3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this is exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't a fan of the way the relationship went. They said I love you after 3 weeks? Then got engaged 9 months later? That is quite fast in my opinion for supposedly being adversaries. They had just started to get to know each other in those 3 weeks. Idk if it was love. More like lust. They had barely spoken to each other before the retreat. Just seemed weird to me.

What I did enjoy were the times when Trishara talked about how promotions went over her due to being a woman and especially a woman of color. The way she stuck it to WMC in the end was nice and they definitely needed to hear that.

We didn't get to delve deep into her friendships. They were quite superficial. Didn't care for then. We also don't really learn much about Rafe. He has parent issues and an ex he can't let loose and wants to become a baker like okay but why did Tris end up liking him? It seems like the big thing was looks and posessiveness. I don't know what other characteristics we learned about him for Tris to suddenly love him. I just don't get their compatibility. I get the lust but not the chemistry.

Not Safe For Work was a refreshing workplace enemies to lovers set on a Hawaiian work trip. Rafe and Trish developed their relationship despite misunderstandings and constant tension. Trish is relatable, and inspiring and the way she represents so many women and stands up for herself is wonderful and inspiring. Nisha represents many communities so wonderfully and has never failed to draw me into her universes right away.

4.75⭐️

Oh my, Nisha does it again!! I love the way this author writes romantic tension and desribes certain feelings, it’s incredibly well done. Her banter is also top tier👌🏻 I foresee this being a huge summer hit and can’t wait for more contemporary romances in the future from this author. I loved the main character Trishara and thought she was such a vibrant and well fleshed out lead.

This novel is borderline instalusty, but an acceptable amount of instalust?? The line is a little hard to tiptoe but I think what saved this was the explained years of built up tension between the FMC/MMC. I also felt the Hannah situation cleared itself up too fast, after that comment she made I was hoping for more from the MMC instead of something off page.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC of “Not Safe For Work”. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! If you're a fan of cheesy, sexy, forced proximity romance, then this is definitely the book for you. As a huge fan of Nisha J. Tuli’s fantasy writing, I couldn’t wait to dive into her first contemporary romance, and it did not disappoint! From the very first page, this book captivated me and kept me hooked until the end.

Tris is an incredibly powerful FMC who stands up for herself in a discriminatory workplace, and Rafe is the misunderstood son of her boss — who also happens to be her workplace nemesis. The chemistry between them is undeniable!

Set during a business retreat in Hawaii, this book features some fan-favorite tropes: forced proximity, plane seats next to one another, one hotel room, one bed, and lots of banter. They’re forced to spend time together, and through it all, they begin to realize that maybe they’re not as bad as they first thought. Tris has always been overlooked at work, and she blames a lot of it on Rafe, while Rafe doesn’t quite understand why she’s so hostile toward him and just goes along with it.

Their entire adventure in Hawaii, and the romance that buds between them, was absolutely perfect. I loved every aspect of this book, from the characters' emotional growth to the steamy moments that made me smile.

If you love romance authors like Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez, Lynn Painter, or Lauren Asher, then you’ll definitely want to add this book to your TBR!

A big thank you to Nisha, her publisher, the entire team, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Not Safe for Work releases on May 20, 2025, and you do not want to miss it! Congratulations to Nisha for writing her first (of many, I hope) contemporary romance novels! Can’t wait to see what the future holds 🩷

Thank you NetGalley & Forever for allowing me to read this ARC.
Not Safe for Work will be published on May 20th. Full disclaimer, I have never read a book by Nisha J. Tuli as Romance and Thriller are my main genres. But I was really curious about this one since it's bee hyped by author Julie Soto on Instagram and got a blurb by Abby Jimenez. Trishara Malik is determined to prove herself at a corporate retreat in Hawaii, but her plans are derailed when she’s forced to share a honeymoon suite with her workplace rival, Rafe Gallagher. As they compete for a coveted executive training spot, Tris starts to see a different side of Rafe—one that challenges everything she believed about him. With her career and heart on the line, she must decide if he’s truly her enemy or something much more.
I really wanted to love this one, but it fell flat for me. It leaned too heavily on tropes—the broody hero, the one-bed situation—without bringing anything fresh. Since we only get the FMC’s POV, the MMC’s thoughts and feelings remain a mystery, making it harder to connect with their dynamic.
That said, I have to give major credit to the cover designer and illustrator—the artwork is absolutely stunning! It immediately catches the eye and makes you want to dive into the story. A beautifully designed cover like this definitely adds to the book’s appeal!

I loved how relatable Tris was as a smart, ambitious woman stuck in misogynistic industry and struggling with maintaining her confidence. I loved how Rafe continued to stand up for her while she was in denial before giving in to her feelings for Rafe. He was just down bad for her from the beginning. So sweet. I appreciated the slow burn of awkward moments where each isn't sure the other likes them as much as they like the other. Really enjoyed their story.

ARC READER. 4.5⭐️
I genuinely enjoyed this work rivals to lovers romance! It’s been a while since I’ve read one, and this one checked every box. I felt like I was watching a movie. I loved how descriptive the story was. Trishara was such a great character and I loved getting to know her. Also Rafe🥵

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7328144279

I didn't expect to feel quite like I do finishing what I thought was going to be a fun, spicy little workplace romcom (which Not Safe for Work definitely was), and still... This book made me think about all the difficulty we face as women in the workplace.

I was demoted from a position I worked for 5 years to achieve because the board of directors did not want a "young, attractive female as CFO." in the same conversation I also learned a coworker went to the board and accused me of sleeping with the CEO for the promotion I was being demoted from.

Not Safe for Work is such a great reminder of how amazing and tough and valuable we are as women. And that there are men out there who appreciate our goodness. And that we should find them and then roleplay workplace sex scenes.

Thank you Nisha J. Tuli and Forever Publishing for this story. I feel seen and heard and less alone.

This is my first read by this author and I really liked this book. I enjoyed the banter, the romance, and the characters so much. Definitely looking forward to more of Tuli’s work.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an arc of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC! I absolutely love Nisha’s writing style, and she knocked it out of the park with this romance. Tris and Rafe are wonderful together—their chemistry is undeniable! I loved the Maui setting; it was so vivid that I could practically feel the ocean breeze and sunshine. And Rafe? I can just imagine the wicked looks and teasing smiles he gives Tris. On top of the romance, Nisha really hits home with the struggles women face in breaking the glass ceiling in male-dominated professions. I’ll read anything from her, whether it’s fantasy or romance!

I was super excited to read this as a fan of Nisha Tuli's fantasy books, and this is a big departure from her usual genre! I have read many a workplace romance and as far as workplace romances go, Not Safe for Work was a pretty good one! It wasn't anything groundbreaking and lacked that spark to pull me in, but it was still pretty enjoyable. I thought the beginning was far more fast-paced and engaging, while the middle and end did start to drag a bit.

The story follows Trishara, a beyond-qualified employee at a top engineering company called WMC. She's consistently been passed over advancement opportunities by less qualified nepo babies and mediocre white men. But she butts heads specifically with Rafe, the smoking hot son and nephew of two high-ranking leadership/board members. They've always had some sort of antagonistic spark of chemistry between them, but it quite literally heats up when they go to Hawaii together for a leadership. And to no one's surprise: yes, there is a one bed trope.

There is so, so, so much emphasis placed on how attractive Trishara and Rafe are. I didn't always mind it because hey--who doesn't love two sexy leads-- but it could've been mentioned a bit less, I got the point. Okay but I did love Tris's interest in fashion and her attention to outfits because I love a female main character that is in touch with their femininity while also being a girl boss - it's refreshing!

Rafe and Trishara were dancing around each other for the majority of the story (with a lot of deliciously hate-fueled banter) even though it was clear they were very attracted to one another. Throw in the one bed trope and the heat was running high. But I just felt like this book didn't quite bring anything new to this genre. I definitely enjoyed it and it was a fun and quick read, but I just wasn't blown away. It wasn't anything groundbreaking or new. But if you like office romances and lots of tropes, this book nails it.

Thank you so much to Forever and NetGalley for this ARC!!

THE SCREAM I SCRUMPT WHEN I GOT THIS ARC

As a longtime lover of anything Nisha J. Tuli writes, I was ecstatic to devour her rom-com debut. I read this book in one sitting and I just loved it so much. I loved the nod to her other series *major winky face*. Also, thank you for letting them do it in this one, multiple times (IYKYK).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!

Rounded up from 3.5/5 stars

What a quick sweet read with a great message at the end! Our FMC Trishara is putting up with a lot at her current company. But she's willing to put up with them for a little while longer because she was chosen for a 3-week leadership work trip in Maui (with the boss's son Rafe who just so happens to be hot!). He is a nepo baby, but for his charm, I'll allow it. This book has forced proximity, one bed, and rivals to lovers. Now this isn't the typical book I go for, but I was still entertained by this short book! This was a great palette cleanser for the romantasy people out there!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for this eARC!

this book was SO CUTE!!! I AM YEARNING!!!!

Tris and Rafe are workplace rivals, constantly in competition and exchanging barbs with each other. And unfortunately for Tris, Rafe is also incredibly hot. Like, a 12/10. There’s an undeniable chemistry and tension there, but Tris has been burned in the past by a man she worked with so she’s closed herself off from love entirely. However, when they each get chosen to go on a three week work trip to Hawaii, they ALSO end up having to share a room. Do you see where this is going?

Throughout these three weeks,Tris and Rafe are forced to face the feelings they have for each other that they’ve tried to ignore, with misunderstandings and miscommunications coming to light. Tris is no longer sure that Rafe is like all the other inappropriate and entitled men in their office - he might actually be worthy of her risking it all.

This story also touches on the misogyny, sexism, and racism present in the corporate setting. Tris, a woman of color, is a qualified, competent, intelligent and capable employee, so when she’s passed up for one leadership opportunity after another in favor of white men, she loses her motivation altogether, content to do just enough to get her work done but nothing more. Why should she put any effort into a job at a company that doesn’t invest in her? It’s incredibly validating as a woman to see these issues highlighted in such a way, and to see Tris give the company hell for it. STAND UP FOR YOURSELVES. YOU DESERVE BETTER THAN A SHITTY COMPANY FULL OF MEDIOCRE WHITE MEN WEARING KHAKIS.

this book was FUNNNYYYYYY as well. I laughed out loud constantly. it is WITTY and ZIPPY and the spice was DELICIOUS. I’m genuinely in love with Rafe Gallagher. he is EVERYTHING men should be. TAKE NOTES, FELLAS. All in all a perfect read if you need something short and sweet and filled with righteous female rage.

Nisha’s first contemporary romance was a fun, spicy, easy read that had just the right ingredients to keep me invested.

What to expect:
✅ rivals to lovers
✅ forced proximity
✅ workplace romance
✅ diverse representation
✅ one bed
✅ ♾️ sexual tension

The FMC is an East Indian engineer in a male dominated, toxic work environment. She and the MMC, who is the boss’s son are selected to participate in a leadership training in Maui.

I loved how light and fun this was and believed the compatibility and spark between the characters from the jump. They have great banter, but I did not love how brutal and immature they acted towards each other at times.

Overall, I had a great time, and devoured the second half of the book like it was a final meal. There’s an iconic email that will live in my brain rent-free.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I don't typically read contemporary romances, but love Nisha's writing style so this felt like a great entry point. This was a fantastic story. If you love feminine rage, forced proximity, and rivals to lovers than I highly suggest reading this book!

The FMC, Tris, was a wonderful character and her professional issues in a male dominated field were incredibly relatable. Rafe was a delightful and swoon-worthy MMC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Nisha J Tuli for the ARC!

Nisha did such a fantastic job with her first contemporary romance! Tris hates her co-worker Rafe, and views him as another mediocre white man who only got his position by being the bosses son. They end up both being chosen to attend a 3 week company retreat in Hawaii and when they get to their hotel- they find out they’re stuck in the same suite (cue angry Tris begging the front desk workers to put him anywhere, even in a closet). They tolerate each others presence, give each other hell along the way, and eventually after a longgggg slow burn they finally give in to their attractions. They have some good banter and sizzling chemistry along with sexual tension galore. Tris has some strong reservations about giving him her heart, but of course in the end love wins 🫶 I love how Tris pushed Rafe to be his true self and do what he loves. I feel like she gave him that final push he really needed to move past the box his dad put him in! Seriously though, can my employer send me to Hawaii for 3 weeks please? That would be fantastic 🤣 the spice was good without being overdone (not that I ever mind 🤪) and this was definitely one of my favorite workplace/coworker romances I’ve read 🩷 also LOVED Tris sticking it to the company the way she did, they absolutely deserved it and I love a strong-willed FMC who knows her worth.

Omg I blew through this book, it was SO good!! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much from a book before, like straight up witch cackling, it was hilarious! The plot, the message, the spice - 3🌶️ - and the romance was utter perfection. I loved it!!
🌺rom com
🌺angst & healing
🌺feminism
🌺standing up to oppression
🌺self acceptance
🌺hea

When I say that Nisha J. Tuli is one of my all time favorite authors, I am not exaggerating. I devoured her romantasy series (more than once), so when I got my hands on this book - I did not hesitate to bump it up near the top of my TBR so I could get to it sooner. I love a good romance to break up my fantasy books, they make an excellent pallet cleanser of sorts. So of course, I was excited for this book, and it did not disappoint!

My favorite thing about this book was the banter, I'm a sucker for banter between the FMC and MMC and this was perfection. I loved the plot and the characters, this is definitely one of my favorite rom-coms and I highly recommend this book.

Read in a sitting. Fell in love with Tris and Rafe. They were unapologetically themselves. Loved all of the mic drop moments.