Sophie has worked her way up by the dint of hard work to be a Project Manager at a prestigious ad agency. She is given a very high profile campaign to run and a new assistant - Ella, the spoilt daughter of the company's boss, with whom she has only negative experience from previous meetings.
This is the third in a series of books, one of which I have previously read and enjoyed, but is easily read as a standalone. Again it is a F/F romance, but is still basically two people both looking for a relationship. I'm not sure that I could cope with the workload that Sophie has to manage, fortunately I was never that ambitious before I retired. Ella is painted as much more than a spoilt child, with her own hope and dreams. The developing relationship between these two opposites, both professionally and personally, is the central core of the story. As usual things don't always go smoothly, with hiccups in their relationship and the project that they are working on. Some slightly spicy moments that you may choose to skip but overall a story that I did enjoy, despite not necessarily being the target reader.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

nothing was wrong with this book I just didn’t feel the connection between the 2 main characters.. it was super off in my opinion and I didn’t vibe with it.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

There was more depth to this story than I thought there would be. When Ella and Sophie end up working together, there is an interesting dynamic at play. Ella is Sophie's trainee and Ella has always wanted a trainee. However, she is not thrilled that Ella is the boss' daughter. She believes that Ella comes from privledge and could never understand why Sophie is so scrappy and her humble background. Sophie believes that nepotism is at play but does not know about Ella's secret at first-- her epilepsy. I learned a lot from this book about what it is like dealing with epilepsy. The author did a good job of building up their slow burn romance as well.

This is the first book that I have read by Dana Hawkins and on the whole I found it enjoyable even though it is not my usual genre.
This is a story of two very different women from very different worlds. Sophie Black fought tooth and nail for everything that she had, her parents were happy but dirt poor, despite not having a college education and dressing like a punk rocker with piercings, a shaven head and torn fishnets, Sophie had clawed her way up from the bottom to become a project manager for an eminent Seattle agency.
When Sophie's manager offered her an account with a very tight schedule, but with a huge incentive at the end Sophie was more than excited, they had never finished an account in such a short space of time but Sophie had wings on her feet, she would do it, she wanted the reward.
The downside was that Sophie would have an assistant, an assistant who had a college degree but no experience, an assistant who Sophie hated, an assistant who happened to be the CEO's pampered daughter.
Ella Northwood didn't remember being unkind to Sophie when they first met, in fact she didn't remember Sophie at all. Ella had led a pampered life, but her overprotective but loving parents gave her the feeling of being smothered, she had fought then to go to college and she had fought to be allowed to work in her father's company, Ella had a genetic condition that was taking over her life, she needed to live with it.
This story follows the lives of Sophie and Ella. the punk rocker and the sophisticated lady, the fights, the digs, the gradual understanding leading from hate to love, the coming to terms with Ella's condition, coping with the over protective parents who had to come to terms with the fact that money couldn't cure Ella.
The author has confronted a very emotive subject with sensitivity even though there were parts that I didn't agree with, she has also created some likeable characters in Malcolm the manager, George the CEO and Thomas the family driver.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, this review is my own opinion.

I absolutely devoured this book. Every single charachter is so likable, it really made this so much fun. And Ella having epilepsy hit me hard, as I'm currently struggling with it badly, and it made feel more understood.

Absolutely brilliant book!
I am a big fan of this author and love the writing style!
I cant wait to read more!

Dana Hawkins delivers a charming and heartfelt rom-com in So Not My Type, a story that masterfully balances humor, emotional depth, and romantic tension. The novel centers on the classic yet endearing trope of forbidden love, where an employee finds themselves falling for their boss’s daughter—and vice versa.

One of the standout elements of this story is the nuanced development of its characters. Hawkins doesn’t just scratch the surface; instead, she delves deeply into their pasts, weaving in personal histories that add layers to their personalities and motivations. This attention to detail enriches the narrative and gives the romance a compelling authenticity.

The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, with their witty banter and heartfelt moments keeping the reader engaged. What could have been a simple love story is elevated by Hawkins’s skillful storytelling, as she navigates themes of vulnerability, family dynamics, and personal growth.

The pacing is spot on, with just enough twists and challenges to keep the plot lively without overwhelming the romance. The supporting characters also shine, adding humor and complexity without detracting from the central storyline.

In So Not My Type, Hawkins successfully captures the magic of unexpected love while grounding it in relatable emotions and situations. It’s a feel-good read with depth, perfect for fans of rom-coms who crave more than just surface-level fluff. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a mix of laughs, heartfelt moments, and a satisfying love story.

Cute and enjoyable. This is a fairly predictable workplace romance but the characters are likeable and the pace is good. It will put a smile on your face.

So Not My Type by Sophie Black is a sizzling slow-burn romance that masterfully blends sexual tension with workplace dynamics, creating a compelling story that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Sophie Black is a driven, self-made project manager at a top Seattle advertising agency, having worked her way up from humble beginnings. Her sharp focus on her career is shaken when Ella Northwood, the CEO's privileged daughter, joins the team. Forced to collaborate on a high-stakes campaign, the two women’s contrasting personalities—Sophie’s scrappy determination and Ella’s polished, trust-fund background—quickly clash. However, beneath the surface, both women have more in common than they initially realise.

As the two work late into the night, their assumptions about each other begin to unravel, and what starts as professional tension quickly escalates into something far more personal. A spontaneous hot tub encounter leads to a steamy night neither can forget, and the ice between them begins to melt. Sophie starts to see Ella in a new light, while Ella hopes for the first time that someone might look beyond her privileged exterior. But as their office chemistry intensifies, a shocking revelation threatens to derail their budding connection, leaving them to question whether their feelings are worth fighting for.

Black’s writing is sharp and engaging, perfectly capturing the simmering tension between Sophie and Ella. The evolving dynamic between the two women is both heartwarming and tantalising, as they slowly uncover each other’s vulnerabilities and desires. The setting of a high-pressure office environment adds an extra layer of intensity, with their professional relationship gradually giving way to something far deeper and more personal.

So Not My Type is a delightful read for fans of workplace romances with a dash of angst and queer joy. Sophie and Ella’s journey is one of growth, self-discovery, and overcoming preconceptions, making this a must-read for those who enjoy complex characters and slow-burn romances. With its blend of workplace drama, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

if there's one thing i love, it's a good workplace romance, and so not my type delivers with a side of sizzing tension and all the drama you'd expect when opposites attract. set against the backdrop of a fast-paced seattle ad agency, this book dives headfirst into enemies-to-lovers territory, and it's a ride.

first off, the workplace setting is spot on. sophie black's dedication to her job is the kind of competence porn i live for. seeing her thrive in a high-stakes, creative environment while loving what she does felt like a refreshing dose of escapism. enter ella northwood, the ceo's daughter with a trust fund and a high-level job she may or may not have earned. from their first dash, it's clear this isn't going to be a smooth partnership, but watching their dynamic evolve—from mutual disdain to tentative respect to something a whole lot deeper—was a delight.

speaking of the two main characters, while the book is billed as a slow burn, i'd argue it leans more toward "smoldering right from the start." sophie and ella's attraction to each other is undeniable, even when they're bickering. their dates around the city were downright heartwarming, giving me all the feels.

now, let's talk about the drama. the plot twists are perfectly chaotic. one particular moment—when a ghost from both their pasts resurfaces—had me spitting out my drink. it's the kind of delicious, soap-opera-level drama i didn't know i needed. that said, some parts were a bit predictable, like ella's big hero moment near the end. while it served its purpose, it took away some of sophie's well-earned glory, which felt a bit unfair to her journey.

another standout is the chronic illness representation. ella's epilepsy was handled thoughtfully, telling us the challenges she faces daily. but, it sometimes felt like her entire personality revolved around her condition. ella had so much potential with her layered privilege and vulnerability, but her character development took some odd turns, leaving her feeling a little flat by the end.

on a broader level, the book tackles socioeconomic privilege and nepotism in an interesting way, weaving these themes into the characters' development. sophie's frustrations with ella's privilege are incredibly relatable—who wouldn't feel salty if someone waltzed into a position you worked years to achieve?

overall, so not my type is a mix of swoony romance, juicy workplace drama, and thought-provoking themes. while some elements didn't fully land, it's still an engaging read, especially if you're here for some workplace sparks and drama like me.

thank you, @netgalley and @stormbooks_co, for the e-arc. 🩷

rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫

So Not My Type by Dana Hawkins is an adorable and slightly spicy workplace romance about two women who hate each other… or do they. I’ll admit, I the twist coming but I for sure, didn’t hate it or how it played out. I definitely recommend So Not My Type if you’re looking for a fun and well written workplace romance!

I really hoped for a good soft enemies-to-lovers office romance, but instead was a bit disappointed by the childish tone and interactions. I didn’t get at all why they were angry which is my biggest pet peeve with this type of dynamic. If you’re gonna be angry, have a reason?

I also don’t like it when the characters are from the get go like ‘oh she’s such a bitch but why is she so hot?’ In my opinion, that doesn’t make much sense in a contemporary romance setting, it’s different for fantasy. That was very much the case from chapter 1 in this book.

A rivals/ enemies-to-lovers office setting done well is Hotel Queens by Lee Winter (she nailed that rivals genre). Whenever I pick up a new book with that same type of blurb, I always really hope it hits as well as that one. rarely it does.

A few good parts: for reading only queer books, I actually don’t remember reading contemporary where an MC is bald, it’s such a lesbian goth thing to do you know? That was fun to see. Also the disability part was good, it didn’t feel like a ‘oh my character needs something to set her back in life’ moment but it felt real. For the rest it was all just very mid unfortunately.

I loved both of the main characters, I felt like I was reading about real people and felt very strongly about them reaching their goals! I read this book in one sitting, Ella and Sophie's relationship is very endearing, it didn't have any unnecessary drama that you find in other romance books.

It was a very fast paced sapphic romance set in an office with a very charming cast of secondary characters.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

This was a cute book about Ella and Sophie’s relationship. As someone who has lived in Seattle in the past, I enjoyed reading about the city and locations that I knew. I found the workplace setting to be a bit too wordy, using jargon that is never explained and wasn’t very interesting to befin with. It was nice to have the inclusion/representation of a character with a chronic illness without becoming too preachy about it. I did find both Sophie and Ella to be a bit immature for their supposed ages, but maybe that’s because I’m getting older and crankier?! Regardless, it was a very enjoyable read. 3.5 stars.

This is a well-written and well-constructed novel. I would have enjoyed it if I hadn’t found Ella’s anxiety and Sophie’s resentment so distressing. Too much angst for me. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

So Not My Type is an enjoyable, feel-good romantic comedy with relatable characters, witty dialogue, and a sweet love story. My first but not my last by this author.

This was my first book I've read from Dana Hawkins and I really enjoyed it. I felt involved with the two main characters very early on in the book and I was immediately pulled into the story. I loved their backstories being teased out and the growing attraction between the two. The office setting was done really well and I found the marketing aspect of it particularly interesting.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for any future books from Dana!

Thank you so much to Storm Publishing for the arc via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on the book.

The second book from Dana Hawkins I have read and enjoyed. This one deals with female relationships and the effects of epilepsy on people. A well researched book written shortly after the death of the authors father when it was a difficult time to write and time when friends and family help most. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

Considering this is a part of the Single in Seattle collection, it's a really good stand alone book.
I ended up not being able to put this book down as I continued to read, and liked the dual point of view. There were not so subtle hints that the two main characters actually had feelings for each other, so I really wouldn't entirely consider it as enemies to lovers. This felt more like a slow burn romance. I would've love to see a bit more of that "enemy" side of it, like a bit more bickering was needed. However, it was still well-paced.

Additionally, I would've loved to see more about Ella's point of view towards the end chapters, just to drive more how the epileptic attack she got made her days look and the fear of Sophie and her relationship not being able to survive that.

Now, something I really enjoyed was the fact that throughout everything we could see how much they loved each other. The fun experiences they both ended up having was great, and the flirting was just so cute.
For spice level, I would say it was a solid 1 out of 5.

I really enjoyed this, and I would probably re-read this again!

3.5 ⭐️

This lighthearted sapphic romance had its moments, with a slow-burn, forced-proximity setup and disability representation. This story was about a budding coworker romance with themes of first impressions and bridging very different upbringings—one sheltered and privileged, the other starting from the bottom. It was refreshing to read about supportive parents and King George was great. I enjoyed the time we spent with Sophia’s friends, though I wish they’d had more page time. While the story was entertaining and had light steam, the pacing was a bit slow until at least midway, and it didn’t pack enough tension to fully hook me.