Accidentally Viral: A Secret CEO, Workplace Romance

by Carolyn Hawkins

Accidentally Viral is a secret identity, workplace contemporary romance where he falls first, but she posts last.

Emma McCoy hates her job almost as much as she loves roasting corporate life online. So when a charming stranger at an Austin wine bar distracts her from another soul-sucking day in IT, she says yes to one spontaneous date and accidentally kicks off the best weekend of her life.

Michael Bass is drowning under the pressure of inheriting his father’s billion-dollar company. The expectations, the scrutiny, the legacy, it's all enough to crush him. But Emma doesn't know his last name, doesn't care about his money, and for the first time in years, Michael gets to just be a man, not the CEO or Ian Bass’s son.

One unforgettable weekend turns into late-night music, sharp banter, and chemistry that feels dangerously real. By Monday morning, they both believe this could be something more.

But the universe has a wicked sense of humor. When an impulsive decision made by a certain CEO throws Emma's life into a tailspin, she'll have to decide if she can trust a man who represents everything she claims to hate. And Michael has to prove that what they found wasn’t just a weekend escape, but something worth risking his reputation, his legacy, and his carefully controlled life for.

Because sometimes the person who understands you best is the one who can hurt you the most.

Tropes:
- Workplace Romance
- Opposites Attract
- Hidden Identity
- Mutual Pining
- Dating in Secret

Genres: Romance, Spicy Romance, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance

Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2026

About the author

A lifelong reader and writer, Carolyn Hawkins brings you a debut novel with lots of laughs, spice, and, of course, a happily ever after.

Armed with a BS in Journalism & Literature, Carolyn spent years hustling through corporate America before burnout nudged her back to the dream she’d put on pause. Now she writes the kind of swoony romances she loved as a reader.

When she’s not drafting meet-cutes or daydreaming about fictional men, she can usually be found spending time with friends, watching college football or F1 with her husband and trying to convince him that rescuing one more four-legged creature is a very good idea.

Reviews

[Shannon Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars: This book was very face paced and really good overall! I loved how it was set in Austin and since I am living here now it was fun to see the little details on Austin in the book. Emma and Michael fell hard and fast for each other, I liked how Emma got Michael to open up more and Michael got Emma to stand up for herself. I would definitely recommend this book to others for a quick read and especially if you live or have lived in Austin!

[April K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an avid romance reader - with favorite authors, genres, and tropes. And while this book is from a brand new author, you'd never know! This book can easily be added to anyone's TBR list, to a romance recommendation table at a bookstore, and to some fun reels from all of our favorite book accounts on the socials! Great FMC - loved her story, loved her sass, loved her vulnerability. Perfect MMC - with swoon worthy lines, super likable personality, and the ability to learn and change when necessary. Growth from both - we love to see it! 👏🏻
I was reading this book while getting steps in and it was so easy to keep walking and reading because I was SO into the storyline! I did, however, need to sit down for those spicy scenes. They were VERY good! 🌶️🌶️
I loved the dialog between characters in this book, as well as the inner monologues for the main characters. I also loved that when texting, emojis were used. Fun to see in a book!
Some fun references to current times, as well as some really funny quips! I definitely laughed out loud a few times!
The book ended but I needed more - not because the story felt incomplete, but because I am interested in this being a series!
Congratulations on your first book, Carolyn! Can't wait for the next!

[Bridget Gigliotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! It was incredibly well written and hooked me from the very first page. If I hadn’t known this was a debut author, I never would have guessed — the writing felt so polished and confident. I can’t wait to read more from her!

[Nicole Reads & Reps · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second Carolyn Hawkins started talking about Accidentally Viral, I KNEW I was about to have a good time. Then I filled out her hilariously unhinged (in the best way) Google form to be part of her reader team and thought, “Oh yeah. This book is about to hit.”

And let me tell you… it absolutely did.

I genuinely cannot find a single plot hole. The plot? Plotting. Every thread felt intentional. Every moment moved the story forward. Nothing felt lazy or thrown in for drama. It was tight, smart, and ridiculously fun.

And the spice? ELITE. 🌶️
Not just thrown in for shock value — it made sense. It enhanced the story. It matched the emotional build. The chemistry between these two was electric, but what I loved most was that their connection actually grew. Yes, things happened quickly… but it felt natural. Organic. Earned.

You know when a book just feels like the author knew exactly what she was doing the entire time? That’s this one.

Fun, sharp, spicy, zero plot holes, and a romance that had me grinning like an idiot. I had high expectations going in… and somehow they were still exceeded.

If you’re thinking about reading this? Just do it.

[Sharril · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! She's sassy, he's focused. Emma and Michael bring out the best in each other. It was hard to tear myself away from their chemistry. They want the best for each other, yet have their own amazing people to help them realize they don't have to sacrifice everything to be together.

[Jaclyn Collentro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this book up! The FMC, Emma is hilarious, relatable and sort of a grumpy book girlfriend in the beginning which was fun. Michael was the ideal book boyfriend, if you ask me. So much character growth in one book. The fact that the reader knew what was coming made me so antsy to see how this all turned out. The love letter to Austin that is this book made me want to go back after living there so bad! I read this book in a week and a half and as a mom that has never happened before. The humor, the spice, the characters were all chefs kiss! So long as Carolyn Hawkins is writing books, I’ll be reading them!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful debut was so much fun to read! Our two star-crossed lovers, Emma and Michael had me swooning and rooting for them throughout a rollercoaster of laughter, frustration, and giddiness. I enjoyed being along for the ride as they navigated the complexities of coming from very different backgrounds and the juxtaposition of their own family dynamics to help each other grow and overcome flaws.

I was so entertained with plenty of laugh out loud moments, interesting side characters,and relatable workplace drama and I loved the creative social media element. The setting alone was enough to suck me in from the start, with the quirky Austin-ness of it all. I felt like I was getting a tour of the coolest city throughout the whole novel.

Funny, sweet, and spicy- it was a great read. Can’t wait to see what’s next from this author!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book to get lost in! The humor landed and the spice was just right. Michael and Emma are both really lovable and really felt real to me. The setting being in Austin is so fun too! I flew through this one and already want more.😍

[browsing.the.bookstacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, smart and funny, Accidentally Viral had me hooked from the very first page! Michael and Emma are so loveable, I was rooting for them all the way. I absolutely devoured this book and can't wait to see what comes next for these spicy Austinites!

[Heather (Batcitybookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun, and I can’t believe it’s a debut novel!

There are a few things that are really important to me in a contemporary romance:

1. Characters that are generally emotionally mature, but still have believable flaws they have to overcome - ✅
2. Dialogue must feel real and not forced or stilted - ✅
3. If there is spice (and oh boy is there), the less “good girls” the better and if it’s not really well written I’m skimming - ✅
4. I need the story to be a little absurd, but not completely unrealistic - ✅

I cannot wait to read whatever Hawkins puts out next!

Huge thanks to the author for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!

[Kristina McLaren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from Author.

I blew through this in one day! From feeling like Ava and Emma could be my girlfriends to the tingles at the first meetup between Emma and Michael, I enjoyed the characters, the dialogue, and the setting in Austin from the start. Typically in romance novels I have to roll my eyes at some plot points or discourse for the sake of romance, but that did not happen in Accidentally Viral. A spicy scene was so good I momentarily forgot about the foreshadowing that had just happened in the chapter prior!

Hard to believe this is the author's debut novel. I look forward to next one, and kinda hope big brother Evan gets the spotlight ❤️

[Elissa Isham · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book from a debut author! Accidentally Viral was a romcom that focused on the crazy world of social media fame and CEO status.

Emma and Michael met and had a great weekend together, not realizing who the other actually was. I loved their relationship and how they brought out the best in each other. Their chemistry was off the charts and the banter was great.

Thank you to Carolyn Hawkins for providing me with this advanced reader copy. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Jennifer Sowinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author, Emily Henry Vibe with much more spice but a fun beach read for sure or Spring Break with the girls. Love the Austin setting since I’ve been there a lot and a very quick read that kept me hooked. Definitely a younger girl book if you like spice! This would be a great Netflix movie also! Can’t wait to see where the story goes Carolyn.

[Sarah Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! Stayed up all night to finish it! Loved the nods to Austin!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Carolyn spent time building these characters, making them feel like my friends. I was sad to finish the book and leave them behind. This book had me laughing out loud and left me wanting more, what more could you ask for?!

[Amber Lukens · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell the author loves the location as well as the characters. I enjoyed this book so much, it is full
of witty banter between all the characters. I love Emma, as someone who grew up in this area it is so refreshing to read about a character that is local to where I lived for so long. She talks like a local, she has the same feelings that a lot of locals have regarding their beloved Austin. I loved reading about the local hotspots and events that are actually part of the area. The book has a spicy rom-com feel, with some hidden identity and opposites attract themes thrown in. Two people from completely different backgrounds, meet and find themselves drawn to the other even though they are complete opposites. Emma is a strong independent woman that has a difficult time in relationships and Michael is exactly what she needs. Michael has grown up without many choices and Emma teaches him to look for things he never realized he wanted. Following their journey together as they find themselves and each other is enchanting. Will they resolve their differences or let them get in the way... it's an amazing read.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah I love rom-coms because they’re super easy and offer a nice break from reality. That being said, Accidentally Viral was a perfect escape! I had the pages turning so quickly as I fell in love with the characters and their personalities. I love love love that the story is told from both perspectives and the character development was spot on! I’ve never personally been to Austin but I could totally tell the story was written by a true local and even though I’ll never be an “Austinite,” this backdrop definitely has me planning a visit!

One of my favorite things about the storyline was that the arc was different than the recent romance novels I’ve read. It was super refreshing, as was all of the quippy banter. And let’s not forget all of the spicy scenes🔥🔥🔥! The author did not hold back and I had to keep looking over my shoulder! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🤤
Well done Carolyn Hawkins! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Kaylyn Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the main character and that she was unapologetically herself. I don’t know if some of the things that happened I could’ve gotten past, but I respect that they were able to move past it. Absolutely swoon worthy male main character. I wish all COEs were relatable and enjoyed things other than money 😂

As some constructive feedback it felt fast (and maybe it was supposed to). I also feel like we got too much on the side characters for such a fast romance but also maybe not enough? I’m not sure but I hope we hear more about the brother and Ava and Garrett’s storyline in a future book.

A quick fun read that felt like it could happen in real life but also just enough fairytale for it to be a place to escape to!

[Rachel Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidentally Viral is a stellar first book from my new favorite author! The story sucks you in from the very beginning and gives you all the feels throughout. I’m talking about giddiness, anticipation, lust, angst, frustration, and excitement just to name a few. The FMC has uncertainty and a dorky clumsiness that I found super relatable myself.

I also love it when a book engages you in a way that’s not only about the characters, but about places, a vibe or soundtrack. With this book I find myself wanting to take a tour of the various places mentioned. Like I just want to try the bread at the wine bar and see the bats at the bridge.

[Laura Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidentally Viral starts off sweet and charming, then wastes no time turning up the heat — and I mean heat. What begins as a playful meet-cute quickly evolves into a deliciously spicy romance packed with believable friendships, sharp banter, and scenes that absolutely sizzle.

There are also a couple twists I genuinely didn’t see coming, but the author plants just enough breadcrumbs along the way that everything feels earned and satisfying without ever spelling out the ending.

I was impressed by how polished and confident the writing feels for a debut. If this is book one, I’m already counting down to the next.

[Allie Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you love a book when you binge it in just a few days. This was SUCH a fun, spicy rom-com & so easy to escape into. I ate up every character, the friends & family were just as entertaining as the leads.

The banter between the main characters had me actually laughing out loud, & most of the time I was kicking my feet & giggling. Michael is the ultimate swoon-worthy book boyfriend, & Emma is sassy, funny, & instantly lovable.

Perfectly set up for a series… 😉 I’m more than ready for the next Carolyn Hawkins book!

[Krislyn Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this book was adorable and such a fun time! The main character is hilarious and the spice in this is🥵. I usually shy away from the spicy genre due to the dialogue but Carolyn nails it in this. Not over the top, not too cheesy. Just perfect. The end had me giggling and kicking my feet in the air. I can’t wait to see what Carolyn does next with these characters. So much wit and clever dialogue. We.Need.More🙌🏼

[Jessica B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut novel that completely drew me in from the beginning. SPICY and hilarious that had me LOL. I enjoyed the character buildup of Emma and Michael, and talk about plenty of moments that will make you blush. As a native Austinite, I loved that Austin was its own character and even felt seen at the mention of cedar fever. Ha! I enjoyed this book immensely and it was exactly what I needed to immerse myself in. Now I'm really hoping Book 2 will give us more Nate!

[Emily Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun I couldn’t put it down! It’s a pretty easy read, definitely beach read vibes. But the author really made me connect with the characters in the short amount of time she had. I was totally invested in Michael and Emma and couldn’t put it down until I found out how their relationship turned out. I’m excited to see what’s next for some of the other characters 👀

[Cami Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely could not put this book down - I devoured it in one day. It hooked me in quickly and kept me interested for the entire story. I found myself incredibly invested in the lives of the two main characters. Carrie does such a good job of balancing fun, spice, intrigue, and heartfelt moments.

[Brianna Karas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The plot is one I haven’t seen many times before and very relevant to life these days. Michael is one of my favorite book boyfriends. I love that there are so many cool references to Austin, it makes me want to visit again and see all the sights mentioned. The witty banter and internal dialogue is hilarious and so relatable. Can’t wait for Nate’s book.

[Jessica Jefferies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!!

Accidentally Viral had me on an emotional roller coaster. I love the banter between Emma and Michael. The side characters were amazing. Finishing this book leaves me wanting to read more about all the characters! Actually, I have to go now because I need to reread it again. You should definitely pick it up!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! It provides a sizzling escape from reality while somehow providing ties back to real life without effort. Love the Austin setting; it's a great city.
In a world of "Karens"... Be an Emma ;)

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book from a new author! There’s so much fun banter, spicy scenes packed with emotion, and fun side characters that I can’t wait to see where Carrie takes them!! I loved this story and it was fun seeing all the Austin moments scattered throughout. ❤️🙌

[Jennifer Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If my life had allowed it, I would have read this one straight through! Such a fun and hot romance with amazing characters. Austin, TX is definitely added to my “need to visit list” after reading Hawkins’ debut novel. Hopefully I’ll get to bring along her next novel to read on that trip.