Objecting to Her

by J.J. Arias

When law school rivals are forced together, fierce competitors go from enemies to something even more intense in this steamy slow burn.

Ari Vidal is starting her dream job as a prosecutor in Miami. After three years of competing with Sloane Medina in law school, she’s ready to shine on her own. When Sloane unexpectedly starts working at the same office, Ari’s plans are shattered, and she discovers old rivalries die hard.

Sloane expected to be working at a prestigious Manhattan law firm, but she’s trapped in Miami instead. As if things couldn’t get any worse, Ari, who insists on constantly competing with her, is back in her orbit.

Thrown together, the women find themselves back at each other’s throats. But, despite their best efforts to remain enemies, their relationship changes when they start to see beyond each other’s icy exteriors.

Passions burn hot enough to melt glaciers in this addictive clash between two strong women who have more in common than they realize. The only question is . . . can they get out of their own way?

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Contemporary, Lesbian Fiction, Femme Femme

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2021

About the author

Hello! And thank you for finding me!

I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.

My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.

If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.

So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!

Reviews

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivals.

This one was great but it can't compare with my feelings for J.J. Arias' other book, Crossing the Line, which will probably remain my favourite Arias book for a long time to come. But as I said, it's still great. I enjoy enemies to lovers romance and I thought this one was rather well written. The characters were competitors in university and are now working together in the procecutor's office. There's attraction, there's chemistry. Nice.

Ari is easy to love, Slone is less so because she comes off as snobbish and arrogant but I actually didn't mind her at all. I like her in fact because she has some hidden vulnerabilities that make me like her more and more.

I like this but I have a small complaint. I get it and I'm fine with it if characters have pet names / nicknames for each other and it's used in dialogues, but do we have to alternate these pet names in every chapter for the narrated parts too?

[CLAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I tried by Arias was Undercover Madam, which after a few chapters in, I knew right away wasn't for me. Usually, with authors whose first book ended up on my 1 star or DNF shelf, I quickly become hesitant with trying another one of their works. With Arias' case, however, I didn't have any problems with her writing—I just didn't love how the MCs in that first book initially acted around each other—and realizing that helped me become less uncertain about reading another Arias book.

Luckily, this one was more right up my alley. It was deliciously slow burn, and being a fan of enemies to lovers, I instantly loved how Ari and Sloane goaded each other. All their teasing and subtle flirting worked amazingly for me. The scenes that hinted at Sloane's deeper emotions simmered so well, it made me want to give her a hug. Her pining wasn't even given too much emphasis, yet I still wound up feeling strongly for her.

The middle of the story may have plateaued a little with regard to romance development, but I think the last quarter more than made up for it. Just know that this isn't the type of romance that ends with heightened emotions (usually my favorite), but with level-headed MCs who eased into a relationship without forgetting their antagonistic past. I wanted more feels but was pretty okay with what I got.

Those scenes in the library and their shared office though... *fans self*

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn, enemies to lover workplace romance between 2 ladies with strong character; one of whom has an icy-cool facade all the time.

Very well written and I really liked the plot, theme and the writing.

[Stephieloohoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface with: I hate when authors describe their characters in detail and then said characters on the cover of the book don’t match that description. “Perennially wavy, beach blonde hair” - both women have dark brunette hair on the cover but Sloane is described (multiple times) as a blonde.

Okay with that pet peeve out of the way:

Absolutely loved this. Arias is one of my favorite authors and for good reason.

I loved the development between and of both Sloane and Ari. It was so sweet to see the animosity turn to pining and gentleness. Also love reading romance with no third act breakup so that’s a plus!

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! This was truly an enemies to lovers story - Ari and Sloane absolutely hated each other and I loved the fieriness to them both, especially in the early part of the book. I thought the thawing of their complete hatred of each other was done really well. It was gradual and we got to see more of both characters and why they’re so prickly towards each other.

There’s one certain scene that takes place in an office and Jesus Christ 🔥🔥🔥

I love J.J. Arias’ books because I truly think she nails the slow burn build-up. This book is a prime example of that ability.

Highly recommend if you like your love stories to slowly engulf!

[Aunt Missa · Rating 3 out of 5]

New discovery today. I don’t like rivals to lovers if they stay competitive AFTER they get together. I am the least competitive person on the planet and this trope just exhausts me. Competing with the love of my life so I can “win” isn’t romance to me. If we don’t win, neither of us wins.

I mean, this book is JJ and she’s amazing. The writing is perfectly fine and JJ is still an amazing author.

[Jordana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars rounded up. The pining in this was superb. These 2 were total sassholes to each other, but when it flipped and the wanting started... so good. A perfect enemies to lovers.

I feel like there were some typos along the way but it didn't bother me too much, it was a good story and the badass lawyering was super hot. A good quick and addictive read.

[Sky. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

Ari was annoying and judgmental more than half of the book
I really disliked her through like 65% of the book
If you don’t know what people is going through DONT FUCKING JUDGE THEM an how they act on the outside 😒

I liked Sloane much more, and there’s great chemistry between them and the slow burn really really burn so there’s that 🤣

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite by the author, but the dynamic with all the bickering was very amusing. Also, the fell first/fell harder trope.

[hubsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 for this latest by Ms. Arias. It stars two MCs who started as friends in uni (briefly), then they started hating each other (something that isn't that well fleshed out, but appears to be all jealousy and competition), then end up working together unexpectedly. The angst high, I did feel the frustration, and really had a hard time finding any redeeming qualities in MC Sloane. It took most of the book to tease out the details and by then my patience had worn out. MC Ari started off fairly strong, but I ended up losing the warmth I had for her too. We readers also have to wait til about the 90% mark for the big bang sparky mcsparky intimacy, which was pretty good actually. The author really built up the chemistry throughout. Overall an ok read, if you are into super enemy law students to tentative lawyer friends to lawyerly controlling lovers.

[Ummi Shedd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get so bored reading another book last night that i just pick this one up out of curiousity and in desperate need for something new and different from the book i was reading, and it turns out this book is amazing although there was few moments that almost run me mad. All the Lord of the Rings references had me grinding my teeth... Ari character is so funny and living mostly in her head i love that she's not perfect, I love her kindest too Sloane character came up like a bully always giving people horrible nicknames I don't completely hate her but i think I hate/like her throughout the books she's had moments where I'm like, OMG she's hilarious and too many moments of what a b*tch i understand the defence mechanism cause of the circumstances at home but still a bully is a Bully

It's a solid 4 🌟 for me and i enjoyed it so much and it's totally my kind of book and she wrote the story and the characters so perfect. Angst dramatic control freak, with ice Queen is and will always be my main. And most important part in love when a book keep me on my feet anticipating the love scene and give me just what i want at the end of the book. It's my idea of happily ever after! Rush relationship, too much sex scenes always ruin a book for me.

[Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really love Arias’ writing. this is one of the best enemies to lovers trope I’ve read. Highly recommended.

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so pleasantly surprised by this book. I liked it even more than Crossing the Line. I thought this was a sequel because they’re both in the legal world of Miami, but both books stand alone and apart (no crossover). I enjoyed the banter so much. Sloane was constantly saying things I didn’t expect and I liked that Ari went with it. Despite having a hard exterior, I loved how loving and lovely Sloane is inside. I wanted a little more depth from Ari, and didn’t love her interactions with Yelena, but she’s a good foil for Sloane, who I think is the real hero of this book. I was 100% rooting for them and loved the chemistry.

Short summary: Ari can’t wait to graduate law school and move onto her job and more importantly leave her competitor Sloane behind. When Sloane shows up unexpectedly on day 1, Ari is at a loss and her anger almost boils over. But the Sloane who’s showed up is a defrosted version of the woman she fought for rankings, and as the women spend more time together, they find more that attracts than divides.

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6 star rating
Rivalry all through!
This was a book that at some points I had to pause and wonder if I still had the ability to continue and am I glad I did.
The whole rivalry law school and post law at first was amusingly dramatic but as time went on I really got tired of thirty somethings still holding unto that level of grudges.
But when their intimacies started the story just gave me new excitement and their rivalries had me wondering what kind of freaks are these women (but in an amusing way).

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Easy read, not as steamy as i thought it would be. Slow burn is great, but this was a little too long for me cause i didn’t feel the « thirst » enough and 2/3 of the book is lawyer talk. And who becomes girlfriend before sleeping together and gets married after 6 months of dating? anyway not my fav of JJ but still enjoyable

[Tabita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God! There are 5-star ratings, and then there are 5-star ratings!

I have been JJ Arias ever since I stumbled the Goode Governor series. I have tried to be consistent with my reading.

Still, with 1L wrapping up and finals sucking the joy out of everything and then moot court trial, it was hard to find time for anything else or even a once of enjoyment in anything that didn't involve outlining or crunch time.

Needing to break the circle before I drove myself crazy, I discovered objecting to her the night before my crim pro finals, and God was it hard to put it down to get a semblance of a good night's rest before the crim pro finals made me question everything even my name. Rather than going on walks during study breaks, my reward was to sneak a read in, and God was worth it.

This book was a fresh air needed during a long, tortuous week or two. Everything still seems blurred. There are so many law Esq books out there, but I drew the curtain back and gave you a peek at behind the scene. It was so relatable and accurate and conversational and understandable that you knew that JJ knew her stuff and not just some research.

I refuse to touch the subject of class ranking and the obsession, but yes, it accurate. It's like, what's your class rank rather than what's your name. When Ari mentioned her struggles with property, I died because my property exam, especially estates, had me speechless! It was one thing understanding present possessory estate and then a different ball game when RAP was added to the equation. But it wasn't just about law school.

It was about identity. When Sloane mentioned her professor saying she didn't look Hispanic enough and she said thank you, that right there was real. Those are interactions that people experience but do not anticipate or prepare for. But it wasn't just the pressure from the outside; it was also from within, her mother not letting her learn Spanish, so she doesn't have an accent, or Ari playing a role in dressing up as Pocahontas, those were real societal issues that people deal with every day. Sloane also dealt with familiar relationships and the impact they had on the children and societal expectations and duty.

I am so glad to have stumbled upon this book. I could not have asked for a better way to end my 1L because as soon as my last Tort exam, I crashed for like 24 hours and when I woke, I did not move a muscle till I finished the book, and now I have to get back to figuring out how to be a functioning member of the society. If you are a fan of JJ and love legal drama, you have got to read this.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining slow burn, enemies to lovers romance. I enjoyed how it developed and learning bits and pieces of their interactions when they first met several years earlier. In the beginning, this is mostly from Ari’s perspective, but later Arias gives us some of Sloane’s background, too. It made it much easier to root for them as a couple.

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow-burn first kisses are like really wow... intoxicating stuff.

[molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

i cannot. theyre literally everything to me

[Alexa Steli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Lord have mercy. Sloane you'll forever be a part of me babe ,I can feel it ,I'm almost tempted to get your name tattooed on my body.

I didn't read this for the plot,all for the feels,and this author certainly knew how to get them out

[Lyn Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mega interesting characters were Ari and Sloane. Their bickering was hilarious, unbelievable, breathtaking and heart-wrenching...all at once. It made you seriously doubt they would be able to climb over themselves to find each other. But a very enjoyable journey it was.

[Alter Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every second of this!

[Janne Magalhaes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real enemies that love each other !!!! Good reading and VERY HOT.

[Jay Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

Maybe enemies to lovers is not for me. The swiftness from which these characters went from hating each other for no reason to insta-love gave me whiplash. I feel like even having made it through the whole book, I could not tell you why these women hated each other so much. And like, SO MUCH! Gratuitously so! Aside from that, too much millennial humor.

I probably shouldn't have picked up this book in the first place because the thorough whitewashing of prosecutors made me want to pull my hair out. Despite what we have been conditioned to believe, most DAs are people that make a living off of locking up black and brown people with little to no evidence for minor offenses. I just can't.

[Orcbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's official, J.J. Arias writes the best enemies-to-lovers books! The book has drama, very sharp and witty humour, and scorching slow burn. I liked how even at her worst, Sloane was still quite engaging as a character, and it really explained how Ari was so drawn to her. No wasted moments.

All the court drama and tidbits felt genuinely authentic. When it comes to the themes, J.J. really did her research!

[Yilian Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those very slow burns. Yet, the way the story unfolds and the characters develop it sucks you in. Leaves you wanting more after you finish. It makes you want to read more about them, know more. I truly enjoyed it.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a more solid okay book than the previous one i read from this author. I particularily appreciated that the MCs both participated to their heinous relationship and that they started to soften their perception of each other even before desire "forced" them to (although still with too much overlap for my liking) and that they communicated about it upon starting to date (although not enough for my liking, I don't think that such bullying is something that can so easily be forgiven and forgotten even with attraction underlining it) and that they still kept their abrasive personality traits and did not become entirely different people because they were in love (although it's didn't sit well with me that the meanness of the one is now tolerated as adorable or with indifference by the other when she's subjecting her friends to it, friends who don't experience it as adorable or tolerable).

However, the author still over-dramatizes the romance and attraction and desire, and plays up the domination/condescension dynamic of sex between the MCs even more in this book. Thia one also had smaller points that I actively disliked throughout (like the tying up during sex without any conversation prior). This means that while I found the book mostly engaging in the beginning, I lost most interest as we progressed through to the end.

[Amanda Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Objecting to Her by J J Arias, and all I can say is, wow. As an attorney, I LOVE reading stories that revolve around law and the legal field. This story did not disappoint. The story starts out with Ari finishing up law school and planning on joining the prosecuting office. While in law school, she competed for a top five graduating position against her "rival/enemy" Sloane. Basically, Sloane is everything that Ari isn't, including having a top spot in a huge law firm. On Ari's first day of her dream job, Ari is caught off guard to find that Sloane has not ended up at the high paying law firm but is instead one of her new colleagues. The chemistry never wavered between the characters, the issues they were going through together and separately were believable, even the skeezy side characters fit. The book was well put together, perfectly thought out, and an amazing story. There is even a bonus epilogue that I revived and read and it was great. Definitely recommend this 5 star book!

[Megzz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know what to say. I read four of the best books of my life by Arias… and then I picked up Objecting to Her and felt like I was reading something by a completely different author.

Everything I loved in her other books—emotional depth, crackling chemistry, compelling character arcs—was completely missing here.

I made it to 40%, and nothing happened. Truly nothing. No relationship development, no emotional tension, no forward momentum. It was just… stagnant.

The legal setting was dry and dull—not even mildly interesting. I normally love a good workplace or rivalry romance, but this one failed to deliver on both fronts.

Worse, the characters were borderline insufferable. Judgmental, intolerant, and honestly just unpleasant to read. Their “rivalry” felt cartoonishly exaggerated and made little sense, and any supposed chemistry between them was completely absent.

Really disappointed, especially after how high Arias had set the bar for me before this.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars!

Objecting To Her by J.J Arias was a stellar, steamy enemies to lovers workplace romance! The sweet and sunshiney Ari comes to her first job as a licensed lawyer, and has to contend her with law school rival, the beautiful and maddening Sloane. I adored how these two were true rivals, rather than enemies born out of a simple miscommunication like many enemies to lovers books I’ve read this year. All of the courtroom/workplace drama was engaging, and balanced so well with the thawing of the ice between Sloane and Ari. There was a comfort and adoration that this pair radiated once they were together that was such a pleasure to read, as well as an unmistakable heat that scorched every page. The ending felt a bit rushed, as I would have loved to read more of their happy ending and domestic bliss.