First let me say that star ratings are not adequate for explaining all the complexities that go into an author writing a story. That being said, I had all different thoughts on Let’s Call a Truce, and will attempt to explain why.

Amy Buchanan can write. She has a knack for storytelling and I felt like Ben and Juliana were real people with real lives. This story is as much about living with grief as it is a love story and how it is possible to find romantic love after having it once before. Friends and family also play a big role in this story. Juliana is a widowed mom to two young girls and it really does take a village to help her navigate life post spouse. She has a great support group of friends, one who is best friends with her workplace nemesis, Ben Thomas. As they say, keep your friends close but your enemies closer. The initial spark between Ben and Juliana is doused quickly when Ben makes the CRITICAL mistake of judging Juliana’s work ethic as less than satisfactory BECAUSE she has kids. Note to all men—don’t do this! And here’s where the story jumps forward two years.

This one incident is used as the fuel to Juliana’s hate fire for Ben. Okay, I’m a mom, I get it, but instead of getting to know Ben, she just lets it keep festering. There are so many opportunities for Juliana to actually talk to Ben about this, but time and time again she chooses the stubborn, “he’s a terrible person” mantra which after several chances came off as immature to me. And that’s okay. Characters can be immature as long as they grow, but Juliana’s unwillingness to see Ben in any light other than work nemesis for SO LONG, almost made me DNF. I groaned aloud when once again, Juliana found fault with Ben because I just wanted her to give him a chance.

But do you know what made me come back? Ben. He is the best MMC and honestly, probably too good for Juliana. He really really wants her and pursues her, loves her kids (the miscommunication is finally fixed and there is a good grovel), and thinks she’s amazing at her job. To me, Ben never really misstepped; he was even very forgivable in the third act break up. In a way, he was the opposite of Juliana; he knows what he wants and he goes for it and his “rivalry” was more his way of dealing with Juliana’s childishness in a placating way.

This book does have a pretty great ending, Juliana does grow and realize that she wasted a TON of time fighting with Ben, and I ultimately enjoyed the second half of the book. But if you’re inclined to dislike heroines who struggle with forgiveness, Let’s Call a Truce might put you a bit off. I will say that I would definitely read more from Buchanan. She knows what women want in a hero and can write a workplace romance sex scene, I just think rivals to lovers may have not been my favorite trope from her. I received an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Audiobook: I have heard Charlotte North narrate romance before and have enjoyed her. This was the first time I heard her “kid” voice which erred on the side of pitchy, but I thought she did a good job of narrating both Ben and Juliana’s voices. She understands pacing and I can definitely hear her in my head as these characters.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5
Steam: 🪭🪭
Narration: 📣📣📣📣

I ended up DNFing this at 51%.

I TRIED to push through this book. I really did. But my biggest issue all comes down to the main characters' relationship just really not doing it for me. It didn't seem to make sense and their interactions really were just a ton of back and forth over the same things. The lack of communication on both of their parts really made me just not want to see them ending up together. And at 51% it felt like we were being forced to try to believe that our female MC was feeling things for our male MC. Except to make it was really just giving that she was lusting for him and was not ready to move on from her husband or his death. It was very much feeling like lust and then us being told that the feelings were more, not being shown that they were.

If there's one thing that a romance novel HAS to have for me, it would be a relationship and characters I am rooting to end up together. This didn't have that and it left me VERY disappointed. Once I saw that I was only halfway through the book, I just knew that I wouldn't be able to finish it. therefore choosing to DNF it.

One of thing I love in romance books is messy characters, messy situations, messy relationships. We’re introduced to Juliana, a widowed mom of two children whose return to the workplace after years of being a stay-at-home mom goes mostly well… with exception of one coworker, Ben, who makes a snide comment about her struggle to balance motherhood and her career.

Fast forward two years and we get to see Juliana and Ben, whose relationship has developed into a full-blown, almost petty sort of feud. However, there’s no denying that there’s a different sort of tension there, and it comes to a head when they’re forced to work on a project together.

You’ll love this book if you love:

🩷 ORLANDO! There’s a very specific scene in this book that might seem insane to outsiders, but is 100% factual to anyone who went to elementary school here. IYKYK.

🩷 Blended families and conversations on the seemingly impossible (but very often necessary!) task of balancing a full-time career and motherhood.

🩷 Themes of grief, rebuilding life after tragedy, and stepping back into yourself.

🩷 Funny moments! Juliana and Ben’s banter is chef’s kiss and genuinely made me cackle.

🩷 Spice! It’s there and it’s hot, folks 🥵

Starting this year off right with an amazing debut novel from Amy Buchanan. Let's Call a Truce is the perfect *Single Mom*, *Enemies to Lovers*, *Steamy Office Romance*. Juliana is a widow returning to the workforce after several years of staying home to raise her children. Ben, a single dad, quickly becomes her office nemesis for the next few YEARS. Let me tell you how relieved I was when these two finally came together! Although the book spans several years, it was a fast paced read with plenty of banter to keep me intrigued. The characters and the plot are well developed.

Thank you to MacMillian Audio via NetGalley for the early copy copy of this audiobook. I really enjoy Charlotte North as a narrator. She has a strong talent to carry a romance novel as a solo narrator. As far as production goes- I enjoyed the audiobook preformance very much.

As for the story itself- This book is an enimies to lovers workplace romance. I will say, I do not typically enjoy fluffy rom-coms, but I requested this title because our FMC is a widow and I thought there would be more emotional grit to the story. I also really enjoy single parent romances. Unfortunately for me, there was not much emotional grit to this story. While our FMC does struggle with the idea of finding love after the loss of her husband, I did not feel her sadness was tangible enough for me.

For me personally I'm giving this a 3 star. I enjoyed it, but did not love it. Some people are going to love that this book is. bit more lighthearted than serious. That is actually a deterrant for me. I also get kind of annoyed when we have the same circular arguments over and over again and for a good 30% of this story it felt like the two main characters were hashing out the same things over and over again.

This was such a standout enemies to lovers office romance debut that sees two single parents forced to work together on a joint project where they quickly learn that while they got off to a terrible first start, they actually have more in common than either realized. I loved the messy family drama, the panic attack/anxiety rep, the chemistry between the leads (things get spicy y'all!) and highly recommend it for fans of books like Pick-up by Nora Dahlia. I definitely look forward to reading more by Amy Buchanan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

This one started a bit slow for me, but I was completely invested in these characters and their future by the end! I will start by saying that the character development is so well done for the main characters (and most of the secondary characters as well, but a couple I wouldn't have minded to have been a little more fleshed out). Both Juliana and Ben have well developed backstories that are unique and carried throughout the book. Each of their children is also well developed, and it was fun to read all of these people and how they come together in the end. I thought the way Buchanan executed the relationship development was well done and realistic for the situation. This is a heart-warming romance with plenty of steamy elements that I highly recommend!

Juliana and Ben are workplace rivals whose lives continue to intersect outside work. Amy Buchanan masterfully builds their relationship slowly from enemies to lovers. I love that Juliana is a mom who always puts her kids first, and her decisions throughout the novel include them. Sometimes, the children and family seem to take a backseat in romance novels, but they are at the forefront of this one. It makes the characters more relatable and real, making it easy to fall for them and want them to be happy. I loved Amy Buchanan's writing style and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

I really enjoy this book with a more mature FMC who lost her husband years prior to the main plot of the book. It had some of my favorite tropes (office romance, enemies to lovers, he falls first). I enjoyed the MMC especially since he knew they were going to be the real deal. It was also nice for the FMC to actually have a community/friends through work that supported each other. I binged this title, it was too good to put down.

🎧 Book Review 🎧 Is there life…and even love after loss? I have said it more times than I would care to admit how difficult and life changing grief is. Juliana is a young mom of two girls when she unexpectedly loses her husband and her whole life is upended. While she may think she is a hot mess express (though I have yet to find any mom with kids who does not feel that way), she is one impressive lady balancing it all. Amy Buchanan writes one strong yet relatable female lead who handles life almost seamlessly…there’s just one thorn in her side and his name is Ben. Her work life balance would be so much easier without his unwavering pesky attitude and apparent lack of support of her daughters but a new work project has them working closer than ever. And it seems all that tension was actually their chemistry that Juliana and Ben finally get to explore and it is one beautiful and exhilarating ride. Charlotte North does a phenomenal job breathing life into this book, creating an audiobook that covers the whole spectrum of emotions.

Thank you to the author and St Martin's for allowing me to read this one early through her traveling arc program!

Let’s Call a Truce is a workplace, rivals to lovers rom com featuring two broken but healing leads trying to do the best they can for their kids. It’s got all the hallmarks of a great workplace rivalry romcom — banter, tension, forced proximity — with all the heart of a single-parent romance — falling in love with their whole family, tenderly making sure the romance works for the kids, learning to open back up to love again. It’s also so funny, has a super swoony leading man, amazing female friendships, major girl boss moments, an inclusive workplace, and some business trips to Boston (lots of business happens if you know what I mean!).

Overall, I recommend this to all rom com lovers, but especially readers who liked The Hating Games and Sarah Adam’s The Match.

Narration Notes: The audiobook is performed by Charlotte North, who you may have heard from her narration of Tessa Bailey and Chloe Liese books. She's one of my favorites -- her voice is expressive and emotional enough to bring a story to life, but not so distinctive that every book feels like it's from the same POV. Nothing wildly unique about it, but a solid choice if you like audiobooks!

Let’s call a truce was an amazing book with such lovable characters. The chemistry between Ben and Juliana is to die for, both as a couple and as parents. The story is emotional and deals with loss of a spouse/parent. Coworker enemy to lovers, definitely a great read

This is a spicy, workplace enemies to lovers story with the added depth of grief over the unexpected death of the FMC’s husband from a debut author that I expect most readers will really enjoy.

Readers who loved The Hating Game style of workplace archenemies plus the challenges and emotions of grief from The Last Love Note will enjoy this blend. It definitely leans more rom-com than The Last Love Note, but features some similar themes through the FMC’s journey.

The fiery chemistry and banter was on point, but the ENEMIES of the enemies to lovers lasted a bit long for me. You all know I’m more of a friends to lovers girl at heart. EMOJI I also did not enjoy the third act conflict, but such is the nature of complicated fictional stories sometimes!

I listened to this on audio and enjoyed the performance. I’d recommend this format!

Perfect for you if you like:
Workplace archenemies
Bad first impression
Navigating grief and single motherhood
Fiery chemistry and banter
Spicy

Buchanen”s story is charming and delightful to listen to with Charlotte North as the narrator. She has a nice flow and easy pacing of the audio. Her performance for each female character is voiced well and I really felt the emotions especially seeing as the main female character, Juliana, goes through so many with all the conflicts she faces.

Also, I was very entertained when it came to all of the quick wit banter that went back and forth throughout the story. North is very good narrating both the sarcastic and teasing wit of both characters.

The only aspect of the narration that did not feel right was North’s narration of the main male character, Ben. Her narrative performance of the male voice does not really match Ben’s physical description or personality characteristics. I was looking for a deeper, teasing voice that did not really come though in the narration.

I recommend this audio. Since listening to other books narrated by Charlotte North, I know she is a very solid narrator and worth a try if you have never done so before. Happy listening!

I was fortunate enough to read Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan on audiobook thanks to @Macmillan.Audio. All opinions are my own.

Juliana is a recent widow with two young children. She has spent seven years as a stay-at-home mom and I wish I could add some of her relatable quotes on that job! Maybe after it publishes I will come back here and make some additions.

She needs to get a job and is hired by her past boss who is wonderful. Juliana immediately makes a nemesis, and we know how that goes in romance novels! After two years of hate, the love interest (I won’t tell you his name) becomes Mr. Perfect who fluently speaks all the love languages- words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch. He will be considered primo book boyfriend material with how vocal he is with his strong and unrelenting feelings towards her. She is a little more up and down which may be understandable with her situation. I didn’t bond with the main character, and while she was so wise with her career and as a mother, some of her inner thoughts seemed immature to me. I enjoyed the side characters, the side storylines, and Buchanan’s writing style.

Narrator Charlotte North fit the sound of the story nicely. There was cute music involved, and even her kid voices are good which is no easy feat! I really enjoy hearing new-to-me voices along with my new-to-me characters and I’m happy for the introduction to Charlotte North.

This book publishes January 14, 2025 and I look forward to reading more books from this debut author in the future!

3.5 /5 stars
10 hours 3 minutes at 1x on audio
Open door
Locations: Orlando, Florida and Boston, Massachusetts

Enemies to lovers + co-workers who fall + dead husband + surprise!single dad. Juliana and Ben share a workplace and a best friend and a 2-year long rivalry. The description of this one sounded great and I liked Juliana's professional context/adversity and her personal growth and friend group AND the kids were well-written--which is really hard to do! The relationship had some holes in it for me, though, which kept it from being a fave. Still, if any of those tropes are your jam, this was a high-quality romance!

2.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I really wished I enjoyed this book more than I did. This book seemed right up my alley. An office romance with an enemies to lovers theme. However, I felt like this book fell flat. First, the book didn't have very much office romance. Most of the romance took place outside of work. Second, the FMC was very vocal about the fact that she had children and worked in a corporate job. She kept talking about how she reentered the workforce after a long absence. I totally understand that this is a big deal but I felt that it was mentioned too much. Third, I felt like we didn't get enough interactions with the MC's to fully understand their chemistry and why they liked each other. Finally, I felt like the FMC judged the MMC on an unfair metric and the MMC deserved a bit better than what he was given. I did enjoy the narrator. I think she did a good job distinguishing the voices between the characters.

Okay, now for my petty gripe. A rival SEC school was mentioned in this book in the very beginning. The FMC did the "gator chomp" on her first day in a corporate setting and I just can't picture that being appropriate for a work setting. It bothered me to the point that I got second hand embarrassment. I appreciate the SEC representation. However, I believe this book is best enjoyed if you live in Orlando or went to the University of Florida.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

Silly me thinking this was going to be a light read only to dive in and discover just how heavy this book really was.

Juliana is back at work after her husband passed away suddenly and, while at her new job, she overhears one of her coworkers criticizing her for rushing out due to an emergency at her daughter's school. This sets them up for a rivalry/battle that continues over the course of the next two years. When a project comes up that they have to work on together, the two of them find themselves putting aside their issues, which give their feelings a chance to grow.

What killed me about this, and I guess maybe it was just me? Or maybe it's because it's one of my biggest fears as a mom to two young children, but hearing Juliana talk about and seeing her grief as she navigates life as a now widowed mother was rough. There were a lot of emotions here, and as much as I was rooting for her and Ben, I also understood why she was so hesitant to take that next step and be happy. Her emotional turmoil is tough enough, but when things get... complicated later on, it's absolutely gut wrenching.

This was romantic, a little hot, but mostly sweet. The topics are heavy, but the author and the narrator do a fantastic job at keeping things light enough that it doesn't drag you down and keep you from enjoying what essentially is a very sweet romance.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars

This was a super cute enemies to lovers/office romance. Juliana is a recently widowed mother of two, who resumes her career after being a stay-at-home mom. Everything is going well in the office until she overhears a colleague Ben, complaining about having to work with an unreliable single mom. This leads to a feud that lasts two years. Amidst that feud are sparks.

I really enjoyed this book, I loved the sexual tension between Juliana and Ben. The supporting characters were great too. I was surprised to see that this was a debut novel for Amy Buchanan.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy. The audiobook was great to listen to. Narrator Charlotte North was amazing, I could not stop listening! I highly recommend this audiobook, especially for fans of The Hating Game, it gives off the same fun, flirty vibes. 4.5 stars.

Well of course I was hooked once the author described Ben as a Henry Cavill look-alike. But, I stayed because they didn't make the characters one-demenional. Both Juliana and Ben had gone through tragic events that help you understand the why behind their choices and make you feel and root for both of them. While I picked it up as a quick read to pass the time, I ended up laughing, tearing up, and thoroughly enjoying it. I would recommend this book, thank you NetGalley for the advanced listen.