I thought this book was an unsuccessful take on the workplace enemies to lovers trope.

The two main characters were high school enemies and academically competitive. They graduated and became successful in their respected careers; they don't have any contact during this time. When they finally reunite due to business circumstances, they still hold such a huge grudge against each other. These two 30-year-olds should be embarrassed to still care this much about stuff that happened in high school.

When they eventually get together, it's extremely abrupt. The book told me they were falling in love without providing any good reason on why they would even like each other at this point.

The story often refers to both of the character's jobs too (the name "Rainforest" as the Amazon stand-in...lol), and it's mostly unclear what their actual jobs entail. The female character Nami is apparently a great boss and her employees love her, but we never actually see her work. Everything else going on in this book tells me Nami would probably be a terrible boss.

The book conclusion was also very rushed and unsatisfying. There seemed to be one too many storylines the author had to tie up in the last 50 pages.

I listened to the audiobook, and the female narrator was very stiff and robotic. It was difficult to distinguish when she switched between characters. However, the male narrator was more emotive and easier to believe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this audiobook!

Nami’s life is not what she thought it would be at 30. She imagined herself with a husband, a kid, and a successful business. Well, she was cheated on by her fiance just a week before her wedding a year earlier, hasn’t even thought about the kid thing, and her car share app, Toggle, needs more investors or else risks being bought out. To top it off, her high school nemesis, Jae, texts her out of the blue with an ominous “I’ll be seeing you soon” message. Nami soon learns that Jae works for this corporate conglomerate called Rainforest (not at all inspired by Amazon) that is wanting to buy Toggle. Nami does not trust that Rainforest will uphold the integrity of Toggle and tries to convince her business partners to not take the deal, but Jae is even more charming as an adult. As Jae continues to try to persuade Nami, Nami has to fight harder and harder to not let him in.

This book was being marketed as a mixture of The Hating Game, a book I loathe, and The Ex Talk, a book I love. Accurately, it falls in the middle for me. This story is incredibly campy, and if you like a plot that takes itself more seriously this isn’t going to be for you. Once I let go of any notion of this book making sense and just let the vibes carry me forward, I started having way more fun reading.

One of my main issues with this book is Nami. She cares wayyy too much about highschool for a 30-year-old. Whenever anything happens in her life, her first thought seems to be how her old classmates would perceive her. Considering this is an adult romance, I would’ve preferred if she had been more hung up on her college days or maybe a previous job. I was also turned off by her when she started criticizing her ex’s new girlfriend simply because her makeup was applied poorly and the fact that she felt like her ex was a bad partner because he played video games. Can we please stop this narrative that a man can’t be a good partner and enjoy video games? Especially in the book girly world, I feel like having a partner who enjoys gaming works super well with our hobby since it’s essentially both sitting on a couch for hours on end. Your ex was a terrible person because he stopped finding joy with you and cheated on you… not because he liked video games!

I enjoyed the antics the employees at Toggle would get into. It was a fun way to show us more of the side characters. I will say, though, the fact that the company motto is “fun, not evil” is the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard. I understand the author wants to drive home just how different the culture at Toggle is versus to Rainforest, but this is so on the nose it’s basically stuffed up my nostril. Also the fact that Nami is giving an employee 6-months paid leave… again I understand the set-up on showcasing Toggle’s amazing work culture, but it makes no financial sense. No wonder the company is struggling to retain money.

I don’t have as many notes on Jae. He was a fine character, I liked his family drama and how it was resolved, and the fact that he was a cocky asshole type is a plus for me. My only comment is what the hell is he wearing on that cover? He’s described as a business tycoon type, not the kind to wear an untucked shirt and bright pink socks with loafers!

I enjoyed this book on audio, and I’m sort of on the fence whether to recommend this format or not. Nami’s narrator, Chieko Hidaka, did just that: narrate. I’m used to audiobook narrators giving the character’s more life (especially when reading first POV) and doing things like changing their voice when speaking other character’s dialogue. Jae’s narrator, Donald Chang, did just that. He would alter the pace and volume of his voice depending on what was happening in the scene and at least gave Nami’s dialogue a more feminine tone. Not the most impressive audiobook experience, but not terrible either.

Overall, this is a fine read. If you enjoy campy and fun romance stories and want to read books with more Asian-American representation then there is much to be enjoyed here.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars)

"The Takeover" by Cara Tanamachi takes you on a wild ride, blending the adrenaline of startup life with the twists of corporate chaos, all wrapped up in a love story that's as intense as the business drama. Nami, the boss, adds this cool boss vibe that we all secretly wish for. The book nails the mix of entrepreneurship, office craziness, and a juicy romance. Still, there's room for a bit more depth in some parts. Overall, it's a solid read for those wanting a tale that combines business excitement with a shot of romance.

Oh my goodness, how adorable was this audiobook?! Seriously, this wasn’t just swoon-worthy and laugh-out-loud funny, it was engaging and hooked me right away!

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the ARC audiobook of The Takeover by Cara Tanamachi. I unfortunately cannot write in of a review for this book as this will be a DNF for me. The narrators on this one were not enjoyable to listen and I found myself not listening very well. The premise of this book really caught my interest and when released I will likely try reading this book. However, I did not enjoy the audiobook.

Diving into the world of ‘The Takeover’ ARC Book Review – a heartwarming journey from rivals to lovers, sprinkled with romance and tangled emotions. A delightful rollercoaster that will leave you swooning! 💖

👍🏽What I liked:
- Japanese and Korean MCs
- Dual pov
- Rivals to lovers
- Office Romance
- Meddling families
- Banter
- Found family
- He falls first

👎🏽What I didn’t like:
- I had to wait to share such a great book with everyone, This was a sweet, fun romantic story, with great history for the MC’s to grow.

Thank you to @netgalley & @caratanamachi
For this opportunity it was so fun!
🤩 Pub date: 1/30

"The Takeover" was a fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers romance that once I got into it and got to experience the tension between our main characters, Nami & Jae, I really ended up enjoying reading!

Overall, this was a quick, cute read. Though maybe a little predictable at times, I was really sold on Nami & Jae's enemies-turned-lovers story. It can be hard to bridge the gap of two characters not having seen each other in over ten years, but I thought Cara did a great job with setting up both characters and their motivations well. And making it feel like, for us as readers, that not a day had went by since they last spoke. Though in reality, so much has went on in their lives over the years that has shaped them into different people than they were in high school. All that, while still keeping what made them "spark" back then, "spark" again now.

Unfortunately, I did feel like it took me till about 20% of the way through listening to get into it (I should mention I listened to the audiobook). Though, I liked Nami's character for a lot of reasons (none short of her being a little nerdy and a former computer programer turned owner of a tech startup), it was a little hard to get through some of her initial POV chapters due to her slightly cringy inner monologue. The written phrasing at times just came off a little dry to me (i.e. "She put the boss in girl boss"), which took me out of the story a few times more than I'd have liked. However, once Jae entered the chat though with his POV and it wasn't just Nami, I did start to appreciate their dynamic and the banter Cara wrote between them. Their energy felt fresh and fun to read the remainder of the book and I ended up really liking them as a couple.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance books like "The Hating Game" by Sally Thorne or "The Enemy" by Sarah Adams.

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review in exchange for an honest review!

🔊AudiobookReview
Narration: No complaints here, the narrator did a fine job. I will say though that at the beginning of each chapter there are quotes from an ongoing email chain that continue chapter to chapter- a cheeky addition, but it kinda got lost in the audio version a little bit, I think I could've appreciated that more if I had followed along in the physical book

Nami's not too heartbroken over her cheating boyfriend, she has her startup company that she loves after all, but after realizing at her, not-really-a-surprise, surprise birthday party that the attendees were mostly family it gave her pause to think about her friendships. Especially when one of the few pple to text her for her birthday was her high school nemesis who she hasn't seen or spoken to in 10 years, Jae Lee.

Their back and forth is just as fiery as ever, if there was anyone to ignite her competitiveness it was Jae Lee. Nami knows not to trust his texting her as genuine and finally the other shoe drops when she catches his smug smirk at her office- his company is looking to take over hers. Over her dead body. It's a race against the clock to conjure up a better investor but Nami is determined.

There's inter-office shenanigans, flirty texting, forced team work, a hot pepper eating contest, and a gentleman underneath that shark persona - need I say more?? This was a pleasant and enjoyable romcom. I wouldn't really say it's hate to love, I don't think either of the characters ever hated the other, the spark came more from their competitive natures so it never really reached hate-fire territory for me. But it was still a solid read, one of those just for fun good times

The Takeover is Cara Tanamachi’s second novel and, while tightly connected to her premier novel The Second You’re Single, it is a standalone. That said, I am pleased I read the first book, not only because it was such a delight but also it allowed me to make many connections to this well written romcom.

Nami Reid is an owner of a high performing, yet still struggling, travel website. When her partner Imani is unable to acquire more funding the companies wanting to take them over come sniffing around. First Rainforest, who has taken over all areas in the tech marketplace, then it’s competitor, start vying for a takeover.

As the reader rides along as Nami reconnects with her teenage nemesis Jae Lee the story takes a wild journey. Steadfast and true, Nami wants nothing more than to protect her company and all those who work there. This has become much more than a business to her, it’s about family! Always a rule follower, Nami is ready to fight til the bitter end for her people.

But as she resists Jae Lee she is simultaneously drawn in by his charm, causing a delightful mix of feelings for Nami. And when what she perceives as the worst possible outcome happens, a perfect surprise awaits her.

I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing more from this fresh new author. I do recommend this book!

Thank you so much to Cara, RB Media and NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC of The Takeover. I thoroughly enjoyed this story - this was such a fun romantic comedy that had a modern take on its setting - a tech start-up. The FMC Nami is so relatable and admirable for her successful in creating Toggle and being an amazing boss. The author’s description of each character, even minor ones, could make me see them clearly. I loved the focus on different cultures and found myself falling in love with all of the sweet family members.

And Jay? I loved every moment with Jay in it. His confidence and financial success, along with Donald Chang’s voice, made him so hot. I loved being able to experience his character development first-hand when it was his POV. Honestly, those were all of my favourite chapters.

Then there was the chemistry between Nami and Jay - enemies to lovers is my favourite trope and CHILDHOOD enemies to lovers took it to another hilarious level. The ramen scene had me smiling and laughing along to its ridiculousness.

Honestly, my only complaint was that I did not find Chieko Hidaka’s narration to flow smoothly. It felt read, rather than experienced by the main character.

Overall, a really enjoyable read!

Listened to this one this one on audio book and flew through it. Classic rom-com enemies to lovers, who used to know each but now have to deal with each other at work. Kind of reminds me of the Hate Game but such better and not cringy. The relationship between the two characters is quick witted and you can feel the chemistry.

Great palate cleansing book!!

This book had me entertained the entire time!

You have former high school nemesis' meet again 10 years later only to continue to battle it out to see who will come out on top. On one side you have Nami who is hotter, the definition of girl boss who is still as smart as she once was, if not more, and possibly slightly attracted to Jae? And Jae, he is still as cocky and smart as he was in high school but now suddenly Nani adds "ridiculously handsome" to the list.

Get ready for the banter that will keep you reading and hoping you were as quick with the comebacks as these two are.

On Nami's 30th birthday, her life takes an unexpected turn as her fiancé ends their engagement, her tech company faces financial trouble, and jealousy clouds her sister's impending marriage. Frustrated, she wishes for her soulmate but ends up with her high school nemesis, Jae Lee. Despite their sharp rivalry and banter as they compete over her startup, their animosity transforms into a passionate connection, putting not only her company but also her heart at risk. The story unfolds with Nami grappling with love and business challenges in unexpected ways.

While the trope of high school rivals to lovers was enjoyable, I craved more exploration of family dynamics from the two immigrant families. The pacing felt slow and somewhat repetitive, but the strong chemistry between the characters is undeniable. Ultimately, this book's appeal may vary, making it a hit for some and a miss for others. Personally, it was just okay for me.

i have a low tolerance for character info dumping and narrators who seem to address the reader or explain things/people to us. lastly, i cannot for the life of me put up with the cringey writing (exhibit a: “ Is this what happens when you’re old? You can’t tolerate heat anymore? Ugh.”). and by cringey i mean really cringey: “She put the boss in girl boss.”
as we know, mileage may vary so check out other reviews if this book happens to be on your radar.

This is a fun , entertaining and witty little romance — enemies to lovers— for me the transition to lovers happened a little bit fast, and Nami seems so to become clingy for me but the chemistry between the characters is quite good.

Nami’s company Toggle is targeted by a larger company Rainforest that’s swooping in for a takeover represented by Jae - Nami’s archenemy from high school — and their rivalry restarts which turns into more.

The narrators of the audiobook did an excellent job of drawing further into the story with their excellent execution of the wit and chemistry between the characters..

The writing was good — the characters were easy to get invested in , with multicultural background and you can enjoy the emotional chemistry ride . Great if you’re looking for a light hearted romance.


Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for this ARC. This is my honest review.

I loved listening to this audiobook. I really enjoyed the narrators and that there was both perspectives portrayed and throughout the book. I loved their story!

Jae and Nami have the perfect enemies to lovers story. Childhood rivalry that spans into their careers as adults. Nami’s start up is in financial trouble and Jae swoops in with his company to buy them out. Unfortunately the plan is to dismantle the company. Cute chemistry between the two main characters and a fun storyline to follow.

The audio of this book was a little bit hard to follow since the narrators didn’t alter their voices when another other person was speaking. This is a dual POV, which I love. I just wish it was easier to follow along as it was sometimes confusing as to who was actually saying the words. The Toggle Chat was hilarious but was a little bit hard to follow along with as well.

If you like an office romance or the enemies-to-lovers trope, this one is definitely for you! Nami and Jae are high school rivals who reconnect when Jae’s company, Rainforest (which is a very thinly veiled Amazon), attempts to acquire Nami’s struggling start-up. Some of the antics were a bit juvenile, but it was an engaging, light read, and I enjoyed the story overall.

I listened to this one on audiobook and had mixed feelings towards that- the narrator’s voice for one of the characters felt like they were treating the audience like children and that grated on me a bit. It seemed to get better later in the book though and I still enjoyed the experience overall.

Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and the author for the early listen to the audiobook!

The Takeover by Cara Tanamachi 1/30/24, Run time: 8:46

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for this ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.

The narrators are Donald Chang and Chieko Hidaka with all characters read by them. I believe the voices fit the characters with Nami and Jae as standouts. Their voices were the most distinct, but I could easily tell the difference between all characters. The reading style did bring the story to life especially during their squabbles. The pacing was great and flowed easily with the story. The narration and the author were in sync, and they fit together perfectly.

The audiobook's flow was pretty good. I liked the progression of Nami and Jae's relationship from hate to like to falling in love. The narrators paused and announced each dual POV chapter.

Nami is lamenting a failed engagement. She is the boss everyone wants to work for. She's fun, accommodating, and knows her stuff. Her tech business "Toggle" is losing funding and selling maybe the only option. Jae was her high school nemesis and is now Vice President of acquisitions for "Rainforest"-a tech/social media company. He has met with her third partner Dell about selling, and surprises her by reeking havoc in her life, a decade later.


Overall, this multicultural, enemies to lovers, rom-com was great. Nami and Jae challenge each other but find they work better together. I loved the LOTR references and all the Toggle employees rooting for their love story.

My recommendation is to read the audiobook because you can adjust the speed, skip parts easily (if desired), and picture the characters more vividly.

Rating 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cute story, I enjoyed the glimpses into Asian American family structure and culture. Loved the characters competitive nature and the office chair debacle! Strong female lead, just wish it had a little more spice. But overall, I enjoyed this book.