Emma Nichole

Exceptionally likeable
5 Stars

I have been really enjoying the books in Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Hero Club and seem to subconsciously gravitate to those inspired by Stuck-Up Suit. Each of the books stand completely alone. You don’t need to have read others books in the series, or the work it’s inspired by, to read and enjoy this one.

This is the first Emma Nichole book I have read but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from her as this book ticked all the boxes for me. From the blurb alone, I was looking forward to an enemies to lovers, workplace romance… but what you get is so much more. The writing style is snappy, fast paced and I just flew through this book, finishing it in 1 day. But not only that, it’s very sexy and surprisingly funny. It’s not meant to be a romantic comedy, but I found myself actually laughing out loud on occasion. Always a bonus.

Piper loves her job but it’s her boss, Nathanial, that really gets her back up. He’s a grumpy so-and-so and is always irritating and provoking her to snap back at him. What I liked about this is that he really was a grumpy boss - I probably would have quit after a week! And throughout the book, he remains grumpy. He’s not so terrible that we can’t root for him, but he doesn’t miraculously become a sweet, delightful boss just because he and Piper’s relationship is changing.

Piper is delicious as a heroine. She’s feisty and independent but she’s still really down to earth and relatable. The fact that she’s an over thinker made me like her all the more. Same girl, same.

Nathanial is the poster man for my perfect kind of hero. As I mentioned, he’s super grumpy - understandably so, but what he really needs is someone to be on his side, and be there for him. He just needs a big ol’ hug, really. And Piper is definitely that person.

Even when the two are at odds in the beginning, you can feel the connection between the two. What fantastic writing to enable us to feel that powerful, undeniable bond and sexual tension between the pair, without ever overtly mentioning it. The pair felt destined for each other and I was 100% there for that.

The journey of their relationship was a delight to read - even if it was marred by bumps along the way. Piper has family problems but it’s Nathanial’s issues with his father that are quite poignant. I didn’t ever get emotionally bogged down in it, but boy did it make me pause. However, if you have a relative who suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, this might be quite difficult to read. Kudos to Ms Nichole for including a difficult subject and treating it respectfully without allowing it to overshadow what we’re really here for - the romance.

There is plenty of heat in the novel - but as with other elements, it doesn’t overtake the story. That’s not to say that you won’t be thinking about the desk scene for hours, days and weeks to come! *fans self*

After learning about Piper throughout the book, I did feel that her reaction to the email wasn’t quite right for her personality. I do think she would have read it - I would have, too - but I don’t think she wouldn’t have confronted Nathanial about it. But that’s just a minor thing that occurred to me.

And please don’t use “off of” or “the both” - it makes me shudder to see this in a published book.

Neither of the last two points swayed me away from my 5 star rating for what is a fun, energetic and exceptionally likeable story. It’s another winner from the Cocky Hero Club universe and I will be happily looking out for other books by Emma Nichole - especially if she writes a book about Piper's brother and best friend. For this one - 5 stars and recommended.… (altro)