I cannot lie. Williams writing is getting kind of boring. Can we get other parings other than white men/black women? Or is that not in her wheelhouse? This was a snoozefest

I'm such a fan of Williams' writing and her ability to blend swoony love stories with challenging workplace drama, supporting her leads with loving families and friendships, and building her romances with delightful banter and thoughtful backstories that create realistic obstacles, despite her leads' profound attraction and affection for one another. In Technically Yours, Williams returns to the world of The Fastest Way to Fall, so fans of that book will be delighted to spend time with its characters again. This time, we get a second-chance romance, as the lovers wrestle with conflicting workplace dynamics and mutual instincts to keep things casual in both the past and the present, even while they can't help falling in love. While the love story is plenty flirty and sexy, my favourite elements of Williams' novels are often the themes she works into her settings, from academic politics to fitness and body image to providing community and support for underrepresented communities. I always end up cheering at the end, and not just for the lovers when they get their HEA, but for a sense of hope for change for the better, delivered in this case with two lovable leads, some groan worthy tech puns, a sassy teen who deserves a book of their own, and an exceptionally fashionable cat.

I have been a HUGE fan of Denise Williams since her debut, and when TECHNICALLY YOURS was sent to me, I pretty much dropped everything to read it immediately.

Williams gives us everything I've come to love about her books with this second-chance romance with two characters in tech who chose work over love five years ago, but now find themselves thrown together in a special project.

I honestly can't even pick whose POV I enjoyed more, both Pearl and Cord were so well-written, each with their own struggles to overcome that tied beautifully into the story. Cord was the best of book boyfriends, in his patience to give Pearl the time she needed to figure out what she really wanted in life, love, and her future and I found her determination and grit to be such an inspiration! Her internal struggle and goals had me cheering her on and feeling so empowered as a woman, we CAN have it all.

I LOVED the focus on company growth and diversity, and how the mentorship program was woven into their story as a couple with Tye often stealing the show, especially at the end. Each of our main characters has friends and co-workers that are a big part of the story, and I really enjoyed what they added.

This title stole my heart and has become my favorite title by the author, I cannot wait for more readers to check out this book! Have you read any of her other books? If so tell me which ones! I'm LOVING the strong, fierce women that are main characters in STEM lately, always such an inspiration Berkley Romance clearly knows how to give us romance titles to swoon over, that also make us feel seen.

Loveeeeee Denise Williams, her books are always so adorable! Everyone deserves to read this sweet little romance story. Let your heart flutter a little with this one!

I love Denise Williams! This book didnt capture my interest as much as her other books, but I enjoyed this fine. The time jumps felt a little unnecessary, but I still enjoyed this one. I love when romance books loop in science, so that's definitely a plus.

I have been waiting for the release of Technically Yours ever since we got to see snippets of Chord being head over heels in love with Pearl in The Fastest Way To Fall. Being able to see the tension between them as Denise William's books progressed, I knew we were going to be in for a treat when we finally got to see their full love story, and I was not wrong! Technically Yours delivered the star-crossed, angsty romance I wanted. Getting to see flashbacks to how Chord and Pearl first met, and how their relationship progressed from 8 years ago to now was so magical.

I also just need to take a minute to talk about Chord Matthews because this man is SO DOWN BAD for Pearl Harris that it's not even funny. He's easily my favorite man written by Denise Williams because the way this man knew immediately from running into Pearl in an elevator that he wanted her and patiently waited for her for 8 years was everything. I love that when he reunited with Pearl after she moved back to Chicago, he immediately told her that he still had feelings for her and that he would be willing to do anything to make her happy,. Pearl was understandably hesitant about mixing the lines between personal and professional between her and Chord, especially given that her job would be on the line, but that doesn't stop Chord from being the sweetest man ever and telling her that he'll wait for her however long it takes for her to feel comfortable to move forward with their relationship. Seeing their dynamic with Tye was also so heartwarming and ugh just made me want to see them be a happy little family so bad.

I also just really loved Pearl as a character and seeing how far she came from juggling a job and degree to becoming Executive Director at OurCode. Every single one of Denise William's female main characters are so badass at their jobs, and are so determined with their own goals and personal ambitions, and it's so refreshing to see them get what they desire, whether it's a career advancement, love, or both!

Technically Yours is easily my favorite Denise Williams book, which I didn't think was possible considering what bangers her previous novels were. I definitely recommend reading Technically Yours if you've enjoyed her previous novels!

I was really let down by this book. I loved her other books; however, this one was not as good as the others. I think the story had a lot of potential but it just seemed too unrealistic as well as difficult to keep up with... felt like scenes were some times all over the place....
I will still read any other books she writes this just wasn't my favorite

Love it!!!


Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

5 stars for Cord (what kind of name is that, though?) and for Williams writing a second chance romance (one of my fave tropes). As someone who has greatly benefited from having a great mentor, I loved Cord and Tye’s mentor/mentee relationship. Cord really was just an all-around perfect character. He was thoughtful, selfless, and, really loved Pearl. Pearl was a total master at self sabotage and drove me nuts. I loved her strength and independence but wish she could’ve been kinder to herself. I do think the circumstances keeping them apart could’ve been easily remedied and would’ve loved a stronger ending. The Fastest Way to Fall is still my favorite Williams book, but this was a solid romcom! Highly recommend if you love forbidden workplace romance.

This book was really cute! Was it a little predictable and cliche at times? Yes. But it was still a cute feel-good romance!

Ooh, a sexy coder? That was fun! I really enjoyed this second chance romance set in the tech world. The chemistry was hot, the relationship was believable, and the writing was enjoyable to read. I will recommend this to my audience!

Denise Williams is back at it again and I wish I could say I enjoyed this as much as the other books in the Denise Williams extended universe she seems to be writing within and yet I would say that The Fastest Way to Fall stays my personal favorite.

I found the back and forth indecision of Pearl to be annoying at times though understandable due to her past relationships. I also thought that Cord maybe didn't respect her boundaries or need for distance nearly as much as he thought he was doing and I also found that to be frustrating.

What I did absolutely adore was the side mentions of Britta and Wes, and Pearl's family. Tye was a very cool character and I liked the inclusion of them, for both the representation and also because I just genuinely found them to be very entertaining.

I will always give every Denise Williams book a shot and I'm thankful to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this newest addition to her work!

Oh, I wanted to love this book. I really did. But I just could not get obver the foolishness of our two main characters. When there is a scandal at a company between a board member and the director WHY OH WHY would the interim executive director immediately start something with a new board member? No, no, no. Frustrating.

<b> Thank you to Denise Williams, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC for this book. </b>

7yrs ago Pearl left her job in Chicago to move to LA for a new job. Determined to find her own success, she left behind her career, family, and the man she'd fallen in love with, Cord (who was inconveniently her boss). When she returns for a new job - she is stunned to run into Cord and to realize that her feelings toward him, though hopeless, had not changed. Cord having spent the last 7yrs trying to forget the women who broke his heart is conflicted by his need to be near her and his desire to never feel that way again. In the end, Cord must figure out if he can forgive Pearl and persuade her to give him a chance at true happiness, while she must discover if she can balance a life of emotional and professional fulfillment without losing sight of her goals and happiness.
Fall all you Jane Austen fans out there this book has a little bit of a reverse Persuasion feel to it - with Pearl having left home to make her fortune and Cord spending a good amount of the book in "half hope, half agony".

Things I really liked about this book:
- how seamlessly Denise Williams included diversity and the issues surrounding that in the tech world into her book without it feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
- the blending of real and found and non-traditional families
- the subtle but clear way in which Pearl and Cords inter-racial relationship shapes their path

Things I didn't love so much:
- Pearl (for many understandable reasons) creates emotional barriers for herself and dictates the way her romantic relationship with Cord plays out. (I'm all good with that). But, Cord kind of rolls over and accepts it until the very end. He has no real emotional growth but goes from golden retriever "I'll do anything you want so I can be near you" book-boyfriend to "I deserve more" in almost a blink of an eye. It's weird as he founded and runs a very successful tech business and this aspect of him (though he likes to be dominant in the bedroom) seems incongruous.

Timing wasn’t right for coworkers Pearl and Cord five years ago, but that doesn’t mean neither of them completely moved on from what could have been. In the present, fate brings them back to the same city where they are working on a project for a tech startup. While they recognize the risks in starting something, especially because of the workplace situation, it becomes harder and harder for either to stay away.

Williams did a great job setting up this story and building the tension between Pearl and Cord. Alternating between the past and present as well as between both POVs, you get to experience the entirety of their relationship first hand and how their close family and friends feel about it. At times, I did become frustrated with Pearl’s actions because it was so clear how sweet and caring Cord was, but I found it easily to empathize and understand her worries and concerts, making the conflict feel real. Also, Williams did a great job incorporating a side plot line about teen mentorship and diversity within the tech world, and I loved that addition!

Read if you like:
-Second chance romance
-Women in STEM
-Close sisterhood relationships
-Fun texting chats
-Diverse main and supporting characters

Thank you Berkley!! Pub date 12/5

Rating: 5

I have been looking forward to this book ever since I read & fell in love with the fastest way to fall. I loved the chemistry/mystery between Pearl and Cord. I thought they both seemed like good people and I couldn’t want to see their relationship play out.

I loved how this book was written alternating between past and present because it really built up their relationship for me, while also getting to see them rekindle/reunite in present day.

Thing book has a lot of good tension, steam, and you get to check in with your favorite characters from the universe.

Thank you Berkley for a copy of this arc, I was so surprised to receive a copy, but so thankful because this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. There is also something VERY exciting for me in the acknowledgements - 🥰

If Denise Willams writes it, I’m going to read it!

+second-chance romance
+workplace romance
+dual POV

I’ve been waiting on Cord and Pearl’s story since we were first introduced to them in The Fastest Way to Fall. Our main characters have fantastic chemistry, but of course, miscommunication and self-sabotage play a major role in their journey.

Beyond the romance aspect, I also appreciated the commentary about the added pressures of being a woman of color in the workplace.

“Being assertive looks different when people have preconceived notions about the angry Black person or the hotheaded Latina in the room. Lots of aspects of being and being seen as professional look different.”

Now I haven’t made some of the choices Pearl did - wait until the tent scene - but can relate to the pressure she felt to exceed expectations set at work.

Beyond Cord and Pearl, Tye is my favorite character. They might even have an argument for the number one spot. Their one-liners, texts, and matchmaking are all *chef’s kiss*. We also get to catch up with Britta and Wes. Shoutout out Mason for giving Cord some decent advice.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC! Technically Yours is available December 5, 2023!

I absolutely LOVE Denise Williams's romance novels. They are always so good, a little spicy but just the right amount! I love her representation and characters. I would highly recommend all her books.

This was my first Denise Williams book, and it did not disappoint, from the writing to the characters and the spice. Technically Yours is a second-chance romance told in dual povs with alternating past and present timelines. I'm not always a really big fan of second chances, but I thought this was done well, The main characters, Cord and Pearl, meet in the past when Pearl starts work at Cord's workplace. They have to navigate their attraction and connection because Cord is technically above Pearl in the company. Pearl, because of a previous bad relationship, does not allow herself to be fully present and leaves Cord behind. In the present timeline, we see that Pearl is back working with Cord and doing well in her job. Throughout the book, we get to see them connect and reconnect again while also finding out what happened with their relationship in the past.

I thought the main characters were very realistic, and even when I was frustrated with Pearl, I thought her actions were real. I also liked Cord, and how he was thoughtful, patient, and just wanted to support Pearl. I didn't particularly care for the conflict of why they couldn't be together, but there was great chemistry, steam, and tension between our main characters. Overall a good read, I recommend this book to anyone that likes second-chance romance with a diverse mc.

Thank you, Berkley Publishing and Netgalley, for this arc.

I love all of Denise Williams’ books, so I was super excited to read this one. Second chance romance is never my favorite trope, but I loved Cord and Pearl’s characters so much when they were introduced, and I was really looking forward to it. Overall, I found it enjoyable- it was nice to spend time with the characters and a lot of secondary characters were introduced like Pearl’s sisters and Bri’s child. However, I couldn’t get past Pearl’s selfishness in several parts of this book. Maybe “self involvement” is a better term, because she is self-destructive in her behavior. Ultimately, I didn’t like her as much as I had in Fastest Way to Fall. There’s protecting yourself, and then there’s taking advantage of the person you’re seeing. She definitely flirted with the line, which sucks because I love Cord. Of course all ends happily, but I guess I still expected more from her.