Nice quick read. I felt for the characters, which doesn't always happen, especially with contemporary romance. Their struggles seemed like real world problems for the LGBTQIA community (of which I am not a part of, so maybe this was romanticized). I wish the title would have given more of a hint of what the plot was about. I also wish John and his accomplices could have had even more of a comeuppance. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Very sexy lesbian romance. Some queer awakening that was quite well handled. A little over long but well balanced.

This was a fun romp with lots of woman on woman action! It was considerably less cheesy than most lesbian erotica, but still was quite corny in spots. I really wish that tropes would get abandoned in queer lit! All in all, it was a fun read and worth the time. Kudos but maybe lose the cheesy factor next time?

Thanks to NetGalley for this free copy.

This book is about a forbidden romance that happened between a boss and her assistant. Now with this tripe, you know exactly how the story played out, so the ending was not a big shocker, but it was still enjoyable. The book did what it needed to do, so it checked a box on that aspect. I was sad that I knew exactly how the book was going to play out, so that made it more boring and didn’t keep my attention, but that’s kind of what this genre does.

Overall it was enjoyable, but probably won’t be reading it again.

YESSSS give me more. This made me want to deep dive into this author. The book really hit all the areas I love in a book. I loved it so much I HAD TO read the book in one sitting and that's rare for me and books. So if you love a spicy book then this is the book for you!! I definitely told three other people to read this book so do it!!!!!

The X List is a fairly risqué book about a boss/employee relationship, but it’s also a story with plenty of heart. Diana and Laurie are smart women figuring things out in their lives, and their unexpected attraction is an avenue for exploration and stress relief. This is a pleasant and quick read for those interested.

I would recommend this steamy read and would look for more by this author. Believable characters and situations. A great summer or vacation read. Intimacy and sexual awakening is described in detail with grace and compassion for the characters and the reader. Sexual acts are consensual and power/control differences and problems are acknowledged. Some attention is given to the challenge of reconciling with societal, parental and religious teachings that run counter to open self expression.

I received a copy of this for my honest review

This is an FF romance. One of our FMCs is trying desperately to get a new job, after hers cut her from full time to part time with no benefits. She is interviewing for a law firm as a PA to our other FMC. She is a partner at the firm, and unhappy with her second marriage. She just wants to focus on work. When FMC 1 comes to interview, she should say no, but something makes her hire her on a temporary basis. She is proving her capabilities, but also, driving her wild. When one day she can't take it and she kisses her in the elevator. The decide to create an arrangement, just sex, since FMC 2 is straight ... Right? But they have to keep secret, will they be able to?

Diane is a tough as nails lawyer looking for a new personal assistant. In walks Laurie a cute young woman who Diane cannot be interested in, she has a reputation.
As the two work together which isn’t easy as Diane is demanding, Laurie becomes more and more attracted to her untouchable boss. Or so she thought she was untouchable until they kissed.
Now they’ve set rules and things are getting so hot until Diane’s husband whom she is separated from finds out.
What happens next?
If you like a little drama with your spicy sex then this is the book for you.

Thank you #netgalley #ylvapublishimg #thexingredient for this ARC.

After reading the synopsis, I had a good idea of what I was about to read, but I didn't realize that it would be so well written. I completed this book in two days. The characters were well developed, both in their professional capacity and their personalities. Their back stories were well thought out and beautifully incorporated. The "arrangement" was scripted in a way that drew the reader into the scenario, instead of feeling like a voyeur. Very engaging and worth the time.

This was a good romance. The tension between them and the chemistry build up was great and I think it was done very well. I like the trope of the stuck up boss and how that effected their relationship in the beginning until they both started to realize what they wanted in the relationship. It was a fun read

I requested this book because I had read Sinclair's Truth and Measure and Above All Things. The ARC gods smiled upon me and I quickly sat down to read.

Did I enjoy it? Sure. There is no denying that the book is steamy; but my demisexual self longs to see how people grow to know and fall for each other and in that sense, the book was lacking.

Author: Roslyn Sinclair @writingroslyn
Summary: Laurie Holcombe is out of a job, out of luck, and out of time. When a prestigious law firm hires her as an assistant to one of its senior partners, it feels like she might finally get back on her feet. All she has to do is put up with the whims of her infuriatingly icy boss, Diana. How hard could that be?

Diana Parker is Atlanta’s top lawyer and isn’t afraid to let everyone know it. She’s driven, ruthless, demanding, and stuck in a failing marriage. Too bad she can’t run her personal life as well as she runs her ordered office.

When a young assistant shows up with bright blue eyes, a cute Southern accent, and a streak of pink hair, Diana’s sure she’s all wrong for the job. And yet something seems to be pulling her and Laurie Holcombe together, drawing them into a secret, thrilling dance that’s far too dangerous for a boss and employee.

Can they make rules for this powerful attraction, a way to keep each other at arm’s length? But how do you resist the irresistible?
This one has been out for a while but I jumped at the chance to read it!
Likes: The characters have fantastic chemistry and the author is a master of writing the spicy scenes without the sometimes common repetition seen in other books.
Dislikes: The plot is a bit familiar so just keep your expectations low in that regard.
Spice Level: xxxx
Copy provided by @netgalley in exchange for honest review.
#TheXIngredient #NetGalley #wlw #LGBTQ #LesFic #FF ##LGBTQIA #queer #romance #fiction #queerromance #booksbooksbooks #queerbookstagram #IceQueen #AgeGap #WorkplaceRomance #spicy

This was a deliciously spicy, lesbian romance between boss and assistant. I enjoyed the characters but I wish we would’ve gotten a little more insight to Laurie. Roslyn Sinclair is becoming an auto buy for me especially when it involves an ice queen! She writes the chemistry between the characters so beautifully!

I unfortunately couldn't get into this one, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it to someone else!

This was a quick and easy read. While I didn't love it, overall it was a decent story. Very spicy. The pacing was a little off and I found issue with the power dynamics.
I would read from this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A fun queer workplace romp navigating the problematic dynamic of a secret employer-employee relationship.

This one was a very fun and fast read. The dynamic was very interesting and it was one that I got through quickly while loving every minute!

Female/Female relationships seem to be something that is lacking in romance/smut books, and if there is one it usually is something that involves a male. Due to that, I wanted to like this since I know there are people out there who want that in what they’re reading. However, I just couldn’t do it.
It had promise, and I’m sure there are fans of THE X-INGREDIENT out there, but for me the way the story played out was just so awkward. A powerful woman boss is suddenly a submissive to someone who she initially viewed as beneath her. Okay, I guess that could work, except the way it was done just got to me the wrong way. The characters just did this total flip in paragraphs, and it was just hard to get into. The pacing was an issue for me as well; it was extremely rushed, which also goes back to the timing in which the characters completely changed their personalities.
I am quite sure this is going to appeal to someone who is looking for a no-male story, but for me this isn’t one I would put out there.

I managed to snag an early copy of The X Ingredient from NetGalley, and let me tell you, it's the spicy sapphic office romance I've been yearning for. Forget closed doors; passion unfolds in nearly every chapter, leaving no room for ambiguity. This book brilliantly mixes age-gap allure, office dynamics, and classic boss-assistant tension, all wrapped up in a grumpy-sunshine twist.

Diana and Laurie steal the show, their relationship explored with vivid detail. Laurie, confidently navigating her sexuality yet haunted by past regrets, is determined to forge a new path. Diana, trapped in an unwanted life, craves someone to show her genuine living. The chemistry between them crackles, offering a detailed exploration of every nuance. Roslyn Sinclair delivers a tantalizing story, leaving me eager for more romances with the same flavorful punch. The steamy scenes are scorching and never repetitive, keeping you hooked and breathless. While the plot may not be intricate, if you're in the mood for a sexy, no-holds-barred, and downright enjoyable escape, this book has you covered. It's a delightful, steamy, and erotic read for those seeking a passionate getaway.