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Uncharted Territory
He calls it a work trip. I call it torture.
Garrett North and I get along as well as hellfire and holy water. He’s the grumpy CEO of a national chain of outdoor recreation stores, and I’m his lowly assistant. From the moment we met, we couldn’t stand each other. Eleven months later, any semblance of professionalism is hanging by a thread.
But the end is in sight. In one month, I can slap my resignation down on his desk and walk away with my massive hiring bonus still intact.
Unfortunately, Garrett has other plans. He wants to scout wilderness excursions for his outdoor empire, and he’s dragging me along with him. Never mind the bugs. Or the dirt. Or the fact that I’ve never hiked a mile in my entire life.
Clearly, he’s intent on making my life miserable. Well, two can play that game. Armed with his sleek, black credit card, I set out to make this trip much more tolerable. Private jet? Check. Glamping tent? Yes, please!
But as things heat up around the campfire at night, we find ourselves in uncharted territory. Caught between arguing one minute and kissing the next. Torn over finding our footing or letting ourselves fall. I might survive The Great Outdoors after all, but I don’t know if my heart will survive Garrett North.
Garrett North and I get along as well as hellfire and holy water. He’s the grumpy CEO of a national chain of outdoor recreation stores, and I’m his lowly assistant. From the moment we met, we couldn’t stand each other. Eleven months later, any semblance of professionalism is hanging by a thread.
But the end is in sight. In one month, I can slap my resignation down on his desk and walk away with my massive hiring bonus still intact.
Unfortunately, Garrett has other plans. He wants to scout wilderness excursions for his outdoor empire, and he’s dragging me along with him. Never mind the bugs. Or the dirt. Or the fact that I’ve never hiked a mile in my entire life.
Clearly, he’s intent on making my life miserable. Well, two can play that game. Armed with his sleek, black credit card, I set out to make this trip much more tolerable. Private jet? Check. Glamping tent? Yes, please!
But as things heat up around the campfire at night, we find ourselves in uncharted territory. Caught between arguing one minute and kissing the next. Torn over finding our footing or letting ourselves fall. I might survive The Great Outdoors after all, but I don’t know if my heart will survive Garrett North.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2025
9 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤍Enemies to Lovers
🤍Curvy FMC
🤍Workplace romance
🤍Forced Proximity
💋Dramatic Thoughts💋
I want to start by congratulating Zoey on her DEBUT novel 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 Yay Zoey! I really enjoyed this book! Holy cow, did it make me laugh - and that’s exactly what I want from a romcom! I definitely enjoy the banter in an enemies to lovers romance and Zoey is as able to deliver that and more!! Overall - a book that I’d definitely recommend!! 💗
💥Character Spotlight💥
Emma 💋
I honestly need Emma to give me a full list of fake nicknames and professions to prank my husband with! As a fellow curvy girl myself, I loved to see Emma’s confidence transformation throughout the book.
I do wish someone would have hit her mom and sister with a right hook to the jaw..maybe a little one two combo. 🥊
💬Favorite Quotes💬
“And that’s how I became Benedict G. Kumquat, Professional Dog Trainer.”
“Doris Manetti, Cannoli Queen of Colorado.”
“You’re giving me mixed signals. I can’t tell if you actually want to kiss me or kill me.”
“I thought you were disappointed.” At first, it seems like my wish might have been granted. Garrett doesn’t answer. He doesn’t move. Then I hear his lips part followed by a long intake of air. My pulse quickens in my veins as I await his reply. Garrett’s voice comes out lower and more gravelly than usual when he finally speaks. “Never. Not even for a second.”
I received an eARC from Zoey Ford in exchange for an honest review!
🤍Enemies to Lovers
🤍Curvy FMC
🤍Workplace romance
🤍Forced Proximity
💋Dramatic Thoughts💋
I want to start by congratulating Zoey on her DEBUT novel 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 Yay Zoey! I really enjoyed this book! Holy cow, did it make me laugh - and that’s exactly what I want from a romcom! I definitely enjoy the banter in an enemies to lovers romance and Zoey is as able to deliver that and more!! Overall - a book that I’d definitely recommend!! 💗
💥Character Spotlight💥
Emma 💋
I honestly need Emma to give me a full list of fake nicknames and professions to prank my husband with! As a fellow curvy girl myself, I loved to see Emma’s confidence transformation throughout the book.
I do wish someone would have hit her mom and sister with a right hook to the jaw..maybe a little one two combo. 🥊
💬Favorite Quotes💬
“And that’s how I became Benedict G. Kumquat, Professional Dog Trainer.”
“Doris Manetti, Cannoli Queen of Colorado.”
“You’re giving me mixed signals. I can’t tell if you actually want to kiss me or kill me.”
“I thought you were disappointed.” At first, it seems like my wish might have been granted. Garrett doesn’t answer. He doesn’t move. Then I hear his lips part followed by a long intake of air. My pulse quickens in my veins as I await his reply. Garrett’s voice comes out lower and more gravelly than usual when he finally speaks. “Never. Not even for a second.”
I received an eARC from Zoey Ford in exchange for an honest review!
September 13, 2025
Uncharted Territory is a forced proximity, ceo/assistant, grumpy/sunshine book. At less than 300 pages it is a short and fun read. I wouldn’t call it enemies to lovers but they do have tension and the FMC does hate the MMC at the beginning.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute romcom.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute romcom.
February 10, 2025
Title: Uncharted Territory
Author: @zoeyfordauthor
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶️
Review:
Emma the assistant who despises her boss can’t wait to quit and leave her annoying boss. Garret the sexy millionaire boss of an outdoor equipment and clothing company who’s grumpy and keeps his sexy assistant at a distance. Both go on a 3 week business trip from hell that ends up being more than they expected in more ways than one.
This was such a great and quick cozy rom com! It gave you a little bit of everything. It was sweet, funny, sassy, romantic, uplifting and gave you a good bit of spice that was perfect for this book. It was such a great reset for me after reading so many heavy world building based books, that I enjoyed the pace and simplicity of this book. It gives me those hallmark movie vibes that is very nostalgic for me. Great read and lovely writing and work from @zoeyfordauthor .
Look forward to more of her work in the future.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Author: @zoeyfordauthor
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶️
Review:
Emma the assistant who despises her boss can’t wait to quit and leave her annoying boss. Garret the sexy millionaire boss of an outdoor equipment and clothing company who’s grumpy and keeps his sexy assistant at a distance. Both go on a 3 week business trip from hell that ends up being more than they expected in more ways than one.
This was such a great and quick cozy rom com! It gave you a little bit of everything. It was sweet, funny, sassy, romantic, uplifting and gave you a good bit of spice that was perfect for this book. It was such a great reset for me after reading so many heavy world building based books, that I enjoyed the pace and simplicity of this book. It gives me those hallmark movie vibes that is very nostalgic for me. Great read and lovely writing and work from @zoeyfordauthor .
Look forward to more of her work in the future.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2025
ARC Review
4.5 ⭐️
This is such a great debut by Zoey Ford! Uncharted Territory is an enemies to lovers workplace romcom that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.
Our FMC, Emma, is a smart, sarcastic, not* outdoorsy, capable executive assistant to Garrett, a grumpy CEO of an outdoor equipment and apparel company. Emma hates working for Garrett and can’t wait until her 1 year work anniversary when she can quit to pursue her fashion dreams (and not have to pay back her signing bonus). At the 11 month mark, unaware of Emma’s quitting plans, Garrett drags Emma with him on a 3 week business trip to try out various outdoor tours.
This book is written in Dual POV and I really enjoyed being in both of their perspectives. I absolutely LOVED Emma’s sense of humor and was trying not to wake my husband up with my cackling each night I read this. We also get insight into both Emma’s and Garrett’s childhoods and how some traumatic events affected them and informed their motivations and reactions, and I really appreciated that. I especially loved seeing Emma’s growth in the scenes where she surprised herself by doing something she never would have thought she could do. And Garrett’s support and encouragement in those scenes were top notch. This was a slow burn but I definitely enjoyed the tension along the way.
Ultimately this is a super fun book that made me laugh out loud and smile throughout it. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, funny, steamy read, I absolutely recommend this one.
4.5 ⭐️
This is such a great debut by Zoey Ford! Uncharted Territory is an enemies to lovers workplace romcom that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.
Our FMC, Emma, is a smart, sarcastic, not* outdoorsy, capable executive assistant to Garrett, a grumpy CEO of an outdoor equipment and apparel company. Emma hates working for Garrett and can’t wait until her 1 year work anniversary when she can quit to pursue her fashion dreams (and not have to pay back her signing bonus). At the 11 month mark, unaware of Emma’s quitting plans, Garrett drags Emma with him on a 3 week business trip to try out various outdoor tours.
This book is written in Dual POV and I really enjoyed being in both of their perspectives. I absolutely LOVED Emma’s sense of humor and was trying not to wake my husband up with my cackling each night I read this. We also get insight into both Emma’s and Garrett’s childhoods and how some traumatic events affected them and informed their motivations and reactions, and I really appreciated that. I especially loved seeing Emma’s growth in the scenes where she surprised herself by doing something she never would have thought she could do. And Garrett’s support and encouragement in those scenes were top notch. This was a slow burn but I definitely enjoyed the tension along the way.
Ultimately this is a super fun book that made me laugh out loud and smile throughout it. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, funny, steamy read, I absolutely recommend this one.
February 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely devoured this book. It was such a fun read with a verrrrrryyyy slow burn in the best way possible. This enemies to lovers (boss/employee) relationship was just perfect. I loved that Emma (FMC) was a curvy girl and the way she really accepted her body and appreciated how much it could do rather than talking negatively about herself constantly. To hear about a curvy girl being outdoorsy isn’t something you get that often.
And Garrett (MMC) was a grumpy CEO with a Bassett hound…stop it right now. I would say the only reason why I didn’t love him as much as I could have was the fact that he fell first but he wasn’t as head over heels for her as I would’ve liked.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I really appreciate the fact that I was able to get an advanced copy! I can’t wait to hear Ethan and Margot’s story next!!!
🌶️🌶️/5
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely devoured this book. It was such a fun read with a verrrrrryyyy slow burn in the best way possible. This enemies to lovers (boss/employee) relationship was just perfect. I loved that Emma (FMC) was a curvy girl and the way she really accepted her body and appreciated how much it could do rather than talking negatively about herself constantly. To hear about a curvy girl being outdoorsy isn’t something you get that often.
And Garrett (MMC) was a grumpy CEO with a Bassett hound…stop it right now. I would say the only reason why I didn’t love him as much as I could have was the fact that he fell first but he wasn’t as head over heels for her as I would’ve liked.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I really appreciate the fact that I was able to get an advanced copy! I can’t wait to hear Ethan and Margot’s story next!!!
February 12, 2025
#ARCreview
#bookreview
4.25 ⭐️’s
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first ARC ever, and what a great one to start with! I loved everything about this romantic comedy!
Emma is a curvy plus size assistant to a boss she can barely tolerate. She is counting down the days until her first year is over so she can resign while keeping her sign on bonus. She adores her best friend and her cat. She has dreams of working in the fashion industry as a designer.
Garrett is the demanding boss of a multimillion dollar company that sells quality sports gear, camping equipment, etc. in retail stores and online. Even thought he’d rather be in the great outdoors, the business he built from scratch requires almost all of his time to be in the office. He loves his family and his dog. He has dreams of expanding his business to include adventure tours that everyone can enjoy.
With only a few weeks left of her year, Emma is instructed by Garrett to plan several adventure tours anonymously so he can experience them first hand. He wants to get a realistic idea of how they operate to determine if he should partner with them or not….. and the kicker….. she is expected to go on these adventures with him as his assistant… a business trip!
The banter between Emma & Garrett will make you smile and even giggle at times. There is certainly a fine line between hate & love. The characters are well written and you can’t help but root for them! I’m hoping there’s a book two so we can find out about the secondary characters in this book- I loved them, too.
If you love Rom-coms, this is a quick must read! I feel honored to have been selected to review an ARC!
#bookreview
4.25 ⭐️’s
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first ARC ever, and what a great one to start with! I loved everything about this romantic comedy!
Emma is a curvy plus size assistant to a boss she can barely tolerate. She is counting down the days until her first year is over so she can resign while keeping her sign on bonus. She adores her best friend and her cat. She has dreams of working in the fashion industry as a designer.
Garrett is the demanding boss of a multimillion dollar company that sells quality sports gear, camping equipment, etc. in retail stores and online. Even thought he’d rather be in the great outdoors, the business he built from scratch requires almost all of his time to be in the office. He loves his family and his dog. He has dreams of expanding his business to include adventure tours that everyone can enjoy.
With only a few weeks left of her year, Emma is instructed by Garrett to plan several adventure tours anonymously so he can experience them first hand. He wants to get a realistic idea of how they operate to determine if he should partner with them or not….. and the kicker….. she is expected to go on these adventures with him as his assistant… a business trip!
The banter between Emma & Garrett will make you smile and even giggle at times. There is certainly a fine line between hate & love. The characters are well written and you can’t help but root for them! I’m hoping there’s a book two so we can find out about the secondary characters in this book- I loved them, too.
If you love Rom-coms, this is a quick must read! I feel honored to have been selected to review an ARC!
February 12, 2025
The way I was kicking and giggling like a little girl during this book 😍🫠 Uncharted Territory is one of my favorite contemporary romances I’ve read. It’s not cheesy and the characters are relatable. I loved the adventure aspect of this book and the back to reality once the trip was over. The slow burn was just right and the romance 😮💨🤌🏼
Plot:
She’s counting down the days until she can quit. Garrett North, her grumpy CEO boss, has made the past year miserable. They’ve never gotten along, and in just one month, she’ll finally be free—with a big hiring bonus, too. But Garrett has other ideas. He’s taking her on a work trip to scout outdoor adventure spots, even though she’s never hiked a day in her life. Bugs, dirt, and roughing it? No thanks. At least his unlimited credit card means private jets and luxury camping. Then, something changes. Heated arguments turn into something else, and suddenly, she’s caught between fighting her feelings and falling for him. She might survive the wilderness—but can she survive Garrett North?
Characters:
Emma- loves cats, hates her boss and indifferent about the great outdoors. She’s sassy, tells her boss to fuck off and starts the work trip off on the wrong foot. We see Emma become more confident in her ability to conquer new things as well as herself.
Garrett- grumpy millionaire boss who just wants to touch grass 24/7 but is stuck in an office all day. Once this man breathes some fresh air though he’s a happy camper (literally). He’s very protective over Emma and wants her to conquer things she doesn’t feel she can accomplish. Ps. He has a dog.
Tropes:
-grumpy MMC
-miscommunication
-great banter
-enemies to lovers
-one TENT 🫠
-work trip from hell
-office romance
-curvy/plus-sized FMC
-slow burn
Plot:
She’s counting down the days until she can quit. Garrett North, her grumpy CEO boss, has made the past year miserable. They’ve never gotten along, and in just one month, she’ll finally be free—with a big hiring bonus, too. But Garrett has other ideas. He’s taking her on a work trip to scout outdoor adventure spots, even though she’s never hiked a day in her life. Bugs, dirt, and roughing it? No thanks. At least his unlimited credit card means private jets and luxury camping. Then, something changes. Heated arguments turn into something else, and suddenly, she’s caught between fighting her feelings and falling for him. She might survive the wilderness—but can she survive Garrett North?
Characters:
Emma- loves cats, hates her boss and indifferent about the great outdoors. She’s sassy, tells her boss to fuck off and starts the work trip off on the wrong foot. We see Emma become more confident in her ability to conquer new things as well as herself.
Garrett- grumpy millionaire boss who just wants to touch grass 24/7 but is stuck in an office all day. Once this man breathes some fresh air though he’s a happy camper (literally). He’s very protective over Emma and wants her to conquer things she doesn’t feel she can accomplish. Ps. He has a dog.
Tropes:
-grumpy MMC
-miscommunication
-great banter
-enemies to lovers
-one TENT 🫠
-work trip from hell
-office romance
-curvy/plus-sized FMC
-slow burn
February 5, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 by Zoey Ford
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Thank you to @zoeyfordauthor for the ARC and for allowing me to review your book!
"Apparently, the hill I'm prepared to die on comes equipped with a glamping tent." - Emma
"He calls it a work trip. I call it torture."
Join the boss of True North Outfitters, Garrett North, and his assistant Emma Carlton as they embark on a "rocky" and adventurous 3 week outdoors research trip.
🏕 ⛺️ 🏕
This book was so much fun and so well-written. It was HILARIOUS and lighthearted and kept me entertained the entire time.
I loved Emma's and Garrett's adventures and struggles. I loved reading about all of the places they traveled to and all of the fun activities they did. The way their relationship evolved throughout the book was perfect.
I'm still in disbelief that this is Zoey Ford's debut novel, and I can't wait to see more from her in the future!
If you like spicy romantic comedies, you'll want to read 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺!
It releases February 12th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited ❤️
𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 by Zoey Ford
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Thank you to @zoeyfordauthor for the ARC and for allowing me to review your book!
"Apparently, the hill I'm prepared to die on comes equipped with a glamping tent." - Emma
"He calls it a work trip. I call it torture."
Join the boss of True North Outfitters, Garrett North, and his assistant Emma Carlton as they embark on a "rocky" and adventurous 3 week outdoors research trip.
🏕 ⛺️ 🏕
This book was so much fun and so well-written. It was HILARIOUS and lighthearted and kept me entertained the entire time.
I loved Emma's and Garrett's adventures and struggles. I loved reading about all of the places they traveled to and all of the fun activities they did. The way their relationship evolved throughout the book was perfect.
I'm still in disbelief that this is Zoey Ford's debut novel, and I can't wait to see more from her in the future!
If you like spicy romantic comedies, you'll want to read 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺!
It releases February 12th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited ❤️
February 6, 2025
*I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review*
I was kicking my feet this whole book. I giggled, I blushed, I shed a few tears, I felt so connected to the characters in such a short time.
The grumpy MMC (to everyone but the FMC) is one of my favourite tropes, and this did not fail.
The progression of seeing Garrett open up with his heart, and seeing how Emma's love changed the trajectory of his future life goals- especially with True North- was so heart-warming.
I loved Emma- I loved that she was a plus-sized FMC. She is strong, and wilful and confident. Ford did a wonderful job portraying the everyday challenges of being plus-sized (especially shopping for clothes and eating in public!).
This book was such a perfect combination of warm, fluffy, cozy, spicy (which deserves 5 ⭐️ on its own🌶️) romance, but still following a substantial plot that had me rooting for the characters- I felt similar reading this as I did with Hannah Graces' Maple Hills series.
Also, what do you mean Emma's cat is named Purrnando (I love him) 😍😭
It was so easy to fly through this book, and I genuinely did not want to because it deserves to be savoured!
I was kicking my feet this whole book. I giggled, I blushed, I shed a few tears, I felt so connected to the characters in such a short time.
The grumpy MMC (to everyone but the FMC) is one of my favourite tropes, and this did not fail.
The progression of seeing Garrett open up with his heart, and seeing how Emma's love changed the trajectory of his future life goals- especially with True North- was so heart-warming.
I loved Emma- I loved that she was a plus-sized FMC. She is strong, and wilful and confident. Ford did a wonderful job portraying the everyday challenges of being plus-sized (especially shopping for clothes and eating in public!).
This book was such a perfect combination of warm, fluffy, cozy, spicy (which deserves 5 ⭐️ on its own🌶️) romance, but still following a substantial plot that had me rooting for the characters- I felt similar reading this as I did with Hannah Graces' Maple Hills series.
Also, what do you mean Emma's cat is named Purrnando (I love him) 😍😭
It was so easy to fly through this book, and I genuinely did not want to because it deserves to be savoured!
February 4, 2025
This was so much fun. I found myself laughing out loud, tearing up, and absolutely hooked on finding out what happens next!
I loved that Emma was mid-sized and it was relevant and relatable without becoming some huge sticking point or fetish. She’s comfortable in her own skin but also bears the frustrations of existing in a space that expects women to be tiny.
Garrett was every bit the grumpy growly boss we love to see who is actually mostly a huge softy who has been secretly pining a bit.
The tension was great, they both had useful backstories that deeply informed their actions but didn’t bog down the story, and of course we got an excellent HEA.
I’d rate it probably a 1.5-2 on the spice scale, with the buildup being worth it.
Definitely excited to read more about the North brothers and see what else Zoey Ford has in store!
I loved that Emma was mid-sized and it was relevant and relatable without becoming some huge sticking point or fetish. She’s comfortable in her own skin but also bears the frustrations of existing in a space that expects women to be tiny.
Garrett was every bit the grumpy growly boss we love to see who is actually mostly a huge softy who has been secretly pining a bit.
The tension was great, they both had useful backstories that deeply informed their actions but didn’t bog down the story, and of course we got an excellent HEA.
I’d rate it probably a 1.5-2 on the spice scale, with the buildup being worth it.
Definitely excited to read more about the North brothers and see what else Zoey Ford has in store!
February 9, 2025
ARC Review
This is extremely well written for a debut novel !
I loved this from start to finish. This is everything a contemporary romance should be. There's depth to the characters, banter, laugh out loud moments, and of course spice. The spicy scenes are at a level 1.5/2 on a scale of 1 to 5 and written at the right moments. There is a happy ending and best of all it is NOT cheesy, which I find some romance books to be.
I can not wait to see what else Zoey comes up with and this should definitely be added to your TBR.
Release date is 2/12 and it's available on Kindle Unlimted 💕
This is extremely well written for a debut novel !
I loved this from start to finish. This is everything a contemporary romance should be. There's depth to the characters, banter, laugh out loud moments, and of course spice. The spicy scenes are at a level 1.5/2 on a scale of 1 to 5 and written at the right moments. There is a happy ending and best of all it is NOT cheesy, which I find some romance books to be.
I can not wait to see what else Zoey comes up with and this should definitely be added to your TBR.
Release date is 2/12 and it's available on Kindle Unlimted 💕
February 11, 2025
This story was so fun and such a different twist on grump/sunshine and workplace romance.
Emma's family and weight struggles as a women today were so realistic. Seeing her change through the story was done really well. And grump Garrett was so fun to read especially his inner dialogue back and forth with himself. I really enjoyed the different adventures they went on and how they tied to the story.
Thank you Zoey for an ARC!
Emma's family and weight struggles as a women today were so realistic. Seeing her change through the story was done really well. And grump Garrett was so fun to read especially his inner dialogue back and forth with himself. I really enjoyed the different adventures they went on and how they tied to the story.
Thank you Zoey for an ARC!
February 15, 2025
I received this as an ARC and voluntarily leaving this review.
For a debut author, this was PHENOMENAL. I only knocked a star off because I’m not a huge fan of the third act breakup. I could relate to Emma’s character immensely and how growing up “not conveniently skinny” with a conveniently skinny mom isn’t always easy. The inaccessibility to certain types of clothing, experiences, etc. is a hard one for sure. I appreciate the authors ability to accurately depict this.
Emma and Garrett had my heart from the very beginning. I loved the slow burn of this, the spice was not too overpowering and sprinkled in just enough at the right times.
I can’t wait to read more from this author
For a debut author, this was PHENOMENAL. I only knocked a star off because I’m not a huge fan of the third act breakup. I could relate to Emma’s character immensely and how growing up “not conveniently skinny” with a conveniently skinny mom isn’t always easy. The inaccessibility to certain types of clothing, experiences, etc. is a hard one for sure. I appreciate the authors ability to accurately depict this.
Emma and Garrett had my heart from the very beginning. I loved the slow burn of this, the spice was not too overpowering and sprinkled in just enough at the right times.
I can’t wait to read more from this author
February 15, 2025
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved this book! 5 stars! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! This books was such a fun quick read. It had me laughing out loud. I loved how it had the female character stepping out of her comfort zone to try things and realizing she loved them and how proud of herself she was over it. It had some great spice too! Love story, funny and adventure is this book! Read it you won’t be disappointed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
I loved it, this book had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet every few pages. Garrett and Emma were the perfect combo of grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers. I loved the curvy girl rep and totally was able to know how Emma felt about her body and Zoey did a great job working through those feelings. Garrett loving on Emma was just the sweetest. Thank you to Zoey for the ARC read! 🩷
I loved it, this book had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet every few pages. Garrett and Emma were the perfect combo of grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers. I loved the curvy girl rep and totally was able to know how Emma felt about her body and Zoey did a great job working through those feelings. Garrett loving on Emma was just the sweetest. Thank you to Zoey for the ARC read! 🩷
February 6, 2025
Stoppppppp. I LOVED this book.
I felt so seen as a plus size reader. I cried to my husband about it 😂
The story took off in the beginning and never really stopped. I loved the MCs and the pov switch. The writing was fun and I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.
I can't imagine being trapped for three weeks with my hellish boss in the middle of a camping road trip, but this put it in perspective 😂
I felt so seen as a plus size reader. I cried to my husband about it 😂
The story took off in the beginning and never really stopped. I loved the MCs and the pov switch. The writing was fun and I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.
I can't imagine being trapped for three weeks with my hellish boss in the middle of a camping road trip, but this put it in perspective 😂
February 5, 2025
Uncharted Territory - Zoey Ford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 I received this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you Zoey for the honor of letting me review your debut novel!
This book was so so so cute, a perfect rom-com. Emma was super relatable and Garrett was the perfect grump. It was such a light hearted read for me (despite some difficult topics) which is so needed for me from time to time. The slow burn was perfection and worth the wait for that tent scene 🔥🥵
I would totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute easy read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 I received this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you Zoey for the honor of letting me review your debut novel!
This book was so so so cute, a perfect rom-com. Emma was super relatable and Garrett was the perfect grump. It was such a light hearted read for me (despite some difficult topics) which is so needed for me from time to time. The slow burn was perfection and worth the wait for that tent scene 🔥🥵
I would totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute easy read!
February 20, 2025
✅ My thoughts:
LOL….what a work trip! Definitely a work trip that had me giggling and laughing. I do have to say…there are some serious issues in the story that had me teary eyed and sad.
Author Zoey Ford takes us on an unforgettable and epic adventure.
Office romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Slow burn/spice
Enemies-to-lovers
Banter
Epic adventure
Forever proximity
I am hoping this will become a series…….maybe get to see more of Ethan and Margot as well as more Zoey and Garrett.
All in all, a cozy, sweet read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
@shortbookthyme
#shortbookthyme
LOL….what a work trip! Definitely a work trip that had me giggling and laughing. I do have to say…there are some serious issues in the story that had me teary eyed and sad.
Author Zoey Ford takes us on an unforgettable and epic adventure.
Office romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Slow burn/spice
Enemies-to-lovers
Banter
Epic adventure
Forever proximity
I am hoping this will become a series…….maybe get to see more of Ethan and Margot as well as more Zoey and Garrett.
All in all, a cozy, sweet read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
@shortbookthyme
#shortbookthyme
February 7, 2025
I received this ARC copy, and this is my honest review.
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE LEVEL:🌶🌶
POV: multiple - his/ hers
TROUPE: Office romance, Plus Size Heroine, close proximity, enemies to lovers, romantic comedy
ENDING: no cliffhangers
🚹 CHARACTERS: Garrett
I really enjoyed the main male character and his journey of self-reflection, character development, and eventual willingness to change. Even though he was initially characterized as a grumpy boss, he came across as very personable. He wasn't malicious, nor did he offend the main female character.
🚺 CHARACTER: Emma
She was a very personable character, albeit with a touch of self-doubt, the origins of which were clear. However, she handled this admirably, demonstrating reasonableness and a refusal to be consumed by her insecurities. She knew her worth, even if she slightly underestimated it, something the main male character ultimately helped her to realize.
MY THOUGHTS 💭 :
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly the witty banter between the characters. I appreciated how their meaningful relationship developed alongside their shared adventure. The character development throughout the book was well-executed and rewarding.
While the tension and attraction between the characters were palpable and steadily built, I felt the "spice" element was somewhat lacking.
Garrett's character, in particular, seemed to have so much potential for engaging in playful, suggestive dialogue, which unfortunately wasn't fully realized until much later in the book.
This is perhaps why I rated it 2 out of 5 chili peppers; while his "dirty talk" was spot-on in the final quarter of the story, it arrived a bit late.
Despite this, the book was well-written and genuinely funny.
I have read many books of office romance troupe and this one was very refreshing.
As this is the author's first book ever, I'm eager to explore their other works. I especially hope there's a future book focusing on Garrett's brother.
DO I RECOMMEND ☕️ : It's a YES
MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE LEVEL:🌶🌶
POV: multiple - his/ hers
TROUPE: Office romance, Plus Size Heroine, close proximity, enemies to lovers, romantic comedy
ENDING: no cliffhangers
🚹 CHARACTERS: Garrett
I really enjoyed the main male character and his journey of self-reflection, character development, and eventual willingness to change. Even though he was initially characterized as a grumpy boss, he came across as very personable. He wasn't malicious, nor did he offend the main female character.
🚺 CHARACTER: Emma
She was a very personable character, albeit with a touch of self-doubt, the origins of which were clear. However, she handled this admirably, demonstrating reasonableness and a refusal to be consumed by her insecurities. She knew her worth, even if she slightly underestimated it, something the main male character ultimately helped her to realize.
MY THOUGHTS 💭 :
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly the witty banter between the characters. I appreciated how their meaningful relationship developed alongside their shared adventure. The character development throughout the book was well-executed and rewarding.
While the tension and attraction between the characters were palpable and steadily built, I felt the "spice" element was somewhat lacking.
Garrett's character, in particular, seemed to have so much potential for engaging in playful, suggestive dialogue, which unfortunately wasn't fully realized until much later in the book.
This is perhaps why I rated it 2 out of 5 chili peppers; while his "dirty talk" was spot-on in the final quarter of the story, it arrived a bit late.
Despite this, the book was well-written and genuinely funny.
I have read many books of office romance troupe and this one was very refreshing.
As this is the author's first book ever, I'm eager to explore their other works. I especially hope there's a future book focusing on Garrett's brother.
DO I RECOMMEND ☕️ : It's a YES
February 6, 2025
Zoey Ford’s debut novel gives a refreshing twist on workplace romance, following a grumpy boss and his determined assistant as they embark on a series of excursions to find partnerships for their company. 💚⛰️ Through these adventures, they uncover layers of each other's pasts, shaping their present connection and understanding of one another. I absolutely loved the slow burn, I think it was a perfect fit for these characters. Zoey Ford really captures the essence of a slow-burn, as the characters wrestle with their connection. I loved their push-and-pull dynamic, making their eventual surrender feel both earned and deeply satisfying. This tension and banter enhances their story but also keeps you fully engaged and eager to see how their story ends.
The book’s fast-paced opening immerses you in the story, and the developed backgrounds of both characters strengthen their dynamic as individuals and together. After their excursions, their story continues exploring their challenges returning to their everyday lives & back at work, showing their journey toward finding passion in both love and their careers.
Zoey Ford’s storytelling shines in its balance of character development, romance, and spice🥵🔥, making this a fantastic and engaging debut. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can not wait for what she writes next.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book’s fast-paced opening immerses you in the story, and the developed backgrounds of both characters strengthen their dynamic as individuals and together. After their excursions, their story continues exploring their challenges returning to their everyday lives & back at work, showing their journey toward finding passion in both love and their careers.
Zoey Ford’s storytelling shines in its balance of character development, romance, and spice🥵🔥, making this a fantastic and engaging debut. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can not wait for what she writes next.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2025
Had the wonderful opportunity to arc read this book!
It was my first romance book that is a bit more rom com ish and i really enjoyed it. I laughed every time Garrett got a new name. I loved that Emma was comfortable in her own skin and was unapologetically herself no matter what. I do wish we got to see them interact with their pets a bit more but that's just because i love animals!! I loved that this book is sort of a workplace romance but unlike the typical workplace romance a majority of this book takes place outdoors camping, hiking, biking, even spelunking!!
Garrett is the office grump (hes the boss). Emma is his new assistant. Their first time meeting left some tension between the two and almost a year later Emma is planning to quit. Garrett however has plans of his own, including dragging Emma with him on a business trip! What could possibly go wrong?? or right??
What to expect:
Grumpy boss/assistant
Enemies to lovers
Forced Proximity
Curvy female main character
One bed (tent)
Dual Pov
1st Person
It was my first romance book that is a bit more rom com ish and i really enjoyed it. I laughed every time Garrett got a new name. I loved that Emma was comfortable in her own skin and was unapologetically herself no matter what. I do wish we got to see them interact with their pets a bit more but that's just because i love animals!! I loved that this book is sort of a workplace romance but unlike the typical workplace romance a majority of this book takes place outdoors camping, hiking, biking, even spelunking!!
Garrett is the office grump (hes the boss). Emma is his new assistant. Their first time meeting left some tension between the two and almost a year later Emma is planning to quit. Garrett however has plans of his own, including dragging Emma with him on a business trip! What could possibly go wrong?? or right??
What to expect:
Grumpy boss/assistant
Enemies to lovers
Forced Proximity
Curvy female main character
One bed (tent)
Dual Pov
1st Person
February 8, 2025
Uncharted Territory by @zoeyfordauthor
Reveiw: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Laughs: 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
First off I’m so grateful to have been able to be an ARC reader for this book! It was everything. It had me giggling and crying, and truly dying with the tension!
If you love a good billionaire romance with a hilarious heroine, a grumpy CEO, and an adventure-filled enemies-to-lovers slow burn, Uncharted Territory is the perfect read!
Emma is an assistant counting down the days until she can quit working for Garrett North, the infuriating and broody CEO of an outfitter company. But when a business trip forces them into one wild excursion after another, tensions rise, hilarious lies are told, and close-contact situations start to shift their dynamic in ways neither of them expected.
This book had me laughing out loud—Emma’s humor is unmatched, and the banter between her and Garrett was top-tier. The slow-burn romance was so worth it, with both characters pushing past their walls, supporting each other’s dreams, and discovering love in the most unexpected places. Plus, let’s not forget the real scene-stealers: Ron and Purrnando!
If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts funny, heartwarming, and adventurous, Uncharted Territory is a must-read! 👏🏻
Reveiw: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Laughs: 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
First off I’m so grateful to have been able to be an ARC reader for this book! It was everything. It had me giggling and crying, and truly dying with the tension!
If you love a good billionaire romance with a hilarious heroine, a grumpy CEO, and an adventure-filled enemies-to-lovers slow burn, Uncharted Territory is the perfect read!
Emma is an assistant counting down the days until she can quit working for Garrett North, the infuriating and broody CEO of an outfitter company. But when a business trip forces them into one wild excursion after another, tensions rise, hilarious lies are told, and close-contact situations start to shift their dynamic in ways neither of them expected.
This book had me laughing out loud—Emma’s humor is unmatched, and the banter between her and Garrett was top-tier. The slow-burn romance was so worth it, with both characters pushing past their walls, supporting each other’s dreams, and discovering love in the most unexpected places. Plus, let’s not forget the real scene-stealers: Ron and Purrnando!
If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts funny, heartwarming, and adventurous, Uncharted Territory is a must-read! 👏🏻
February 5, 2025
This book was unbelievably cute!!! Definitely gives some great tension, grumpy-sunshine vibes, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and several “only one bed” moments. This story is dripping with sarcasm & banter, a lot of true laugh-out-loud moments, and characters that you instantly fall in love with and want the best for. As a curvy girl myself, I instantly related to the struggles this FMC had not only with her self-image and confidence, but also in the way her mind has been trained by society to think that others are instantly judging her solely off her weight. Which, granted, unfortunately is sometimes the case. But when it comes to Garrett, that assumption caused a lot of unnecessary drama from day 1 of their relationship. But it’s a sad truth of what girls that struggle with weight deal with. And can we talk about Garrett for a minute? I mean, yummmy! He’s such a sweetheart underneath the grumpy exterior. And I just really feel for the guy in how much he cares for others and takes their burdens upon himself. Heart of gold, that one. Loved this story top to bottom. Was a fast, fun, heartwarming read. Zoey — I really hope there’s plans for a second book with Margot and Ethan getting together?!?
February 14, 2025
Title: Uncharted Territory
Author: Zoey Ford
Rating: 5 Stars
Spice: 3
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my review
Review: This rom com was such a good read. This book has a little bit of everything for everyone. As a Plus Size woman I want to thank Zoey Ford for giving plus size women a voice. This books deals with some of the struggles that plus size women face and I think that it will change some peoples perspectives.
Emma is a sassy assistant who despises her jerk boss and can't wait to quit. Garrett is a smoking hot rich boss who owns his own Outdoor Equipment business that keeps his assistant at a distance. They both go on a work trip for 3 weeks together and their true feelings come out. This book has the perfect amount of spice. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Well done Zoey!
Author: Zoey Ford
Rating: 5 Stars
Spice: 3
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my review
Review: This rom com was such a good read. This book has a little bit of everything for everyone. As a Plus Size woman I want to thank Zoey Ford for giving plus size women a voice. This books deals with some of the struggles that plus size women face and I think that it will change some peoples perspectives.
Emma is a sassy assistant who despises her jerk boss and can't wait to quit. Garrett is a smoking hot rich boss who owns his own Outdoor Equipment business that keeps his assistant at a distance. They both go on a work trip for 3 weeks together and their true feelings come out. This book has the perfect amount of spice. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Well done Zoey!
April 30, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. 4 stars for a romance book is pretty much 5 stars. (I’m a VERY tough rater)
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I started it at random while sitting on the beach. It had a great story line. I loved the FMC and mmc, it was an easy going read. I honestly wanted it to be even longer because I wasn’t ready for the story to end but am very excited for what I’m hoping will be the next book, as per the little info drops throughout the story.
I appreciated that it was an intense slow burn 🔥 soo much.
Such a good, cute, easy to read and fun debut novel from this author.
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I started it at random while sitting on the beach. It had a great story line. I loved the FMC and mmc, it was an easy going read. I honestly wanted it to be even longer because I wasn’t ready for the story to end but am very excited for what I’m hoping will be the next book, as per the little info drops throughout the story.
I appreciated that it was an intense slow burn 🔥 soo much.
Such a good, cute, easy to read and fun debut novel from this author.
February 7, 2025
This was a super cute book. A fast read and left me excited to hope for a sequel in which more of the characters come to life!
The premise involves Garrett (office grump) and, well, the founder of True North Outfitters.
And our heroine is Emma his assistant who also finds her herself counting down the minutes until she doesn't have to work for Garrett anymore.
Unfortunately, for her, she finds out she has to take a work trip with him that leads to three weeks on the road with him, forced proximity, and...one bed.
I love a good romance and this one didn't disappoint. There's definitely enough spice to keep it interesting and the story was fun! Plus, if you like the outdoors and hiking, it brings those interests front and center.
**I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The premise involves Garrett (office grump) and, well, the founder of True North Outfitters.
And our heroine is Emma his assistant who also finds her herself counting down the minutes until she doesn't have to work for Garrett anymore.
Unfortunately, for her, she finds out she has to take a work trip with him that leads to three weeks on the road with him, forced proximity, and...one bed.
I love a good romance and this one didn't disappoint. There's definitely enough spice to keep it interesting and the story was fun! Plus, if you like the outdoors and hiking, it brings those interests front and center.
**I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2025
✨ARC Book Review ✨
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
📌 Enemies to lovers
📌 Forced proximity
📌 Office romance
My first ARC and what a fresh surprise! Zoey Ford’s debut book, Uncharted Territory, is a fun book for any outdoor lover.
Our main characters are Emma, a curvy fashion lover stuck as an assistant to the grumpy CEO of an outdoor outfitter, and Garrett North, said CEO.
They go on an untimely work trip to scout out some potential partnerships & learn not only more about themselves, but about each other.
It’s a cute story with some great banter & wit throughout. Felt like a slow burn where you know it’s coming & you can’t look away! The spice was good and it was a great book to read for the weekend.
Highly recommend giving this a read when it comes out on February 12th! 🏕️
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
📌 Enemies to lovers
📌 Forced proximity
📌 Office romance
My first ARC and what a fresh surprise! Zoey Ford’s debut book, Uncharted Territory, is a fun book for any outdoor lover.
Our main characters are Emma, a curvy fashion lover stuck as an assistant to the grumpy CEO of an outdoor outfitter, and Garrett North, said CEO.
They go on an untimely work trip to scout out some potential partnerships & learn not only more about themselves, but about each other.
It’s a cute story with some great banter & wit throughout. Felt like a slow burn where you know it’s coming & you can’t look away! The spice was good and it was a great book to read for the weekend.
Highly recommend giving this a read when it comes out on February 12th! 🏕️
February 22, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I could not put this book down!! Garrett was such an ass sometimes but getting to watch his ice heart thaw and admit he has been attracted to Emma since day 1 is all I ever needed. The banter was SO GOOD. It had me giggling the whole way. I love that Emma was such a confident woman and can put up with Garrett's nonsense. Also, the cookies!! 🥹 brb cryingggg and Purrnando and Ron are so full of personality.
Ugh I literally CANNOT WAIT for Ethan and Margot's story.
Zoey, you did a PHENOMENAL job on this novel😭 I promise if you keep writing, I will keep reading girl❤️
Ugh I literally CANNOT WAIT for Ethan and Margot's story.
Zoey, you did a PHENOMENAL job on this novel😭 I promise if you keep writing, I will keep reading girl❤️
February 5, 2025
As a lover of the grumpy billionaire boss, this hit ALL the right places. Emma as the assistant and Garrett (my new favorite BBF) as her boss. Misunderstandings leading them on a journey both through their personal and work lives. Does Emma hate her boss? Absolutely! Does something change her mind? Guess you will have to read and find out!
My favorite is the banter. Nothing like a great argument or bickering back and forth to build the tense. So many emotions backed in this story and the character’s part history will keep the pages turning!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
My favorite is the banter. Nothing like a great argument or bickering back and forth to build the tense. So many emotions backed in this story and the character’s part history will keep the pages turning!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
February 6, 2025
This book had me both laughing and swooning in equal measure! Move over *The Hating Game*, *Uncharted Territory* is here to steal the spotlight with its banter and laugh-out-loud moments. Emma is absolutely hilarious, and Garret's growth throughout the story is truly something to behold. Make sure you have a tissue handy—it's not the sad tears you'll be wiping away, but the tears of laughter!
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