It's a Work Thing

by Michelle Karise

Garrett
They call me the King of Dynex, architect of the company’s crown jewel: the world’s largest scientific website. Half the company loves me, the other can’t stand me—when you’ve got your sights set on bigger things, it comes with the territory. Bonus: My ice-cold reputation hides my broken heart.

If Dynex pulls off its upcoming public offering, my best friend and I will be swimming in corporate stock, free to launch our own company. Now more than ever, I need to be focused. I don’t need a distraction like Jasmine Carmichael, a gorgeous consultant with honey-almond skin and a killer smile.

Jasmine
Ever had any luck with dating apps? No? Girl, same. I don’t play games. One, my travel schedule as a consultant doesn’t allow it. And two, at the first hint I’m an old-fashioned girl in search of romance, I’m ghosted.

I shouldn’t be attracted to six-three of citrine-eyed, muscular, urban sophistication like Garrett Hamilton. He’s a client, and clients are definitely out of my dating pool. But something about him makes me want to ignore the rules and roll the dice.

I should have remembered corporate games never end well—especially when you gamble with your heart.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

252 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2020

About the author

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Michelle Karise is a type-A romance author of stories featuring black female leads and the men who love them. She spends her days organizing, planning, and executing corporate initiatives. When she’s done with her workday, she spends her evenings crafting titillating tales of infatuation, passion, and pleasure. Michelle makes her home in Missouri with her overprotective dog, Rooney.

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, happy day! This book, this fantastic little book, was able to break me out of my reading slump. I went a week... A WEEK, where I constantly started and stopped every book in my to-read pile, I just couldn't commit. Next thing I know, I'm up half the night trying to finish this one, because WOW it was great.

A few main points I'd like to touch on:

Finally... FIN A LLY a book where the main heroine isn't described as having "platinum blonde hair and striking sapphire blue eyes" or "fiery red hair and sparkling emerald eyes." Sorry, but I think I know a total of three gingers in my entire life. Not everyone in romance novels can be some sort of "exotic" creature, I appreciate the characters in this book for being more than just a trophy to look at.
Oh my gosh, and the main character (Halleluiah) isn't a total ditz. I know right? WHAAAT? A main character that's smart, and behaves like it? Woah. Both Jasmine, the main heroine, and Garrett, the male lead are both intelligent, good looking and make conscious, smart decisions. I am in love. Lately, it's been a struggle to find books that have progressive, intelligent characters, a good plot to carry the reader through the book, AND a well-executed dual perspective.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of books out there that do this well, but there's a lot that don't. For a fairly new author, I had my doubts, but she exceeded well beyond my expectations with this one.

It was something different, but familiar at the same time. Common "romance" tropes- office romance, broken hearts, conflict and tension... but mix all that together, add in some intelligence, equality between romance partners and a few unexpected plot twists- *mwah* brilliant.

So thankful to have won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I look forward to reading more books by this author, I absolutely adore her writing style. And she's right- a reader is an author's best friend, good thing I always have room for one more.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that Michelle Karise is a bit on the new side herself, but that doesn't change the fact that It's A Work Thing was my first book by her which means she's new to me at this time! I'm saying that because I already LOVE her writing and am already chomping at the bit for more. There's a ton of push & pull between Garrett the hero, and Jasmine the heroine, making all kinds of complications for both of them. Then there's the conflict with everyone & everything else in this story which kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through trying to turn the pages quicker than humanly possible. It also makes for some f-bomb worthy twists as my heart raced so I'm glad that I didn't start it before bedtime because I would have been up until I finished this amazing story. And that's all from me because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, so hit those one click buttons ASAP to experience all this addictive goodness for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have an ARC gifted to me.

While I enjoyed 'Kandi's Crush' and found it a solid debut for a new author, I really enjoyed Ms. Karise's sophmoric offering: 'It's a Work Thing.'

What was different with IaWT? Conflict .. and lots of it. There was conflict between the Hero, Garrett, and the Heroine, Jasmine. There was conflict between co-workers at Dynex. There was conflict with Dynex of the business variety. And what does all the conflict result in? A very enjoyable read.

I'm not going to give away spoilers, so pick up a copy and read it for yourself. If you like a strong male lead, an intelligent female lead, and conflict that develops from an attraction they try to deny ... then you'll probably like it too.

Lastly, I'm hoping that the BFF's of the leads in this novel, Lilah and Hunter, will have their story told in her third novel.

[Tay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jasmine is an engagement manager for a project to help Garrett company. He is the VP of his department His Boxx Nic places him in a difficult position. The twist and turns were enjoyable. The book was steamy and enjoyable. The ending was great but it was easily guessed I received this book for free in exchange for honest reviews

[AC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was the first book o read by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more. Her pacing and story telling was amazing. I look forward to reading more stories.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story of Garrett and Jasmine. They are both strong, intelligent characters and can hold their own! I love that they were equals. A plot twist towards the end threw me for a loop, as I did not pick up on it the entire book! Great character development, great steam when it was called for, great plot altogether! Definitely recommend this one!

[Marsha Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I enjoyed reading about characters who are powerful and having one another back. Romance was good to read during COVID. I don’t like to give spoilers but one part I would have wanted strength shown in a situation. It’s a good book when I get mad at characters 😳. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Simone Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I always love a strong heroine. Felt like Jasmine was one of my girlfriends. I like how their love developed so naturally, it pulled me in right from the start.

[Rebecca Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who worked in corporate America for over a decade, I was really excited to read what looked to be a sexy workplace romance--and I wasn't disappointed! Garrett and Jasmine are both wonderfully fleshed out characters whom I rooted for immediately. Their relationship grows at the perfect pace, and I love that Garrett really focused on ensuring he was building something with Jasmine and not just falling into one night stand territory. The steamy scenes are HOT and the ending has a great twist before the HEA. Romance readers will love this one! Happy reading!

[shadiedaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett Hamilton is considered the “King of Dynex” the tech science company headquartered in Chicago. He has worked long and hard hours to get Dynex to where it is now, which is going public. He has definite plans for himself that do not include Dynex. However, life has other plans for him as well.

Jasmine Carmicheal is a consultant for ER Wallace and travels the world helping companies get their systems ready for whatever the next step the company wants to take. She is vying for a partnership with the agency and Dynex will be her last stop. Will this Southern Belle bow down to the will of the King of Dynex or will he be forced to abdicate his thrown to her?

This the first novel I have read by this author. This is the second novel by this author. I chose this novel because of the cover and the blurb grabbed my attention. I am a novel dialogue girl and I loved the dialogue in this book! I loved the sweet raunchiness of Delilah and the back and forth between Garrett and Jasmine. Jasmine was presented as a smart, sweet, all-American southern belle that could take as good as she got. Garrett was the all-American guy that was always walking on the edge of what is acceptable. He is a definite risk-taker which contrasted nicely with Jasmine’s “playing it safe” personality. I also liked the secondary characters of Hunter and Delilah and the instigation they added to Jasmine and Garrett’s budding relationship. I enjoyed that much of the internal conflict was separate, yet the external conflict hit both although the main target was Garrett. There was a lot of technical and business stuff going on that I did not fully grasp, but it did not take away from the main storyline. The novel ended on a HEA. I do want to read about Hunger and Delilah, but I do not think they will get a novel of their own. Overall this novel was smoking hot due to the steamy flirtatious dialogue.

[Femke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise. I mainly chose it for the pretty cover and because I wanted to read something light, but I ended up really liking it. The main characters are both strong and no-nonsense. It’s also very well written, which is (in my opinion) unusual for the genre. The people are also very real, as is the setting. The characters didn’t fall flat, but were nuanced. Their work for example was really important to them and wasn’t just shoved aside. The same counts for Jasmines family. They were both also very much their own character and weren’t dependent of each other.

Sure I would like the bond between the main characters and their best friends a little more fleshed out, but within this genre I was pretty okay with it. I liked that the couple was very much equal to each other and I liked the communication in general. There was some miscommunication that slightly annoyed me, but still, I could see that happen in real life. For example: Hunter (Garretts best friend) knew very late that Garrett had a relationship with Nic and the same happened with Jasmine. But the guys talked it out very fast and at least Hunter didn’t find out from someone else. Garrett also tells Jasmine himself and I understand that that isn’t something you mention right of the bat.

Of course, there were some things I could’ve lived without, like the keeping of the panties (never understood that), but there were much more good elements to the story that balanced that out. The “cast” (I don’t know how you call it in books) was diverse. There was a dual perspective. AND there was a Game of Thrones reference. What more can I say?

Special thanks to NetGalley for sharing this ARC with me in exchange my honest review.

[Marlou Klijn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh this was bad... I read 18% if this book and I had to DNF it. I don't even know how I managed to read 18% of this disaster.

Writing style: There is no flow to be found. The writing is very 'she said, he said, she did, he did' and it has a lot of business talk in it and barely anything else. If I wanted to read about scientific and tech busines operations I'd pick up an information book, this is supposed to be romance.

Characters: I can't even remember their names and I literally just put the book down...

Story: When I read the synopsis I thought I'd be reading a hot office romance where they have to sneak around so people won't find out the consultant (? I think that's what the female romantic interest is) is screwing the client. Then I started the book and I thought I might get a enemies to lovers romance. I was wrong, oh so wrong. All I got was business talk and flat characters and just not storyline at all.

This book was one of the worst I have picked up this year. A definite DNF for me, so it gets one star.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love workplace romances, and Michelle has a great one. Garret is head of technology and his company, Dynex is preparing to go public. Jasimine and her team are brought in to Chicago to make sure Dynex is prepared for the IPO. Both are great at their job and are laser focused on work, and they appear to be more enemies than partners w/the same goal. In their attempt to try and play nice while working together, the chemistry between them becomes more difficult to fight. Until they no longer fight it. But that holds a set of issues both in and out of the boardroom.

I liked the dynamic between Garrett and Jasmine. Their attraction is obvious, but they both know there are risks that come with them getting together. The forces both for and against them are pretty strong, and their personal goals also have an interest. There are some twists in this story, and I think they play very well with the personalities of everyone. Yes, there's an HEA, but the story that gets them there is rather enjoyable. And quite hot!

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The office romance centers on the relationship between Garrett and Jasmine. I love a good IR romance especially when it doesn't focus on stereotypes. There was no damsel in distress looking for the rich billionaire to come and save the day. I appreciated that both characters were written as successful and intelligent.
While I was not immediately engaged until more than halfway into the story, I think the characters were well developed. The plot was a solid one. The pace was slow for me in the beginning and it was difficult to make a connection with the characters. There was a bit of mystery, which added a nice layer to the romance. I think if you enjoy contemporary romance, you will enjoy this book. 3.5

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this ARC by the author for an honest review. This is my first experience with this author and I wasn't sure what to expect. I found the first part of the book slow but persevered and was delighted when the story came together with romance, passion and intrigue. The two main characters Garrett and Jasmine were very well suited, both had strong personalities and work ethics. They understood each other emotionally and physically as well as supported each other when needed. This was an easy read, sweet romance story that was very well written. I'm giving it a strong 3.5 rating.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

But it failed to grasp my attention. Both the hero and heroine started out strong but then fell short. In the end Lilah was the real heroine. I found it frustrating that Garrett would leave more than 200 thousand dollars on the table. After being in the company for so long and basically owning the systems, I would have hoped that he knew how to protect himself and where the bodies where buried. Basically walking away and letting Nic “win” didn’t feel right to me. As for Jasmine, she supposed to be this super hacker but again she couldn’t find a way? Even before that, knowing how unethical Nick was, I surprised she let her guard down and didn’t foresee the ambush after Nic all but told her that she was going to run her over. I also didn’t like that she just took the money after they fired her for no reason. She should have at least negotiated more money. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett and Jasmine are set to work together on Garrett's pet project. From the start sparks are flying but not of the good kind. As soon as Jasmine and her colleague Lilah start to get to grips with the project there is foul play- Sabotage. Garrett and Jasmine soon realise they have to work together to not only save the project but also their jobs. Life at Dynex is not all that it seems. A very good story and very well written. There is mystery and intrigue too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow. I’m so impressed with this book! Not only was her terms business terms correct (I have an accounting background so I tend to be critical about things like that) but it was a very riveting story. The characters fit and were cute together. The ending was kinda abrupt for me, meaning it seemed like it jumped straight to the epilogue without the typical natural flow I see in most novels. HOWEVER, the epilogue was spectacular and closed up a lot of plot points. Def recommend. Also loved her tongue in cheek references to the pandemic.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started off good enough when Garrett met Colette in the beginning of the book. I was surprised they even broke up. Still I like a good forbidden office romance but this one didn't quite hit the spot for me. I didn't quite feel the chemistry between them. I liked that he was honest with her about devious Nic and her blackmail plans though and I especially liked their friends Lilah and Hunter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your characters strong, smart, independent, gorgeous and with a heart this is the book for you. Both Jasmine and Garrett are successful, powerful with a great career and neither one of them have plans to settle down or fall in love. The story line has quite a few twists and suspenseful moments mixed with human emotions, insecurities and horrible bosses. Great must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story started off a bit slow for me and I had a hard time keeping my attention to the plot until about half way through. From that point, I was hooked and didn’t move until I finished. The author created strong characters within a corporate world, filled with sabotage and harassment. I look forward to new works from this author.

[Erika BK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great!! I loved Garrett and Jasmine, but my favorite was Lilah!
It had a great twist and gave me a hea which is always nice.
The characters were well developed and the story had it all from drama to have you on the edge of your seat angst!
The chemistry and sexy scenes between Garrett and Jasmine were soooo good!!
Once again the author did not disappoint!!

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent. So well-written, you felt the hesitation that Jasmine had and the pain and embarrassment Garrett had over his previous relationship. I had an idea of what Nic’s hang up was and I was right. So glad I took a chance on this author. Great first read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STAR ROMANCE!

The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.

The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Janice Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truly lovely

Garrett and Jasmine story was a page turner once I started reading I could not put it down. Am glad he came clean and she forgave him glad they made it. Glad karma game around and pay Nic and Jeff back. Happy ending a really great read.

[M H · Rating 4 out of 5]

 Corporate twists

The first half of the book felt too slow for some reason. The second half of the book picked up speed and excitement. Unexpected twistsand turns take over. It was exciting.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.

[Peace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what everyone else read but IMO the plot dragggggged. I’m being very generous with 3 stars because after a hundred years (that’s what it felt like) Jasmine and Garrett finally got their HEA.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart and funny novel from a new writer. I liked the chemistry between Jasmine and Garrett. The storyline was realistic and smartly done.

Keep up the good work.

[zen_s]

[did not finish] didnt connect with the book after 3 chapters.

[lori Updike · Rating 5 out of 5]

great character great twist and turns great drama and twists