams!

I started watching the tv show Suits while reading this book, which was an amazing coincidence because this book feels so much like that show. Basically, if you love that show (like I now do), then I know you’ll love this book like I did!

Denise Williams took the classic boss/assistant trope and made it really sweet. It was the perfect second chance romance! I absolutely love when we get to see flashbacks of their first try at love together and then how they actually get together in the present.

The characters were well written and dynamic. Pearl’s journey with the job as an assistant while working through to school to end up heading a company made me proud to watch her story arc throughout these 384pages. I also loved seeing Cord grow into his own at his own company. Together, they made a great team. Plus their great chemistry made the romance great as well!

I also loved the non-binary representation. It was really refreshing to see a character like Tye be so influential to the story. Their mentor-mentee relationship with Cord was honestly adorable! I hope that Cord takes them to California.