Let's Call a Truce touches on so many sensitive subjects that it's so much more than just an enemies-to-lovers book. After the tragic death of her husband, Juliana is suddenly forced back into the work field after being a stay-at-home mother and has to balance a very demanding job with caring for her 2 daughters. This book touches on so many subjects that has me rooting for Juliana and grieving for her loss and fears with opening herself up to a new relationship. Amy Buchanan knocked it out of the park with this one. Truly, an enjoyable read.

ARC Review: Let's Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan
Pub Date: January 14, 2025

Juliana is grieving the loss of her husband, trying to raise their two girls on her own, and navigating starting working again after being a say at home mom. She's doing the best she can but of course on her first day back at work, she has to cancel meetings due to an issue with one of her kids. While her job is understanding, one of her colleagues is...not. After she overhears him complaining about her and saying that her kids aren't his problem, she declares him enemy number 1. Flash forward two years later and Juliana and Ben still antagonize each other at every turn. When they're forced to work on a new initiative together, they realize that some of those sparks might be more attraction than hatred...

There were definitely parts of this that I liked! I love the three girls together (because Ben is a single dad too) - I thought the kids were written really well and they are often not my favorite thing in romance books. The spice here was also realllll good! Once it started, it went hard and fast, and I was here for it. I also think the grief representation was done really well - I loved that Ben didn't shy away from discussing Juliana's husband and actually invited him into conversation multiple times.

I did struggle with parts of this book. While I initially understood the Juliana's hesitation to really give in to the attraction, eventually I just got annoyed by how long it was taking her to give in. And then of course the second she did, Ben's ex-wife shows up?? I absolutely HATED that entire third act conflict and how long it went on. Again while I kinda understand Ben's motivation there, the back and forth was just too much for me.

I did enjoy the narration by Charlotte North. I'm actually not sure I've listened to her before but I would listen again, even if she's not a new favorite right away.

Thank you to SMP Romance for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This gave me The Hating Game vibes in all the right ways. When you need a great rom-com vibe, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.

*Thank you to SMP Romance, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC/ALC in exchange for my honest review*

I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't hit for me. I didn't like Juliana when she was at work, but the whole point of this book is that it's a workplace romance soooo.... I don't know. The petty pranks were funny though!

I was far more interested in her relationship with her kids and her grief over losing her husband. Any scenes that the kids were in really softened Juliana and Ben to me. The side characters were great overall, and Quinn might even get her own book? I dunno, I just got those vibes. But the big twist at the end was infuriating and I didn't understand why Ben would even entertain it. Like... why are we doing this?? This is just a case of avoidance ruining a perfectly good time.

LOVE!!
Amy Buchanan is amazing!!
This enemies-to-lovers workplace romance has my entire heart! I literally loved every second of this book!
The chemistry from both of the MC's had me ON THE FLOOR!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Amy Buchanan for this ARC!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. It has taken me a minute to decide how I feel about this book, while i loved the premise, i mean workplace and enemies (ish) to lovers? i truly see little wrong with those two combinations. usually deliciously good, but i was hoping for more from this book.

the premise of this book, was good. I enjoyed Amy's writing, a lot chaotic at times, but felt fitting for the plot in some ways.
I think mostly I struggled with Juliana. however, both characters were a tad frustrating at times and the drama was a little unnecessary as well. i felt the banter between characters was good, but i also didn't quite feel a huge connection between the two characters until the very end after all the drama played out.

I'm excited to see what else Amy comes up with. thank you netgalley, publisher and author for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

OhMyGod, I am obsessed with this book, it's an enemy-lovers story, spicy and very cute. Juliana unfortunately finds herself a widow with two children, and has difficulty juggling work and personal life, fortunately her life is not a total disaster. However the dark Ben also gets involved in the job. Juliana hears or rather eavesdrops on Ben complaining about her and her work and feels that he criticizes her as a working woman with children. For Juliana he obviously becomes the number one enemy to defeat. Two years later, we find ourselves in the fight again, but this time there is something more, let's say a few more sexy sparks.
The book will be released on January 14, 2025.
Please read it and give due appreciation to Amy Buchanan's debut. Thanks to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to preview this book.

Three stars for solid writing but this book was just not for me. The first half of the book was a good enough read, though I had trouble connecting with Juliana and found her a little insufferable. It picked up a bit when she and Ben got together and it made me hopeful. But the return of his ex made me so absolutely angry and turned the story itself insufferable for me. I know he did what he did under the guise of protecting his daughter, but honestly all it did was make me angry and wish he would grow a backbone. His reasoning did not fly with me at all, and then I no longer cared about what happened in the rest of the book.

Mini Review: I did technically finish it, but there was a lot of skimming in the middle, so I can't really say I "completed" it.

Was I enjoying it initially? Yes and no. I do generally love these tropes and I loved the concept of a widow trying to get back into her career after leaving it to raise children, only to be met with a roadblock in the form of an aggravatingly sexy coworker. I also loved the surprise we get in the middle, though I won't spoil that. Definitely some potential in these concepts, which is why it was so disappointing that I didn't love the story. Every time I would start to get into it, something would pull me right back out again. And then the third act conflict left me with a sour feeling.

Why did I skim? Well, the vibes were off from the beginning, but I loved the premise, so I was hoping things would improve. I began skimming once it was clear that probably wasn't going to happen. The two-year time jump near the beginning throws the pacing off in a big way. I loved the setup, but it wasn't executed all that well. Things improved somewhat in the middle, then the third act conflict kicked in, and it extinguished all those warm and fuzzy feelings. So my thoughts were all over the place with this one.

Who would I recommend this to? Fans of Elena Armas or The Hating Game would be the natural fit, if you're just looking to satisfy that office rivals craving.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Amy Buchanan for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I can't believe this is a debut. Are we sure about that?! It's so well done, cover to cover. Let's Call A Truce is an emotional romance that takes us through the journey from an incredible meet cute to angst, coincidence and second chances. The love match is so delightful AND deserved.

Every supporting character was fully developed and added so much to the story. I loved seeing a single mom FMC proving you can be successful in your career while having young children.

Content warning for those that have gone through the loss of a partner. It's really well done and such a touching journey- but I can imagine it might be tough to enjoy if the experience is first hand.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, to NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Full disclosure: This will be a raving, gushing, glowing review because this may be one of my favorite books of the year (which is saying a lot because I have read over 200+).

I laughed (a lot), I cried (a lot), and I kicked my feet in glee (a lot). I did not realize that this was a debut novel. While reading it, I realized that it is truly remarkable that this great book was the first one published by this author.

This was a story of second chances after grief and loss, with some witty banter and angst mixed in. Juliana and Ben go through a lot of hardships and trauma in their lives, both past and present and these situations are what lead them to each other in the long run. There was not just a love story here. There is a story of two families converging, past relationships rearing their heads, a lot of trust issues, and a lot of hilarity.

Amy Buchanan does a great job of intermingling all of the feelings into one beautifully immaculately written book. I cannot wait to see what is next for this author!

Juliana and Ben’s office feud evolves into a steamy, slow-burn romance filled with witty banter, unexpected chemistry, and second chances at love. Can their truce survive the tensions of their pasts, or will they find a future together?

This was a fun one. Quite steamy yet very heartfelt and vulnerable. I loved having MCs in their mid thirties just trying to figure things out, making big mistakes, and having a second chance at finding love.

*spoilers*

I KNEW BEN HAD IT BAD FOR HER. We love a man who begs. He did not let up through the book and we love that for her. I also LOVED Juliana’s spunk. And when she kissed him after that first meeting I knew we were in for a damn treat. These two were *passionate* and the steam had me BLUSHING with that office encounter. Oh and who didn’t crack up at Juliana trying to avoid explaining orgasms to her daughter?? There were a lot of fun moments like this in the book, and so many sweet and tender moments… like when Ben asked about Jason. Be still my heart!

I really liked the strong friendships displayed in the book, where feelings were discussed and apologies were made. I also really loved how Asia refused to get in the middle. Loved the work friends. Loved the constant witty banter and silliness. The kids were sweet. Who else despised Stephanie!!

That ending was so sweet it hurt my heart in a good way. This one is out in January and I had a great time reading it.

*I received a digital copy of this book for review, all thoughts are my own.*

5⭐️3.5🌶️

Ben & Juliana have been at odds with each other since Juliana 1st impression of Ben was him bad mouthing her and her ability to jingle her work and being a single mother.

Juliana over the next years doesn’t let Ben forget her distaste for him and their workplace become a battleground with Juliana keeping track of their wins.

But like always there’s a fine line between love and hate and Ben and Juliana sexual tension blurs those lines. And Juliana gets to know the real Ben, the single father, the loving and caring man.

They both find themselves together thriving joining their families until the past comes to cast shadows, doubts and pain into their love story.

This is a beautiful story with a good, deep and meaningful plot and plenty of spice sparkle in and adorable supporting characters.

I loved this book so much! The chemistry between the main characters is perfect and I love a workplace romance. There was also the added bonus of this setting of the book taking place in my hometown, which never happens :)

I really enjoyed this book. I love when the characters in romance books are "older"... and what I mean by older is my age. Parents with children, who for many different reasons are looking for love. I thought this did a pretty good job of showing how parents prioritize their children, even when their own lives could use a little zest. I thought the chemistry between the characters was great. I loved the constant banter between the two of them. With "older" characters, they are forced to face their demons, often together. They have to deal with the difficult parts of their past that impact them today and forever. Children make it difficult to let the past go. I thought the author did a great job of balancing the difficult with the fun. I was rooting for the relationship from page one and enjoyed going on the ride with them.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

There’s so much to like about this book! The time jump, the kids, the MCs, it was all so sweet. This story was laugh out loud funny and had me crying in the next chapter. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers and stories of love after loss, this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for this ARC. I really enjoyed this book! The writing was quick and kept me entertained. If you don’t like a 3rd act breakup, this book definitely isn’t for you. I found the author reusing phrasing often instead of describing actions differently, which sometimes took me out of the moment. Regardless, I enjoyed the read and would certainly read another book by this author.

4/5 stars

Thank you St Martin's Griffin for the advanced reading copy!

4/5 stars

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

Initial thoughts: this book is sooooo cute!!

I really enjoyed this one all throughout. The enemies to lovers vibes was really fun and well-done; it didn't take too long or feel too rushed. The spice and romance were believable, sweet and enjoyable to read. While I did find the main romantic conflict pretty frustrating, I think the resolution was well-executed and redeemed the book for me.

It can be really hard to include heavier topics, like grief, into romance novels, but Amy Buchanan nailed this. I think she touched on the grief enough so that we, as the readers, kept it in mind while processing the rest of the story, but not too much that it was overwhelming or frustrating. Both of our main characters were so likeable, and I genuinely appreciated them as both individuals and a couple. Plus, like all my favorite romance novels, the supporting characters -- especially the daughters !! -- added a lot of dimension and joy to this story, all of which kept me hooked from start to finish.

Amy Buchanan's debut novel, Let's Call a Truce, is a captivating story of second chances. What started as a office feud turns into a real second chance at love when two co-workers must call a truce and work on a project together. Buchanan strikes the right balance between angst and humor, grief and love. It's an entertaining read!

This book ended up being a DNF for me. I made it to 50% and then just couldn’t give it more of my time. The writing was stilted, which is especially unacceptable to me when the subject matter is grief and loss. But it’s also really an issue when the workplace enemies need to be arguing in a hot or hilarious way— this was neither. The banter was basic and mean without being funny. And of the half of the book I read, the pacing was all over the place. One minute they hated each other and the next he’s pursuing her, with no transition in between. And the amount of times she gave in to her desires and then said no wait, I’m grieving and we hate each other I can’t be with you, gave me whiplash. If she’s going to be this way, I need to see in her character why he would be secretly pining for her, and I could not see it. The novel also started with a scene of the 2 MCs meeting at work and then jumped to 2 years later— it should have started at that 2 year point and then given us the backstory as the plot progressed. A final note- the degree to which this woman has anxiety about being accepted and seen in the workplace but is fine having prolonged sexual encounters in her nemesis’ office is suspect. Overall I just didn’t feel I wanted to give more of my time to trying to push through and finish the book. With romance the end is a foregone conclusion, it’s the journey that you’re there for, and there was nothing fresh or compelling in this one for me.