Is there any actual proof that mixing business and pleasure is a bad idea? Asking for a friend…
LAIA
CEO Devon Griffin has a reputation—and it’s not good. I’ve heard all the rumors about him. And if I hadn’t been desperate for a job, I wouldn’t have accepted his offer. But my pile of debt and lack of other prospects left me with little choice. So, I’ll be the best employee he’s ever had. What I will not do is develop a soft spot for my new boss—no matter how devastatingly handsome and charming he is.
DEVON
The last thing I need in my life is drama. My previous assistant gave me more than enough of that. Hiring the sweet, nerdy bookworm who is the exact opposite of my usual type seems like a great idea. But…it isn’t. Because soon, I find myself wondering what it would be like to have Laia by my side outside the office. And I’m afraid that’s just not a fantasy I can afford to entertain.
They’re polar opposites. They want completely different things from life. But what if all they really need in order to be happy is each other?
If you enjoy a sweet office romance with heartwarmingly funny moments, bone-tingling chemistry, and lovable but flawed heroes, then you'll adore book two in Laws of Love series. Each book in the series is a standalone but you have the perks of meeting characters from previous books.
Laia and Devon had no separate interests. This really bothered me as they were “too perfect” for each other. I think having different interests and then learning about the other’s interests would have been much better. It would’ve added more growth to each character too.
New to me author and I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. This was a great slow burn read and I didn't even notice there weren't any sex scenes until the epilogue because the story didn't need it. I think it actually would have ruined what the author was achieving.
Devon and Laia look like they are total opposites but have a lot more in common than what first, second and third impressions lead each other to believe. They also have different views on love and relationships influenced by past experiences and both thinks the other is wrong. Devon is playboy who always tells his female companions upfront where he stands but they all think they can change him and the drama that ensues has left him with a bad reputation. Laia believes in soulmates, prince charming and not settling for less and even in the face of temptation she stands by her guns. Their chemistry together builds as their friendship and love for each other develops. They tend to pass judgement on each other quickly only to stick their foot in there mouth before learning the truth. But those moments make great building blocks to discovering what's really underneath.
This was a great read, I highly recommend the book and look forward to reading more.
First I need to warn people who normally read my reviews that this is a little different to what I normally read and is actually a clean romance. I know it’s a bit shocking for you that I would read something without heat, but it’s a really sweet romance and I really enjoyed it. It reminded me a little of Mariana Zapata’s writing in style, just without the bedroom scene at the end.
This is a very slow-build romance with two people who seem so different but actually have quite a lot in common. Laia is a sweet, clever and pretty Hispanic woman, who has just finished her master's program and is desperate for a job. She’s creative and romantic but constantly underestimates herself and other people’s opinions of her.
Devon owns a very successful marketing company and is known as a bit of a playboy around town. He doesn’t believe in love and soul mates and would rather have a meaningless fling than a proper relationship. What he does need though is a PA.
Laia’s best friend puts her name forward for an intern position at Devon’s company. Devon ends up hiring Laia as his PA because he believes she is serious about her job and her terrible taste in clothes leaves her hidden away and not particularly attractive to him, so she isn’t too distracting.
These two people are very different but at the same time, they discover the things that they have in common are more than they thought. Laia discovers that she enjoys working with Devon and he enjoys having someone incredibly efficient and talented working as his PA, even if after her best friend’s makeover she actually now looks very attractive indeed.
There is a psychological element to this romance with the two of them starting to understand their behaviour and mindset. It’s a very gradual unveiling of secrets and histories, that reveals the motivations for their actions. The plot is quite predictable, but it’s still an enjoyable ride.
My one complaint is the use of the verbal tic of ending sentences with the word “......, no?”. I can understand it being the tic of one of the people in the story, but it was used by so many of them that it became very annoying. I don’t know if it’s because of the region the author comes from, or her heritage, but it just isn’t something I’m used to and it felt forced, even though it may not have been. It made the conversation more stylised and less natural. Other than that and the plot predictability, which sometimes is enjoyable in its own way, the book was a nice, sweet and fun romance.
Devon of Hudson Communication has a heart of gold, a creative view of life, turned playboy workaholic looking for dedicated new assistant that abides by his company rule - ipsissimis verbis. Only issue is Devon wasn’t expecting the shy ugly dressed young woman who did not apply to be his assistant to test his choices and awaken a part of him he didn’t know he had. Laia graduated Suma cum laude with a master's in literature never applied for the position her bff wanted as assistant to the CEO of a big company. Her sweet wholesome nature, love of books and cars propel her out of her comfort zone. Laia is a dreamer determined to wait for her soul mate and write her own novel, she never expected her playboy CEO boss to crash into her life and flip it upside down. Devon and Laia’s story is about trust, overcoming past mistakes, about acceptance, embracing love and finding one's soulmate when you least expected.
The Lessons In True Love - Laia was a romantic, Who believed in waiting to fall in love with the person she believed to be her soulmates and she wasn’t going to accept anything less. Devon became the playboy, serial monogamist and workaholic, after he suffered heartbreak. However, after Laia came to work for him and he spent more time with her, he started thinking about the way he was living his life.
The is a beautifully written story about how Laia and Devon taught each other about love, overcoming insecurities and taking risks. I really enjoyed reading it and I couldn't put it down, as it really drew me in. The characters had indescribable chemistry and their interactions memorable. This is an interesting and entertaining book, that I recommend you add to your must read list immediately.
I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s been in my TBR pile for a while, after reading some less than stellar books I knew I had to get a dose of a great book -and I found it with this one. So many fun tropes here and they all work together for a great story. Devin had been hurt and betrayed so he determined to be a lighthearted player with all the benefits. Laia didn’t really apply for the job, Chelsea did for her. She was the most outside chance to get the job, but t when she did she quickly aced it and wowed Devin. So many misunderstandings, so much past to overcome, it’s a good thing those around them saw more clearly than they did. This is fun and funny, I loved her fascination with fast Audis, and he was adorable with her nieces. It was clean but there were definitely some innuendos I want to read the rest of the series.
Loved this book, was hooked from the first page. The characters felt real and the story flows naturally. Most of the times we don't know what goes on in people's lives, and why they act the way they do, and Agnes wrote this story so beautifully. Devon has a heart of gold, but because of being hurt deeply years ago, lived a superficial life where women were concerned. Laia is down to earth and has great relationships with family and friends. When she started working for Devon, she knew she has to stay focused and not fall for her "playboy" boss. The question is, how did that work for her? Agnes Canestri writes clean romances that are difficult to put down. I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
[1.5 star] i think the this author's writing just doesn't grab me in general. i don't really feel connected to the hero or the heroine, their characters just doesn't have a punch to make you like or remember them.
for example, when the hero and heroine went on a work trip and bump into the hero's ex that cheated on him, the way he spoke to his ex feels very nice, a bit too nice in my opinion (not sure is it because the author wanna portray a nice guy but at this point of time??). the ex show up in his room in a nightgown trying to seduce him, and he can still speak so calmly instead of telling her to get the fuck out of his room just feels odd.
overall, the book felt very forgettable. i totally don't remember what was the first book about already, probably wouldn't read this author's book anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received an ARC to review: Absolutely. Delightful. Romance!! Loved it! Agnes delivers a high calibre tale where player, Devon, recognises his reasons for being as such are to protect a broken heart ... One which is re-awakened by the purity and wholesome inner and outer beauty of Laia, who believes in love so much, she is saving herself for marriage. Exquisitely written, where the reader parttakes in the roller coaster ride as these two discover, acknowledge and confess their mutual attraction and love.
Profanity - none Sex - no explicit scenes; references to previous relationships Triggers - Meaningless sexual liasons
The verbal diarrhea between Laia and Devon had me laughing. But more than that, the realness to their characters drew me in. Laia’s struggles with self confidence and self doubt are something that most women can relate to. And I just found it sweet how they were both fumbling through their feelings without knowing what they were. I found that more real and relatable than most romance books.
So far books 1 and 2 of this series have both been amazing. I can’t wait to see what else Agnes releases.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.
The main character loves the fairy tales and gets her happily ever after. There were some great characters in the book, I particularly like Ellie she's the little sister we all want and Katja who's the mother hen guarding her nest. A great easy read but needs editing, the misplaced grammar and words got on my nerves a little, I also found quite a few words I didn't know the meaning of, which is unusual so I was glad to read it on my kindle for the dictionary. It was still worth the read and I finished this one is three sittings while enjoying the sun.
The first story l have read from this author, l was intrigued by an advertisement on Facebook. Laia is a young woman with a dream of a soul mate, Devon is a man who doesn’t believe they exist. This is a story that slow burns, exploring thoughts and feelings from both points of view. Even though there isn’t any sex, very little kissing this story doesn’t lack for the telling. I will read the first book in this so far two book series, and look forward to the third book in March. Definitely worth a read.
I skimmed a lot of this.. tbh from the blurb I expected an office romance where the boss stumbles on his PA’s romance novel outline and offers to help her out with a male perspective leading to spicy intimate scenes! Except almost all that happens except when he offers to help she turns him down saying it wouldn’t be appropriate!! What follows is a super annoying slow burn full of omg we have exactly the same hobbies but also don’t communicate about any of the important stuff (ie feelings, intentions, or past history). Zero spice. Very disappointing.
Athens unrealistic parts pulled me out of the story.
Dnf @ 20%.
Writing was ok. Awkward use of some terminology which took me out of the story. Completely unrealistic descriptions of professional corporate world, and im sorry I dont care how hot the new boss is, if he's checking you out the first day of work in your new cute outfit and comments on your appearance, that's an HR situation right there. Thats creepy. You aren't even on friendly terms w him yet.
It took me a little bit to get into this story but once I did, I was hooked. I'm glad I gave it a chance. Laia is a sweet innocent woman and Devon is a player due to past hurts. When Laia becomes Devon's assistant, it's great fun seeing how he changes as she inspires him to be true to himself again. A sweet office romance that reminded me of some of my favorite romcoms. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading about Ellie next.
Laia needs a job but when she is recruited by Devon for his PA job, she has no idea what she is letting herself get involved with. She is smart but a fairytale believer and he is smart but more of a realist. Can she give him some much needed lightness? Can he teach her not to believe everything you read in the press and to not judge a book by its cover?
This didn’t wow me but also didn’t make hate it. She was a bit too self righteous in places for me. It was a bit drawn out
This book pulled me out of my slump, and I had an amazing time reading it.
There are a few scenarios that are quite unbelievable or unrealistic but it's nothing too major so it didn't take me out of the story.
It was refreshing that Devon is not the typical playboy gone good boy hero in romance novels. And I enjoyed Laia! She was super adorable when she went in for the interview.
Ellie is too cute. I can't wait to read her story next!!
Laia doesn't want to play with the player Devon. He however is very much smitten with her. I'll admit I have a hard time with the sweet, pure girl ending up with the not pure guy. I loved Laia and Devon grew on me and proved that he really wanted forever with Laia. This author convinced me that falling for the reformed player is doable. Loved the ending. Looking forward to book 3.
Devon had been a super player for a few years. I’m a big player hater in stories so thankfully in the course of the book we don’t have to see any of it happen or read details of his past. The focus is on the future. Cute transformation story. I love Laia’s interest in cars!
I really enjoyed this one, the total babe magnet and the squeaky clean virgin, what more could you ask for? The sizzle from the start had me hooked, the two main characters played off each other beautifully, it was well written, she totally hooked him and he didn't realise, perfect romance material.
This was another story favorite added to my list. I’ve never read any of this authors books but I have to say I will definitely be adding more of her books to my reading list. The characters were fun and refreshingly entertaining in this plot of player vs true love. They encounter obstacles on their way to their HEA. Read this story and see for yourself. Enjoy!
Great mutual listing after each other in the office but being respectful of the rules and the boss/employee line. Player vs inexperienced in love. The conflict seemed too basic when compared to the rest of the story so that was disappointing, but it was a great story up until that, which is at about 80%.
Never underestimate your value. People will take what you have to offer or they'll leave it. You never know the impact you have on yhose around you every day, even in the smallest ways. Let this book remind you to push your boundaries and re-identify who you are and who you want to be.
Interesting setup but kind of boring overall. Matchmaker sister, playboy boss, etc. The dialogue between the main characters and side characters wasn't very interesting. A slow burn that is so slow I'm pretty sure it burned out. Just one day he ups and decides he loves her. The conflict, characters, and storyline were all pretty shallow and uninteresting.
Loved Devon and Laia’s story. Devon is a playboy and Laia believes in true love. Interesting storyline using two points of view. Can the two scale the great divide between no commitment to committing to each other? Waiting patiently for Ellie and Wyatt’s story to be released.
The story is good but I had to wait until 97% in to the book for them to actually get together and then hardly anything happened in the last 3%. They were a nice likeable couple but took far too long for anything to happen between them.
A lazy day read. I enjoy reading books that are well written. This author writes books that flow and entertain without thinking where did that come from. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
It is a well written romance. I also liked her friend which in the beginning I wasn’t sure I would. I also enjoyed the fact that the main character was a minority but that was not the main focus of the story.