3.25/5 ⭐️

First, I want to thank Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel ahead of release.

I finished this book a few weeks ago, but couldn’t write the review earlier because I wasn’t sure how to put my feeling about this book into words.

I really wanted to love this book, but something just didn’t click for me. I couldn’t connect to the characters on an emotional level, which is sad because I really like them. In the first half of the book I felt like the tension between the main characters was a lot higher, making me giggle and kick my feet occasionally. But in the second half it just got less, and I can’t really explain what happened, but I lost interest in the story.

While I personally couldn’t connect to the story I have to admit that the characters were written really well. I liked that they both had to work on themselves to make their relationship work and really put in the work to get to their HEA.
Also, bonus points because there’s a dog.

As always, just because I didn’t love it, that doesn’t mean that you won’t! I feel like the problems I had with this were all Me-Problems, so if you think the blurb sounds interesting, don’t let me deter you from reading this!

I will not be posting on my Instagram channel about this book.

Accidentally in Love was my first book by Kimberly Cooper Griffin and unfortunately, I wasn’t super impressed. It started off well enough and initially I liked both main characters, especially Nic. I found her actions understandable and even admirable, having had been in a similar work situation myself.

However, as the book progressed I felt that I never got a clear picture of Lee, her love interest, and without much character development my interest waned. I would give this author another chance, but this book was a miss for me.

Book Review - Accidentally in Love by Kimberly Cooper Griffin

SPOILERS

⭐️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️: 🌶️

- Friends to enemies to Lovers
- Very slow burn
- Found family

I am thankful for NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is based on Sapphic romance between two work colleagues, Lee is in the closet afraid to come out because she is scared she will be treated differently. Lee is madly in love with Nic, who is out and proud and think Lee is Straight and mean. Lee has been rude to Nic while working together but this is to just hid her true feelings

I enjoyed this although found it slow at the start but enjoyed the anticipation reading how the relationship between Lee and Nic unfolds.

I was obsessed with Nic and her character she just seems like such a nice person and loved how she was getting to find herself again.

I enjoyed the spicy scenes especially the shower and the car scene and the tension between them. I felt there was something missing like it could have given more especially for a sapphic couple there needed to be more tension more emotion and passion.

Accidentally in Love follows Nic, a dedicated worker struggling without recognition, and Lee, Nic's cold superior. Nic is laid off, which was a blessing in disguise, allowing the two to bond outside of work and explore feelings that have been suppressed since they first met.

This was unfortunately, very average, but it had potential. I accidentally read a few similar books in a row, in which the main character was questioning their career (something I know all too well and was aptly timed). I initially enjoyed the deliberation, relating to Nic as she realised "It was time for her to find a new job. If only she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up". She took some time after her lay-off but it wasn't explored much further, <spoiler> and she is then handed her dream job at the end.</spoiler>

Personally, the romance was not compelling. It suffered severely from "is this lust or love?", and in my opinion is lust for the majority, as most of their relationship is smut. I didn't feel invested, I wasn't rooting for them, and the build up was subpar. They also seemed to utilise sex as a tool to 'fix' heavy/uncomfortable/emotional/negative events. The inevitable third act conflict was overdramatised to force it into being said conflict, when instead they could have communicated like adults. Honestly, most of the book would be better if they just communicated. I understand it's a stressful situation, but I was honestly confused over how it escalated.

Two small things of note:
The book also suffers from reiterating relationship labels constantly. For example, the word sister is used 44 times, 4 of which within 2 pages. WE GET IT! There are so many other ways to establish relationships and remind us of that. I absolutely hate it when any form of media does this.

I did like the small nod towards chronic illness and how difficult it can be, particularly how "when she feels better, she can't concentrate on her work because of the worry over medical bills. How's someone supposed to get better when they have that kind of worry?" which is very true, and I can assure you you can't concentrate on shit when you're worried you'll lose everything because you happen to be ill. I would have liked this to be included and explored more, for selfish reasons.

Overall, I found my concentration lapsing and I wasn't invested but it was a pretty easy read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I just finished Accidentally in Love by Kimberly Cooper Griffin, and wow, what a slow-burn sapphic romance! Nic and Lee have a complicated history, full of workplace tension and simmering resentment, especially after Lee’s promotion over Nic. But as they find themselves thrown together again, their growing attraction turns from hate to something far deeper.

Their relationship is messy, genuine, and dramatic, and I adored how it evolved. Despite their efforts to deny it, there was no denying their chemistry. The narrative is about managing complex dynamics, particularly in a workplace full with biases and pressures, and goes beyond the usual enemies-to-lovers cliché. The entire time, I was cheering for these two! I couldn't put it down until I learned what would happen to Nic and Lee; it's a heartwarming, charming, and captivating book. Highly recommend if you love a romance with both tension and tender moments!

An engaging workplace romance, this novel shows the realities of burnout and being overworked alongside a sapphic romance.

Accidentally in Love by Kimberly Cooper Griffin is a queer romance set in the world of corporate jobs—think office drama with a heavy dose of heated glances and complicated feelings.

Nic, the main character, is juggling a toxic work environment, professional struggles, and a boss she can't stand... except for how ridiculously attractive she is. Honestly, I had a hard time buying how Nic could be so focused on Lee's looks while dealing with all the chaos at work. But hey, this is a romance novel, and we’re here for the drama, right?

The story takes some wild turns—definitely the kind of stuff that would only happen in books or movies. And while the predictability isn’t a dealbreaker (we kind of expect it in this genre), I wished for a clearer sense of direction in the plot. Things felt a bit blurry at times, like the story didn’t quite know where it wanted to go.

Now, let’s talk about Nic and Lee’s relationship. It’s very physical—like really physical—and while their chemistry is undeniable, I couldn’t fully understand what made them fall in love besides their looks. They didn’t communicate much, especially at the beginning when they really needed to. The work drama? Barely addressed between them until way later.
There’s also an important theme of toxic workplaces, which I was excited to see explored. Sadly, it’s touched on here and there but doesn’t really get the focus it deserves until the end.

Overall, this book has its steamy moments and is definitely targeted at adults, but I can’t say it left a lasting impression. The plot feels thin, and while I didn’t hate it, I could easily sum up the entire story in a few sentences. If you’re in the mood for something light and spicy with corporate vibes, this might be for you—just don’t expect it to dig too deep.

Explosive romance!

Nic and Lee haven’t always hated one another, but when Lee gets promoted over Nic and then Nic ends up laid off, tensions run really high. Unfortunately, even with Lee’s track record for leaving a line of broken men in her wake on her rise to the top, and annoying infatuation and attraction remains for both her and Nic, which is a problem.

Such a sweet romance born from a toxic environment. From this story, we quickly learned that Nic and Lee were not the ones with a problem but they did find themselves in a situation that caused more of them than was probably necessary. I loved the connection Nic and Lee shared but it was a slow burn getting them to a point where that connection really blossomed and we started to get the best of them both. Kept me hooked and turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen and whether love would prevail over all the negativity surrounding them.

The most rewarding bit of the story was how relatable Nic’s situation was and I loved the fantasy idea of being able to do what Nic did to have time to figure out her next move and what she wanted to do. It really was fate at play bringing them back into one another’s lives so often when situations like this usually keep people apart. I always love a romance that hinges on fate and destiny because I am a big believer in if it’s meant to be, it will happen.

Such a great romance, with lots of drama and tension to keep it exciting!

Some books are too quick in moving the plot forward, others too slow to build up to the story arc and many find a balance in the middle. For me this one felt too slow and I was very reluctant to stick with it.

This LGBTQ sapphic romance blends workplace tension with undeniable chemistry. Nic and Lee’s love-hate dynamic is electric, with layers of ambition, rivalry, and vulnerability adding depth. The witty dialogue and relatable characters, paired with a sweet slow-burn romance, makes this a very interesting read. However, I did not feel it was spectacular.

This story is so much more than "enemies to lovers ". First, they aren't enemies. They are both interested in each other...just one is in the closet for fear of losing her job and the other thinks the other is straight. Second, it is about problems within a company, racism and homophobia.
And third, how do these two independent successful women maintain their relationship. You learn a lot about the inner workings of the company....background for each women and some very lengthy and informative arguments between them.
This is the first book I've read by Griffin and I will be curious about what her next book topic may be.
It's an interesting story with a solid ending.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️I was not attentive enough again and didn’t read the blurb properly. I thought this would be a workplace romance, but it wasn’t what I expected. The first part of the book does happen at work, and the enemies-to-lovers trope was definitely there. Most of the book happens outside of the workplace after the initial setup. I loved that the two characters met at every corner. The fact that the book is written in a single POV kept me invested because Lee is such a mystery. The two sides of Lee were a bit hard to reconcile, though, and I admit I had more trouble forgiving her. But I definitely liked “nice” Lee, and I loved the chemistry. The workplace politics added some suspense to the book, even if it was a bit messy. Overall, I had a good time reading the book.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!! I really really really enjoyed this!! Nic and Lee are adorable. I never once saw this as an enemies to lovers situation. I lived all of the side characters and loved how Flannery and Rachel end up…. They need their own book next!!

This was a quick read that I enjoyed very much. I really liked both MC and felt that the story was realistic. I loved the outcome of the story and read it very quickly

Kimberly Cooper Griffin’s Accidentally in Love delivers a heartfelt romance with endearing moments that shine through its imperfections. The latter half of the book, where Nic and Lee finally engage in honest and meaningful conversations, is especially compelling, making their love story feel very relatable and the steamy moments more enjoyable. The characters definitely had some good chemistry that comes through in fun teasing and a couple of hot open door moments. I liked how the characters fell in love at the same time and worked to overcome their own baggage. Additionally, Melvin’s efforts to help Nic redeem her professional life added warmth to the story.

However, the book has a slightly disjointed start that struggles to establish Nic’s job situation and subsequent firing in an engaging way. Then Nic’s initial attraction to Lee feels awkward as neither has done any romantic gesture to woo the other. They just keep bumping into each other and eventually are nice enough to each other to start talking, although the characters avoid addressing major issues for too long for my taste.

Overall, the story has really strong female characters who set healthy boundaries and are willing to work on self improvement. The supporting cast helps showcase unique and different sides of the characters. In the end, by focusing on being true to themselves, they find what they have is more than just physical attraction.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Rating: 3.5/5

This was a really great story - slow burn, ice queen, love - hate? Closets, homophobia, racism, corruption, lies, laughs and love all rolled into one really well written story.
We are taken on a journey from the perspective of one MC but all is not as it seems and as the story unfolds so we uncover hidden emotions, secrets and dreams. The pace of the story was great as well.
For animal lovers there is also a cutely named dog.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for the ARC. This was a pleasure to review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and am sharing my review voluntarily.

This book centers around Nic Gallagher, a talented and driven manager in production who, on the surface, seems to have it all—supportive family, a stable personal life, and a reputation as a genius in her team. But there's one crucial thing missing: happiness in her job. Nic's journey is a relatable one, and as someone who’s also felt the weight of working in a toxic, underappreciated environment, I couldn’t help but connect with her story. Despite her hard work—improving production processes and bringing her company from the red zone to the green—Nic receives little recognition or gratitude for her efforts. When the plot takes a shocking turn and Nic is unceremoniously let go from her position, I was right there with her, feeling the weight of the injustice. The sense of betrayal and the complete lack of appreciation for her contributions left me speechless, just as it did Nic.

What I loved most about Nic’s character is her resilience and her decision to take control of her future. After the shock of being fired, Nic doesn’t crumble; instead, she takes a bold step in creating her own space. She discovers what truly makes her happy and finds the courage to pursue it, which was honestly one of the most empowering parts of the book. Watching Nic evolve from a woman stuck in a soul-crushing job to someone who carves out a life on her own terms was deeply inspiring. It’s a beautiful reminder of how important it is to find your own path. I also loved her relationship with her twin sister, which added an extra layer of warmth and support to the story.

The other main character is Lee. While I understand that stories need conflict and complexity, I found it difficult to connect with her. Her treatment of Nic was downright frustrating, as narrated by Nic (in her thoughts at the beginning). It felt like she was deliberately sabotaging Nic’s efforts, and for me, that crossed a line. Sure, characters are allowed to make mistakes, but Lee's behavior seemed less like a character flaw and more like a deliberate plot device to create tension or reason for Lee to act like the way she did in the beginning. And while I understand that people sometimes act out of self-interest or fear, her actions toward Nic just didn’t sit well with me. It wasn’t the kind of conflict I could easily get behind, and it made me less invested in their relationship. There are situations where one can understand why a character behaves a certain way, but in this case, Lee’s actions felt too harsh, and too unexplained.

In the end, I’d recommend this book for Nic. If you’re looking for a story about a woman who learns to reclaim her life, fight for her happiness, and make bold decisions in the face of adversity, this is definitely a book for you.

Kimberly Cooper Griffin’s *Accidentally in Love* delivers a heartfelt exploration of workplace dynamics, personal insecurities, and the unpredictability of love. The novel follows Nic Gallagher, a relatable protagonist with a seemingly perfect life that’s turned upside down after a career shakeup. Lee Stone, her new supervisor, is a formidable yet enigmatic presence—a woman whose ambition and frosty exterior mask layers of complexity. Their tumultuous interactions, fueled by mutual resentment and unspoken attraction, create a compelling tension that drives the story forward. Griffin masterfully weaves humor, vulnerability, and emotional growth into their journey, making readers root for their relationship despite its rocky beginnings.

What makes *Accidentally in Love* stand out is its nuanced portrayal of power dynamics and personal ambition. Griffin dives into themes of professional jealousy and emotional barriers, crafting characters who are flawed yet deeply human. The evolution of Nic and Lee’s relationship from animosity to affection is both believable and satisfying, aided by sharp dialogue and tender moments that reveal their hidden vulnerabilities. Add in the loyal presence of Nic’s sweet dog and the supportive cast of friends and family, and the story strikes a perfect balance of warmth and realism. For fans of slow-burn romance with strong, authentic leads, this novel is a delightful read that lingers long after the final page.

Kimberly Cooper Griffin is a new author to me and I can honestly say that I will be seeking out more of her work in the future.

Nic has been working in her project management role for the past 7 years but for the past couple of years she has increasingly grown to hate the job and the complete lack of recognition that she and her team are given for the successes that they have had. Meanwhile, ice queen Lee has not helped with her frosty demeanour and reputation for being a man-eater who will do whatever it takes to rise to the top. And rise to the top is what she's done in the past 7 years while Nic's career has stagnated despite her great work. When a corporate restructure takes place and shortly thereafter Nic is fired from her job her anger towards Lee begins to simmer, despite the overwhelming sense of relief that she feels being out of the nightmare work situation.

However life has other plans for these two strong but damaged individuals and they find themselves continually running into each other and Nic starts to see another softer side to Lee. However, she initially refuses to see the softer side due to her simmering anger towards the woman she believes is responsible for her termination.

Accidentally in Love is a beautiful story of overcoming ones historical baggage to find a brighter future. Despite a relatively slow start, the story increasingly sucked me in once the two women started bumping into each other during everyday life and I loved watching them build a new relationship outside of the toxic environment of their previously shared work life. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of self-discovery, forgiveness and overcoming life's challenges.

Thank you to Kimberly Cooper Griffin, NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing an honest review and all opinions are my own.

I liked this novel. This was an enjoyable and easy read. I had some mixed feelings, but none of the negative ones were very strong. There were some sections that felt like filler where we followed the protagonist doing mundane things that didn’t seem to add much to the novel, but overall, I thought the writing and characters were very good. I liked how the plot initially seemed very simplistic but gradually unveiled to be more nuanced and layered that it initially appeared. This novel was an (unfortunately) good depiction of some “unfortunate workplace issues”, which I can’t elaborate on without getting dinged for spoilers. I think this was a solid 4-stars; I enjoyed it, and it was good, but it won’t be a top recommendation from me.

I felt like some events of the novel happened “too easily”. The protagonist’s animosity towards to other character disappeared a little too easily for me, through not much more than just time passing and a few surface encounters. That said, the latter half of the novel did a good job of addressing this, so it somewhat balanced out overall. This was somewhat of a trend as I found the front half was lacking in several ways and then the back section retroactively picked up a lot of the slack. I was also a bit thrown by how they happened to run into each other constantly, despite it never happening previously.

There was some delightful payoff at the end of the novel (although almost too perfectly good?) which I enjoyed very much. Some elements felt a bit rushed in the ending sections, but overall the novel was satisfying and a nice read.

Bonus points for strongly demonstrating an argument for proper budgeting and maintaining an emergency fund!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.