DNF at 20%

I've loved the author's other work, but this book was not grabbing me. There was way too much about the company, the workplace, coding, etc, I wanted more about the relationship and the history without having to wade through all the other stuff.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for this arc!

I have read Denise Williams before, and she is very good at holding my attention with characterization! I loved the main characters' dynamic, and the diverse cast of side characters.

However, I am not a huge fan of second-chance romanace and stories with mutiple timelines, and unfortuntely that played a huge role in my ultimate enjoymenmt of the book. I was also not a fan of the third-act breakup; I felt it was a little ridiculous of Pearl and it annoyed me at the end of the book.

Although this wasn't my favorite book, I do think the writing was great and the plot well-thought out, so others may enjoy it much more!

Pearl Harris (Black woman) appointed acting director of OurCode, a nonprofit focused on inspiring high schoolers to code and learn the tech industry, following a nasty scandal. She’s determined to do everything to ensure that OurCode can salvage its reputation without anymore surprises…that is until she learns that the newest board member is Cord Matthews (white man), the one who got away seven years ago.

I loved Pearl’s character. She is so independent and passionate about her career and mentoring the next generation even though she’s constantly facing sexism and racism in this majority white male field.

I was a bit hesitant about Cord at first because I wasn’t sure if he was going to swoop in and be the “shining white knight” that is too common place in interracial dating books. But Cord is an adorable cinnamon roll. He leans in and supports whatever Pearl needs and doesn’t insert himself. The chemistry they have makes for lots of banter and angst throughout the story.

I really loved every minute of this story and the light shed on the lack of diversity in STEM, and the importance of equity and inclusion.

Pearl gets an unexpected chance to not only prove herself but to really make a difference when she is appointed acting director of OurCode after a scandal. What she does not expect however, is for the new board member to be Cord, a man from her past. Even after 5 years, their connection is immediate when they see each other again, but the last thing OurCode needs is another scandal.

I love Denise Williams and this book reminded me why. This second chance romance was so sweet and swoon-worthy. I adored both Pearl and Cord and was so glad to get both POVs and really get in both of their heads. Pearl was so inspiring and was accomplishing great things in the STEAM world and the love and respect Cord had for her was perfection and well-deserved. This book was full of pining and angst in the best way and the chemistry between the characters was palpable. I also loved getting the small glimpses into their past through the flashbacks. There was so much to love about this book and I am already looking forward to more from Denise Williams.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

It was really easy to drop into this story and connect with both Pearl and Cord. I liked both of their characters a lot and could certainly understand why they felt like they did about love and relationships. I did get distracted by the back and forth between real time and their past. Just when I’d finally get into the emotional dynamics of Pearl in the current day the chapter would end and I’d have to try to connect and understand the past Pearl. I’ll admit flashbacks are not my favorite things to read and I did struggle with that aspect of this novel.

The thing I loved the most about our heroine, Pearl, is that she knew what she wanted and she was very focused on getting it. Specifically when it came to her career. A lot of time was spent informing the reader about how responsible, direct, and awesome Pearl was at her job. I love a strong heroine, but I kind of feel like a little too much time was spent with Pearl’s indecision about Cord. It didn’t fit with who she was in her business life. I wish she had figured herself out a little sooner because I became impatient with her emotional see-saw.

Needless to say, I felt pretty indifferent to our main character which made it hard to root for Pearl and Cord in their romance. Did I root for her to get the job? Absolutely! I just wasn’t sure she was the right person for Cord. He was ready to go all in from the get go and Pearl’s indecisiveness spoiled the romance for me.

A great second chance romance!

There’s so much to love here. The characters are complex and interesting, the diverse cast, the issues discussed and the STEM representation is all great. I always pleasantly surprised by the spicy scenes. I was not expecting that steam level here.

This is a quick read because you get immersed into the story. Everything blended together well to make an unforgettable story.

Williams brings readers a wonderful second chance forbidden workplace romance in Technically Yours. The characters, Cord and Pearl, are relatable. Their romance is so heartfelt and genuine. It's sure to have readers invested in their stories. There is a lot of chemistry between the characters and a bit of tension. Technically Yours is an amazing rollercoaster of a ride filled with a lot of emotion, heart and angst. Williams has a great way of creating a story that tugs at your heart and makes you think. There is more than just what is on the surface in this read. This is one of my favorite contemporary reads of the year.

don’t think Denise Williams can write a book I won’t love. The complexity, the secondary characters, the chemistry and tension, the incorporation of STEM and tech into romance stories. All of it is like being wrapped in a cozy and steamy hug - a story you won’t want to end.

We’ve been following Pearl and Cord since Britta and Wes’ book and (WHOM I ADORE and getting to see so much of them here made me 😭😍) I’ve desperately needed them to turn their flirting and subtle touches into more. It was great to see their relationship unfold 6 years ago as well as in a current timeline. Pearl is the embodiment of “you have to work twice as hard”: she doesn’t want to fail, and as a Black woman in tech who’s had claw her way up a ladder, her standards for herself come at the expense of personal relationships. Seeing her grow into recognizing she can be with the right person, the person who lifts her up instead of pushes her down, was just fabulous. And Cord. Of the toned forearms, sweet disposition, dedicated and loyal. Talk about a book boyfriend.

My favorite thing that Denise does is how she builds a complex web of secondary characters and there is always a standout for me. In this book it’s Tye, Pearl’s sisters child who is nonbinary, obsessed with tech, and ultimately becomes Cord’s mentee. Pearls relationship with Tye, and then Cord’s relationship with Tye, resonated unbelievably as someone who used to work at an education equity non-profit and was a mentor. Don’t get me started on the last 5% and Tye’s speech - @nicwillwrites I will never forgive you for making me cry this hard.

Denise is doing great things with her books. I can’t wait for yall to read Technically Yours

Are you into coding? I am not the most technologically sound person but I love reading a book about women in STEM. Technically Yours is the story of Pearl, a woman who has learned to protect her heart at all costs but when she gets appointed as the acting director of a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code, she gets reunited with a former crush. This book is spicy. Whoa. But it is also emotional and sweet and I love how much diversity and inclusion is included in this book - it is refreshing how it is naturally just part of the story without it feeling forced. It was just a fun read and I loved being back with these characters from Williams’ earlier books.

“Technically Yours” is a cute take on a second chance/work place romance. I was sold on the blurb of this book because I love a strong, determined woman working in STEM. I love when women embrace their intelligence and independence. The world still needs more representation of women who aren’t relying on someone else to take care of them, but to lean into their strengths and walk through life with confidence.


Character Development
Pearl is committed to learning from her previous mistakes and trying to be true to herself. She lives by this mantra of putting her head before her heart. Throughout the entire novel, Pearl is falling head over heels for Cord, but refuses to give into those feelings because she’s been burned before.

I can empathize, Pearl.

Cord’s face filled my mind. His sable-brown eyes and long lashes – lashes many people would kill for – and his hair that was always a little too long, falling over his face and tempting me to brush it back, the wayward strands begging for my fingers. He could have been the right man for me in a different universe.

For some reason though, I think Pearl takes it a step too far and it’s to her detriment. Unfortunately she’s so focused on avoiding getting hurt that she avoids feelings in general.

Cord is a heartthrob of a love interest, and we love a nerd who is in touch with his feelings. Cord has been in love with Pearl for years and his unwavering dedication to her is mostly romantic. It’s also slightly sad, because he’s been put off by the person who has his heart for so long, it’s hard not to feel for him. That being said, Cord had a hard lesson to learn throughout this novel that he needed to listen to what Pearl was saying and not just make assumptions.


Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
The Representation
Women belong in the room where it happens.

Pearl being promoted to interim Director of OurCode happens at the beginning of the novel, and thankfully readers don’t have to wait for the entirety of the story to get the will-she-or-won’t-she promotion conversation. It more or less happens straight out of the gate, and throughout the remainder of the pages we watch how Pearl manages difficulty in a leadership position.

Additionally, the non-binary rep is really cool. There are two secondary characters who use the pronouns they/them, and Williams writes their characters and dialogue so seamlessly that it feels effortless.

The Romance
I loved the idea of Cord and Pearl as a couple. They’re both dynamic individuals and bring something different to the table, so together they could be a powerhouse duo. It’s crystal clear that these two not only have physical chemistry, but a strong, enduring emotional connection as well.

Ultimately, I felt like the development as a whole was okay, but I felt a little bit deflated while reading through the third act breakup and the relationship rescue mission at the end of the novel. With the large miscommunication at the end of the story, I would have expected a bit more of an apology or a grand gesture to express feelings of love. The level of passion at the end left something to be desired for this romantic heart, but maybe that was the point. The characters stayed true to themselves through and through, and maintained their personality to the end.

Final Thoughts
“Technically Yours” would be a wonderful romance to read for someone looking to connect with a fierce, independent badass woman who deserves to find love and happiness in a relationship and outside of one. The spirit of the underlying message of following your dreams resonates deeply, but so does the idea that you can work toward your goals and also find love and passion in a relationship. The split POV and the chapters of flashbacks are really well done and help the story build naturally while also giving a lot of context to character behavior. I also think this would be a great story to read if you like secondary characters and relationships apart from the main romance.

Final Final Thought – Tye’s speech in the epilogue might be the best dialogue in the entire book. They are definitely a show-stealer and I would love to see a book from their perspective up next!

Denise is always known for writing memorable and strong heroines who struggle with real issues that are related, and Pearl is no different. Pearl works at a coding nonprofit and pushes to make it more inclusive, giving us the much-needed representation we have been begging for. With the steam, banters, and secondhand embarrassment, Denise wrote another book for our shelves. I found some of the main characters' relationships questionable, but being in a fantasy lane is all that reading is about. Personally for me I wouldn't have had an affair in the office I knew someone got in trouble for but you do you bestie.

Tropes:
-STEM
-Second Chance
-Banter
-Workplace Romance

Arc received from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Denise Williams (The Fastest Way to Fall is one of my absolute faves) so I was SO excited to read her newest! And this one filled me with all the joy and warm and fuzzies of her previous books.

I loved the emphasis on diversity and the characters overcoming their own struggles as they grew together. It was really quite empowering!

A truly realistic, easy to connect to and fast paced romance read!

4.25 stars

This was so good! I love how Cord was a man obsessed from the first time he saw Pearl. They first met working together at FitMi, which we saw in The Fastest Way to Fall. He then waited for eight years to be with her even while Pearl put her focus on work after being hurt before. After not seeing each other for five years, they end up working together again and getting their second chance, still having intense feelings for each other. Pearl was hesitant to be with Cord, but he always communicated how he felt about her and how he’d wait however long it took for them to be together. There was never any doubt about how Cord felt about Pearl which was refreshing. I also loved the separate relationship/dynamic between Cord and Tye, Pearl and Tye, and the three of them together. The third act breakup was a bit frustrating, but I still really liked this book!

3,5 Rounded Up. I LOVED the author's two books, How to Fail at Flirting and The Fastest Way to Fall so I was so excited to read this one. It was a good romance, just not my favorite of the author's. It's a workplace, second-chance romance and I loved the male main character. He was swoon-worthy in the way a reader wants a fictional character to be. Cord and Pearl met 7 years ago when Cord was Pearl's boss. They were friends and never crossed the line but then she moved out of town and nothing further happened. Now in present time, the two reconnect at Pearl's new job as she is promoted to interim director of a child coding company that has just dealt with a scandal.

I loved the diversity and the women in STEM aspect of this book. I was hooked form the first page and enjoyed the multiple POVs and the dual timelines and flew through the first half of the book. Unfortunately, it lost a little of its excitement for me and fizzled a little in the second half. I enjoyed this one but was hoping to love it more.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

My favorite thing about Denise Williams' books are her wonderful characters. They always just feel so authentic and fully fleshed out that I feel like I really know them. This was the case with Pearl and Cord in Technically Yours too. I remember meeting them in Williams' earlier novels and couldn't wait to get their story here, but then she went and had them break up in the very first chapter and broke my heart, haha!

Seriously though, I am an absolute sucker for a second chance romance so that one heart-wrenching scene, a flashback from several years earlier, was enough to get me fully invested in seeing how Pearl and Cord would find their way back to each other.

This is also a workplace romance, which is how Cord and Pearl reunite. Pearl is the acting director of a nonprofit aimed at getting more high school students into coding. Pearl was thrown into the position but rises to the occasion. She's smart, independent, but can also be too stubborn for her own good sometimes. Cord is a programmer who has also recently joined the board at this nonprofit. He is also major book boyfriend material, a true cinnamon roll who mentors kids and who just melted my heart.

I love scenarios like this because no matter how hard Pearl and Cord try to keep things professional, all of those feelings from years ago are still there just bubbling right below the surface. Williams uses flashbacks beautifully here to give us glimpses of Cord and Pearl's pasts and it's clear that they both have issues they need to work through from having been burned in the past. Those flashbacks had me willing to wait as long as I needed to for them to be ready to finally open their hearts.

Technically Yours is available now and is perfect for fans of second chance romances and workplace relationships!

I loved this book! I devoured it in only a few sittings and wish there was more to read. The story line was paced very well and the characters were easy to love!

I’ve been a fan of Denise Williams since her first book, so I always jump at the chance to read her books when I can. My favorite things about Williams’ books are that all the men she writes are cinnamon roll men and all the women she writes are strong, intelligent, and all-around badass women.

Technically Yours has some connections to characters in Williams’ previous books but can be read as a stand-alone.

Pearl works for a company that mentors kids from marginalized identities in IT. There’s a scandal that forces the director to resign and Pearl is promoted to interim director and is placed on the board of directors.
We met Cord in Williams’ Fastest Way to Fall. He’s Wes’ best friend and partner in their fitness app. He’s a software developer and, as a favor to a friend, he’s been wrangled into the same board of directors.

Five years ago, they were interested in each other, but Cord was essentially her boss, so a romantic relationship between them ended before it was even given chance to start. Now, Pearl is back in Chicago after working in LA for 5 years and it’s her job to show Cord around.

There’s so much tension in this one. You can tell their feelings are right back where they left off, but there are some roadblocks. In the beginning, he’s in a relationship (don’t worry, there is no cheating) and Pearl really doesn’t want a relationship. She put too much faith in her ex and doesn’t want to lose herself again. He wants her, so he’s okay with keeping it casual. (Yeah, you keep believing that one, Cord).

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. In addition to loving the MCs, I loved Tye, Pearl’s nibling/chibling (her sister’s NB child) and all their interactions with Cord. They’re a super fun character and almost have more sense than the adults. I liked that it went back in the past, so we not only could see their relationship evolve, but their personal evolutions as well.

Thank you to the author for the gifted galley. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars

Pearl and Cord met seven years ago in an elevator, and they were a perfect match. But their circumstances got in their way and it’s been five years without contact when they meet again as Pearl is appointed acting director at OurCode, a nonprofit organization recently embroiled in scandal. The time apart was merely a blip when it came to their connection, but Pearl’s experience with work and romance have her holding back when it comes to taking their relationship further than friendship.

Denise Williams is a phenomenal romance author with the perfect blend of heart and heat! Pearl is such a strong lead who has been taken advantage of in the past and is determined not to be dependent on someone else for her success. Cord has been so head over heels he can’t imagine having the capacity to support her dream and not acting on it. I loved the back and forth with these two learning how to show love and support in a way that their partner could receive it and the scorching chemistry throughout. The relationship with Cord and Tye completed this family image and it was so heartwarming to see Tye rooting for Cord and Pearl’s happiness too.

You’ll Find —
Second Chance
Workplace Romance
Alpha Heroine
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Dual Timeline/Dual POV

Thank you to Denise Williams, Berkley Pub, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy!

Denise Williams is back with her newest rom com, Technically Yours; the long-awaited follow-up to The Fastest Way to Fall, following Cord Matthews and Pearl Harris.

Technically Yours is a second chance, friends to lover’s romance filled with mutual pining, workplace spice and a career focused FMC.

Cord is the ultimate cinnamon roll. He is cat dad to Peaches, a 15-year-old hairless cat, mentors’ teens in STEM, cooks and helps Pearl study for her classes. He will do anything to be in her orbit and help her succeed.

Case and point:
“But if you’re asking what I want, that’s it. A chance to be your person. A chance to be yours.”

Pearl has a significant of trauma from past relationships, which makes it difficult for her to trust Cord. I get IT, but Cord is just the sweetest most genuine man, and I really wanted her to give him a chance sooner than she did.

The dual timeline, dual POV was helpful in getting a better understanding of their past emotions, it did cause the story to feel disjointed (at times, IMO).

My favorite things about this book were Cord, Tye and the many text exchanges with Pearl’s sisters. My favorite from Williams remains The Fastest Way to Fall. Britta and Wes are just my forever loves.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Read if you like:
•“It always been you”
•Workplace romances
•Cinnamon roll heroes

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.

yet again Denise WIlliams crafted one of my fav romances of the year.

This book gave me all the feels, and somehow I could do nothing but read it. I was so sad that i finished it.