Get the tissues ready! This book isn't your typical office romance. Both main characters, Emily and Jack go through character healing and growth- touching on past trauma events before being able to decide whether they will take the plunge into a relationship. Would highly recommend.

Tropes: Office slow burn romance, Dual POV, NO spice book, mental health and past trauma

Favourite quote: sometimes the most challenging moments in life pave the way for something beautiful

"This is NOT an Office Romance" is a romance novel by Eloise Fox. Let me start with the positives - the adorable cover, the adorable name, and the fact that it was a quick read. I also found the publisher's summary to be interesting. However, while this, for me, was an "okay" book, I cannot say that I found it really engaging. There were a number of issues I had with this story - the supporting friends seemed put there to be a way to let off steam, opposed to them being real supporting characters; the insta-lust; the main character kvetching about babysitting a millennial while she, herself, was a millennial; calling a deaf person "deaf and dumb"; working out the math of how a young lawyer had time to be a lawyer in both the UK and US and also "working in different European countries"; and the number of times I really needed to turn my brain off and just go with the flow. I pushed through with the book but found some of it difficult to read because the story just became a bit unbelievable at times. This wasn't a bad book, but I have to admit that I'll probably forget a lot about this book as time goes on (other than the numerous times "whilst" was used). Overall, this book was "okay" for me, thus the two star rating.

Honestly, I couldn't finish this book. I read almost 62% and still felt like the plot was lacking and the writing style left me feeling very little. Descriptions felt very clinical and while the characters feelings were described  there was nothing in their actions that demonstrated those feelings. This book was the opposite of "show, don't tell". The author didn't show me anything and therefore the story fell flat.

wow what an adventure this book was!
I was immediately intrigued by Emily. I can't pass up a good office romance with lawyers and oh with a feminist protagonist!
Jack and Emily definitely don't get off to a good start in their partnership, but they may or may not find common ground on behalf of their client, whose case they're working on together. Emily sure knows how to stand her ground. Oh, Jack, why did you even decide to question her... 
This was definitely the most dynamic office romance I've ever read. The plot got tangled up with each new incident You're on your toes most of the time and you want to laugh at the same time.
There is something poetic about finding the love of your life amid the chaos of life. The perfect situation for love to display one of its greatest qualities - its patience and its ability to heal. 💜

I really had a hard time getting into the flow of this book.... The plot jerks you around to a lot of difference places and the love is a little too "insta-crush" for me. The blurb and the premise is something that really caught my eye, but the execution is off. It almost felt like inventing drama for the sake of it and yet none of it hooked me. I think this one just wasn't for me overall.

Thank you NetGalley and Burning Chair Limited for providing and ARC.

I struggled with reading this one, so many inconsistencies, so much happening, but also not happening. This book did not catch my attention, which sucks because I really liked the cover and the idea of the plot in the synopsis.

Thank you NetGalley and Burning Chair Limited for my ARC.

It did not keep my interest. There was no chemistry between the main characters, which is the most important part of romance.
The MMC fell for the MFC so fast that I checked to ensure I had not missed any chapters.
It's not the book for me, unfortunately.

I went into this book with an open mind. Even halfway through I kept telling my self it would get better. It did not, I had to turn off my brain at some points that honestly made no sense. Maybe this book was just not for me, but the ending felt rushed and at points I didn’t know how much time had passed. There were also times where I think I missed information but I’m not sure. Also there I a section where stuff happens but then a paragraph later it contradicts its self. So like did this happen or this, I was confused.

I’m not gonna lie as soon as I seen the cover. I really thought I was gonna like it, but once I started reading it, it was actually kind of hard to read. I really like this, but it couldn’t catch my attention that much..

I liked how this book started. But halfway through, I didn’t like how it was going. I don’t want to spoil the ending, just thought it was unrealistic.

3,5⭐
Although I found it a bit slow at the beginning, as the story progressed I found myself really invested with the story and the characters. I really enjoyed the double POV, and the writing of the story. As it says in the cover that it's part of a series, I really hope it's about Sarah, I would love to see her story unfold!

This is NOT an Office Romance* by Eloise Fox is a novel and captivating addition to the modern romance genre, skilfully combining heart, humour, and a hint of mystery from the workplace. Fox creates a story that is unique by fusing witty observations about workplace dynamics with endearing romantic tension. The protagonist of the narrative is Jane Collins, a sharp and independent public relations professional who is hesitantly partnered with Ethan Carter, a capable but emotionally distant corporate consultant. As they collaborate on a high-stakes project, their originally antagonistic relationship takes unforeseen turns that reveal deeper aspects of both characters' personal lives.

This novel is especially enjoyable since it offers an original take on the office romance cliché. In contrast to many other books in the genre, Fox avoids clichés and offers a sophisticated examination of the unforeseen ways in which personal and professional boundaries might overlap. Witty dialogue and well-rounded character development are two areas where Fox's writing excels. Jane's transformation from a reserved professional to a person who embraces her flaws is sensitively and nuancedly presented. Beyond simply being a romantic partner, Ethan is a complex person with his own set of challenges and achievements. Understanding the individuality of the characters allows us to better understand the tension between them.

With everything taken into account, "This is NOT an Office Romance" is a fun read that puts a creative spin on conventional romance topics. It's a great option for those who want a novel that strikes a balance between romance and practical issues, and it will probably speak to anyone who has ever negotiated the difficult dance between personal and professional connections. This novel is well worth your time if you're looking for a light-hearted yet thought-provoking romance.

I really wanted to like this book so much. It started out really great, but ended up very mediocre. There was some problematic language for 2024 and that really took me out of the story for a minute. While I was entertained it is not a story I would return to.

This book could have been a five star read. It had almost everything: a good storyline, interesting main and supporting characters, a fun setting. It just fell a little flat to me. I felt like I couldn’t connect to any of the characters, even though there were paragraphs on their feelings.. I just never felt it. I was also frustrated with how they were always hurting each others feelings and lashed out in almost every conversation. I did like how they resolved issues and actually acted like adults for the most part. It was not a bad book, it was funny, clever, and thoroughly researched. The emotions just missed the mark for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book!

1 star
Plot:

After a devastating accident, successful New York attorney Emily Taylor is ready to relaunch her career after a year of recovery in rural England. Now returning to the corporate world at a boutique law firm in London, she's focused solely on work and has no intention of pursuing a relationship. However, her plans are disrupted when she's paired with Jack, a striking yet emotionally detached lawyer. Jack, a top lawyer with a seemingly perfect fiancée, feels unfulfilled despite his success. When he's assigned to collaborate with Emily on a high-profile case, including a business trip to Bermuda, his world is upended. As they work together, their professional partnership starts to spark romance—if they don’t jeopardise their careers in the process.

My thoughts on this book:

This book had the makings of a cute romcom, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters—they felt flat and weren't relatable.

The story leans too heavily on telling rather than showing. Even though the characters' backstories are interesting, the constant internal monologues overshadow the subtle emotional moments that could have made both the romance and the case they’re working on more compelling. Plus, the chapters were a bit too long, which made it tough to stay engaged.

I really tried to get into it, but I struggled to stay interested. The long chapters and lack of connection to the characters had me considering putting it down.

I struggled with the writing in this book, and I would have liked shorter chapters. I really wanted to like it, but felt like there were many inconsistencies.

*This is NOT an Office Romance* by Eloise Fox offers readers a refreshing twist on the office romance genre, blending humor, wit, and heartfelt moments in a story that transcends typical romantic tropes.

Emily Taylor, a strong-willed and successful New York lawyer, is our protagonist, who’s just beginning to piece her life back together after a tragic accident. Having spent the past year recovering in rural England, Emily is finally ready to re-enter the corporate world. She lands a position at a boutique law firm in London, determined to focus on her career with no distractions—especially not of the romantic kind. However, her plans go awry when she’s partnered with Jack, a handsome but emotionally distant British lawyer who’s as successful in his field as he is aloof.

Jack is the epitome of professional success, seemingly having it all, including a perfect fiancée. But beneath his polished exterior, Jack feels an unsettling void in his life. When he’s tasked with working closely with Emily, including on a high-stakes business trip to Bermuda, the sparks begin to fly—both professionally and personally.

Eloise Fox masterfully builds the tension between Emily and Jack, creating a dynamic that’s as much about professional rivalry as it is about their undeniable attraction. The cultural clash between Emily’s brash New York style and Jack’s reserved British demeanor adds another layer of complexity to their interactions, making their journey from colleagues to lovers both unpredictable and delightful.

What makes this novel stand out is how Fox subverts the expectations of a typical office romance. Emily and Jack’s relationship is more than just a love story; it’s about two people grappling with their own personal challenges and professional ambitions. Emily’s determination to rebuild her career after a life-altering event, paired with Jack’s quest to find meaning beyond his professional success, gives the story a depth that elevates it above a simple romantic comedy.

Fox’s writing is sharp and engaging, with plenty of witty banter that brings the characters to life. The chemistry between Emily and Jack is electric, and their interactions are laced with both humor and emotional intensity. The author does a fantastic job of balancing the lighter moments with the more serious themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, making the novel a compelling read from start to finish.

The setting of the novel—split between the bustling city of London and the exotic backdrop of Bermuda—adds a touch of glamour and escapism, further enhancing the story’s appeal. The secondary characters, from quirky office colleagues to Jack’s seemingly perfect fiancée, add depth and richness to the narrative, ensuring that the world Fox creates feels fully realized and vibrant.

*This is NOT an Office Romance* is more than just a story of opposites attracting. It’s a smart, funny, and ultimately life-affirming novel about how love can emerge in the most unexpected places, and how it can bridge the gaps of career, culture, and confusion. For readers looking for a romance that’s both heartfelt and humorous, this book is a must-read. Eloise Fox has delivered a novel that will leave you rooting for love, even in the most professional of settings.

This had the makings of a cute romcom book but everything fell flat. I had zero connection to, or any feeling at all toward the characters. Also, as a Deaf person, the phrase "Deaf and dumb" is the worst you could use and the fact that it was in this book made me dislike the author. Why would I want to read anything else from this author if they're going to use "deaf and dumb"? That stereotype /slur has been proven wrong time and time again. 0 stars in my opinion

Ich habe mich über das Buch sehr gefreut. Es ist nicht nur fließend zum lesen sondern auch sehr spannend.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.