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The Retreat
The first time Amelia and Nico saw each other, sparks flew, time stopped, and the rest of the world turned into a blur. The second time they saw each other, they wanted to destroy each other’s lives.
Amelia Warren has a way with words. She also has a way with her lips, her hands, and her hips…but that’s all in her past. Right now, all she cares about is becoming a corporate communications guru. That means writing the perfect profile on her company’s star employee. The problem? That star employee, Nico Torres, absolutely hates Amelia. He refuses to talk to her and this never happens with guys. She has no idea why Nico hates her so much—especially when he couldn’t take his eyes off of her when they met at the company holiday party.
The solution? She’ll tag along on Nico’s team retreat. There’s no way he can stay angry with her out in the woods when she’s doing trust falls and hiking in cutoffs. If there’s a way to unearth the secrets that her ludicrously handsome (albeit silent and grumpy) coworker is keeping, Amelia’s the woman for the job. And if means pulling her lips, hands, and hips out of retirement…she’s willing to do what it takes. Her career (and her libido) are counting on it.
The Retreat is an office romance about a sunshiny heroine who falls head over heels for a grumpy, reformed bad boy. Chock full of will-they-won’t-they, secret pining, repressed desires, praise-filled dirty talk, and hyper steamy (sometimes public) hookups, this book is for anyone who loves a good—and I mean GOOD—payoff. HEA and then some guaranteed.
Amelia Warren has a way with words. She also has a way with her lips, her hands, and her hips…but that’s all in her past. Right now, all she cares about is becoming a corporate communications guru. That means writing the perfect profile on her company’s star employee. The problem? That star employee, Nico Torres, absolutely hates Amelia. He refuses to talk to her and this never happens with guys. She has no idea why Nico hates her so much—especially when he couldn’t take his eyes off of her when they met at the company holiday party.
The solution? She’ll tag along on Nico’s team retreat. There’s no way he can stay angry with her out in the woods when she’s doing trust falls and hiking in cutoffs. If there’s a way to unearth the secrets that her ludicrously handsome (albeit silent and grumpy) coworker is keeping, Amelia’s the woman for the job. And if means pulling her lips, hands, and hips out of retirement…she’s willing to do what it takes. Her career (and her libido) are counting on it.
The Retreat is an office romance about a sunshiny heroine who falls head over heels for a grumpy, reformed bad boy. Chock full of will-they-won’t-they, secret pining, repressed desires, praise-filled dirty talk, and hyper steamy (sometimes public) hookups, this book is for anyone who loves a good—and I mean GOOD—payoff. HEA and then some guaranteed.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
29 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Kinkade
13 books295 followersRebecca Kinkade is a Mexican/Filipina-American contemporary romance author who writes competent leads who work hard and love harder. She currently lives in Los Angeles and assumes that makes her inherently interesting. She has a BA and an MBA and is 100% positive that the most valuable thing she got out of those experiences was content for her books.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 27, 2025
This book was great, as I expect from Rebecca. While this isn’t a romcom, the sass, and sometimes pettiness, of the characters just made me holler! 😂
This is a rivals-to-lovers/enemies-to-lovers story set in a corporate high-pressure, beautiful-wealthy-people setting. There’s quite a bit of lust at first sight- though not acted on immediately, which brings a nice tension. They get under each other’s skin in good and bad ways.
The rivalry is so fun - there’s an internal “f-ck him” rant that goes on for pages and I absolutely adored it.
Both characters had nice depth. They are consistent and strongly written, you get a real sense of who they are which I very much appreciated in this book.
Nico’s insecurities are written so well - he comes from a poorer and troubled background but is working in this wealthy world. His insecurities around this permeate a lot of his thoughts and his actions, which made him pretty real as a character to me. You can see how his worldview is completely guided by this. I think this demonstrates some really skilled writing, actually.
I also liked the exploration of the theme that a life that looks good on the surface doesn’t mean it’s good, that people who seem gilded may not have had a great life either - this especially through Amelia.
This then kind of meshes into a lovely understanding of each other and where they’re more alike than they think in ways they don’t expect and created an interesting bond for the relationship.
This is a very spicy book, quite a few explicit open-door scenes. Rebecca knows how to bring the heat but in a way that’s very much meaningful and in line with the characters and their relationship. The additional spicy spicy bonus scene has been recommended to me by many people which I am about to read after this review.
Overall, if you’re looking for a very spicy, rich woman/poor man dynamic with rivalry set in the corporate world - this is definitely for you! You won’t be disappointed. Rebecca has a writing style that isn’t like others and is really fresh, so it’s a joy to read.
5/5 ⭐️
This is a rivals-to-lovers/enemies-to-lovers story set in a corporate high-pressure, beautiful-wealthy-people setting. There’s quite a bit of lust at first sight- though not acted on immediately, which brings a nice tension. They get under each other’s skin in good and bad ways.
The rivalry is so fun - there’s an internal “f-ck him” rant that goes on for pages and I absolutely adored it.
Both characters had nice depth. They are consistent and strongly written, you get a real sense of who they are which I very much appreciated in this book.
Nico’s insecurities are written so well - he comes from a poorer and troubled background but is working in this wealthy world. His insecurities around this permeate a lot of his thoughts and his actions, which made him pretty real as a character to me. You can see how his worldview is completely guided by this. I think this demonstrates some really skilled writing, actually.
I also liked the exploration of the theme that a life that looks good on the surface doesn’t mean it’s good, that people who seem gilded may not have had a great life either - this especially through Amelia.
This then kind of meshes into a lovely understanding of each other and where they’re more alike than they think in ways they don’t expect and created an interesting bond for the relationship.
This is a very spicy book, quite a few explicit open-door scenes. Rebecca knows how to bring the heat but in a way that’s very much meaningful and in line with the characters and their relationship. The additional spicy spicy bonus scene has been recommended to me by many people which I am about to read after this review.
Overall, if you’re looking for a very spicy, rich woman/poor man dynamic with rivalry set in the corporate world - this is definitely for you! You won’t be disappointed. Rebecca has a writing style that isn’t like others and is really fresh, so it’s a joy to read.
5/5 ⭐️
November 6, 2021
Rebecca Kinkade has become my favorite romance author. She was new to me until earlier this year and I cannot help squealing with utter joy and delight when she publishes a new novel.
Her books are probably the most relatable I have ever read - she writes corporate settings like nobody else and I am quite familiar with those settings. Plus she is the absolute master of enemies-to-lovers and that’s because she builds the animosity, antagonism and attraction page after page. She doesn’t let the characters come together too soon. Their antipathy is explained well and so is the evolution of their feelings.
On top of that, her female characters are utterly complex, layered, extremely smart and kick-ass. They are unapologetic and unabashedly sexual.
Her male characters are perfect assholes yet cinnamon rolls at the same time. And the best dirty talkers I have ever read.
Amelia and Nico’s story is phenomenal. It’s compelling, enriched with psychological subtexts, racial bias, excellent kinks and the sweetest HEA. I loved how mature and constructive their conversations/arguments became as the story progressed.
I highly recommend Rebecca’s books, especially this one.
ARC provided in exchange of a honest review.
Her books are probably the most relatable I have ever read - she writes corporate settings like nobody else and I am quite familiar with those settings. Plus she is the absolute master of enemies-to-lovers and that’s because she builds the animosity, antagonism and attraction page after page. She doesn’t let the characters come together too soon. Their antipathy is explained well and so is the evolution of their feelings.
On top of that, her female characters are utterly complex, layered, extremely smart and kick-ass. They are unapologetic and unabashedly sexual.
Her male characters are perfect assholes yet cinnamon rolls at the same time. And the best dirty talkers I have ever read.
Amelia and Nico’s story is phenomenal. It’s compelling, enriched with psychological subtexts, racial bias, excellent kinks and the sweetest HEA. I loved how mature and constructive their conversations/arguments became as the story progressed.
I highly recommend Rebecca’s books, especially this one.
ARC provided in exchange of a honest review.
January 5, 2025
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Spice Rating: 3🌶️
Format: E-book 📱
🦋My Review🦋
This one was a bit different to the others. A little switcheroo rich girl, poor boy. And I absolutely loved it!
Nico. My dear Nico. He’s so strong, so understanding and does so much for his family. Manny is lucky he got some redemption at the end because I was about ready to strangle him (in a loving way of course).
Nico’s dumbass ex Claire messed with his mind so much the poor baby thought he wasn’t good enough. He thought he would never be good enough because of his upbringing. Eff you Claire. My baby Nico is enough!!!!
I love that Amelia showed him that. She was everything to him. She made him feel loved, respected, wanted. I love that. And I love her. She’s a badass woman!!
Spice Rating: 3🌶️
Format: E-book 📱
🦋My Review🦋
This one was a bit different to the others. A little switcheroo rich girl, poor boy. And I absolutely loved it!
Nico. My dear Nico. He’s so strong, so understanding and does so much for his family. Manny is lucky he got some redemption at the end because I was about ready to strangle him (in a loving way of course).
Nico’s dumbass ex Claire messed with his mind so much the poor baby thought he wasn’t good enough. He thought he would never be good enough because of his upbringing. Eff you Claire. My baby Nico is enough!!!!
I love that Amelia showed him that. She was everything to him. She made him feel loved, respected, wanted. I love that. And I love her. She’s a badass woman!!
February 7, 2025
Okay so basically I loved him he was great
But I absolutely LOVED her, she was amazing 🤩
They were funny and entertaining and holy they were 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The way he cared for his family 🥺 but the way that SHE cared for him and his family 😭😭😭 they were so sweet together and I adored it
I enjoyed a lot of the side characters as well they were fun and had some good moments
Also the whole rich women and poor man, wasn’t expecting to love the switch as much as I did but it was awesome
But I absolutely LOVED her, she was amazing 🤩
They were funny and entertaining and holy they were 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The way he cared for his family 🥺 but the way that SHE cared for him and his family 😭😭😭 they were so sweet together and I adored it
I enjoyed a lot of the side characters as well they were fun and had some good moments
Also the whole rich women and poor man, wasn’t expecting to love the switch as much as I did but it was awesome
October 1, 2025
why am I not getting invited to the part of the work retreats where people get sixty-nined on the table :/
December 17, 2024
- 4.75 stars rounded to 5
- I’m liking this so far, but it’s slightly annoying that both of them are described as unnaturally beautiful people, pretty much.
- Ch 16 hot damn that was a good enemies to lovers hate masturbation scene
- Ch 17 his inner turmoil and thoughts that he can’t have or deserve something this good reminds me of fanfic Draco and no wonder I love it. I’m really liking this dynamic where she’s rich and he’s poor, though I don’t fully understand how he’s poor of he’s a director at a huge company (oh he supports his entire family so lives paycheque to paycheque)
- Ch 21 damn that was good except occasionally the author switched from direct dialogue to like… telling us the dialogue? And that took me out, didn’t like it. Why not just write the dialogue in full?
- Ch 30 though exhibitionism is not my kink… um that was pretty hot. I liked that it was watch only and no touching with Daniel and Miranda. And I also like that it was Nico going down on Amelia, not full sex for some reason.
- Ch 31 whew omg that was STEAMY. Also I loved all their confessions about how they made up excuses to see each other. Honestly though I could’ve done with one or two less exhibition scenes. There were SO many.
- Ch 31 ahhh the FMC absolutely ripping her boss a new one scene! Classic Kinkade.
- Okay overall…. God damn this was good. I think I was interested the first 15% but not enthralled until after that point.
- Like I said earlier, I wish there was like one less exhibition scene, maybe replaced by something for variety like toys idk or like a really slow intimate scene instead of ALL of them being rough in one way or another. Omg but praise and the degradation in here… fuck. It was like the PERFECT amount of degradation and possessiveness that I like lol.
- But holy moly the “I’m not good enough for her” thing from Nico was fucking amazing lol. Like why do I love that so much? Dracoooooo.
- I also love that both of them were flawed in ways, they actually seemed like real people.
- Also I love that Nico did come to terms and let Amelia pay for the hospital bill… like duh it only made sense. She has a fucking butt load of money, it was $10k and she loves you. Thank goodness he was reasonable about it.
- I also liked that Amelia pursued Nico, such a nice change. And I like that he offhandedly said he loved her and she followed it up with a full love confession scene.
- Epilogue was unique in that there were so many cuts to 1 year later, 2 years later, 5 years later. I liked it though, but not as much as if I think I would’ve liked a longer one just at 5 years. It was a really nice touch though, getting the update on Manny
- side note I hate the word “spear” in sex lol. Also Amelia and Daniel’s weird relationship was weird
- I am like actually scared to read the rest of Kinkade’s backlist now (well I will except for her new series probably) because I’ve now rated three books by her all 5 stars. Like what the fuck. That’s unreal.
✅ feels
- I’m liking this so far, but it’s slightly annoying that both of them are described as unnaturally beautiful people, pretty much.
- Ch 16 hot damn that was a good enemies to lovers hate masturbation scene
- Ch 17 his inner turmoil and thoughts that he can’t have or deserve something this good reminds me of fanfic Draco and no wonder I love it. I’m really liking this dynamic where she’s rich and he’s poor, though I don’t fully understand how he’s poor of he’s a director at a huge company (oh he supports his entire family so lives paycheque to paycheque)
- Ch 21 damn that was good except occasionally the author switched from direct dialogue to like… telling us the dialogue? And that took me out, didn’t like it. Why not just write the dialogue in full?
- Ch 30 though exhibitionism is not my kink… um that was pretty hot. I liked that it was watch only and no touching with Daniel and Miranda. And I also like that it was Nico going down on Amelia, not full sex for some reason.
- Ch 31 whew omg that was STEAMY. Also I loved all their confessions about how they made up excuses to see each other. Honestly though I could’ve done with one or two less exhibition scenes. There were SO many.
- Ch 31 ahhh the FMC absolutely ripping her boss a new one scene! Classic Kinkade.
- Okay overall…. God damn this was good. I think I was interested the first 15% but not enthralled until after that point.
- Like I said earlier, I wish there was like one less exhibition scene, maybe replaced by something for variety like toys idk or like a really slow intimate scene instead of ALL of them being rough in one way or another. Omg but praise and the degradation in here… fuck. It was like the PERFECT amount of degradation and possessiveness that I like lol.
- But holy moly the “I’m not good enough for her” thing from Nico was fucking amazing lol. Like why do I love that so much? Dracoooooo.
- I also love that both of them were flawed in ways, they actually seemed like real people.
- Also I love that Nico did come to terms and let Amelia pay for the hospital bill… like duh it only made sense. She has a fucking butt load of money, it was $10k and she loves you. Thank goodness he was reasonable about it.
- I also liked that Amelia pursued Nico, such a nice change. And I like that he offhandedly said he loved her and she followed it up with a full love confession scene.
- Epilogue was unique in that there were so many cuts to 1 year later, 2 years later, 5 years later. I liked it though, but not as much as if I think I would’ve liked a longer one just at 5 years. It was a really nice touch though, getting the update on Manny
- side note I hate the word “spear” in sex lol. Also Amelia and Daniel’s weird relationship was weird
- I am like actually scared to read the rest of Kinkade’s backlist now (well I will except for her new series probably) because I’ve now rated three books by her all 5 stars. Like what the fuck. That’s unreal.
✅ feels
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2025
I don’t really write reviews but I felt the need to write one for this book! My friend introduced me to Rebecca’s books by encouraging me to read Streams and Schemes and I have been hooked ever since!!
This book is one that I don’t think gets enough love, especially since, for me it reminded me of why I grew to love Rebecca’s writing in the first place! She is the perfect mixture of funny, spicy, and emotional.
The retreat is a workplace romance about two people who could not be more different on the outside but soon realize that their similarities actually run very deep.
Amelia: Amelia is young, rich, and successful…at least on the outside. After losing her parents at the cusp of her teen hood she is forced to live with her disapproving and domineering grandmother and quickly adapts a rebellious lifestyle. After her grandmother dies Amelia vows to be everything she was told she could never be and pursues the same career her late mother had. On what should have been a routine Holiday party Amelia meets the most beautiful man alive and quickly falls…and quickly lands on the floor when she realizes he’s about to propose to his girlfriend. But ever since that night Amelia hasn’t been able to stop thinking about him and when she is assigned to promote her company’s student outreach program she meets mister unattainable once again…and he’s an absolute ass!!
Nico: A son of immigrants, Nico has had to struggle to get where he’s at in life. Smart, successful, yet empty, he’s changed a lot from the troublemaker he used to be. He now works in the philanthropy division of his company and runs the same student outreach program that once helped him get his life in order. On the night Nico was prepared to propose to his girlfriend he meets the most captivating person he’s ever met. But when disaster strikes the next time Nico sees her he wants absolutely nothing to do with her and VERY VOCALLY tells her that. But this woman is persistent and insists that all she wants is to help him and to promote his program. He’s not buying it and tries to escape any opportunity to be in her presence.
That’s easier said than done when Emilia joins Nico and his team on their annual work retreat and things get decidedly more difficult but definitely more fun!!
As the relationship progresses, Amelia continues to challenge Nico’s expectations and both their lives get turned on its head!! As their relationship progresses you see a lot of old wounds being opened up for both characters as they try to figure out where their connection will lead.
Family is a very big part of the character’s arcs.
For Nico you see close to what it’s really like for a lot of first generation Latino children, who grow up taking care of their parents just as much if not more than their parents did for them. From personal experience I could really relate to that and the scenes where he had to translate for his family were very familiar to me as someone who dominated the English language and had to act as a sort of consultant for my parents, kidding, but not really! His relationship with his brother is interesting because each character has a roadblock relationship that stops them from moving for in life. With Manny however, Nico is able to make a better impact in his brother’s life and it’s inspiring to see how much Manny looks up to his big brother (for good and bad reasons).
Emilia’s familial journey had more to do with the strained relationship she had with her grandmother. Her parents died so young that she never got to create those vital moments that Nico (unintentionally) takes for granted with his family. As for the grandma, I hated her, she had absolutely no redeeming qualities and unlike a lot of other book antagonists, there was no way to change that. She died alone and bitter. That’s very realistic. Sometimes we AREN’T going to be able to fix every bad relationship we make, sometimes the ending is sad but unlike Nico’s relationship with Manny, Amelia knew she had to move on from finding closure in something that was never in her control.
The sex was…wow!! Their pasts are so similar that it means that their proclivities fit together like puzzle pieces. The kinky elements were interesting because Amelia expected a lot of push back when in reality Nico is just as twisted as she is. Some may not see this kind of sexual intimacy as healthy but those people would be wrong! In fact that level of trust and understanding is something that couples work decades to achieve and it only took them a few months.
I can honestly say that if you are a fan of workplace romances with emotional backstories and meaningful (and FUN) sex give this a read! It’s one of the best things I’ve read this entire month and it just fully solidified Rebecca Kinkade as an auto-read author!!
This book is one that I don’t think gets enough love, especially since, for me it reminded me of why I grew to love Rebecca’s writing in the first place! She is the perfect mixture of funny, spicy, and emotional.
The retreat is a workplace romance about two people who could not be more different on the outside but soon realize that their similarities actually run very deep.
Amelia: Amelia is young, rich, and successful…at least on the outside. After losing her parents at the cusp of her teen hood she is forced to live with her disapproving and domineering grandmother and quickly adapts a rebellious lifestyle. After her grandmother dies Amelia vows to be everything she was told she could never be and pursues the same career her late mother had. On what should have been a routine Holiday party Amelia meets the most beautiful man alive and quickly falls…and quickly lands on the floor when she realizes he’s about to propose to his girlfriend. But ever since that night Amelia hasn’t been able to stop thinking about him and when she is assigned to promote her company’s student outreach program she meets mister unattainable once again…and he’s an absolute ass!!
Nico: A son of immigrants, Nico has had to struggle to get where he’s at in life. Smart, successful, yet empty, he’s changed a lot from the troublemaker he used to be. He now works in the philanthropy division of his company and runs the same student outreach program that once helped him get his life in order. On the night Nico was prepared to propose to his girlfriend he meets the most captivating person he’s ever met. But when disaster strikes the next time Nico sees her he wants absolutely nothing to do with her and VERY VOCALLY tells her that. But this woman is persistent and insists that all she wants is to help him and to promote his program. He’s not buying it and tries to escape any opportunity to be in her presence.
That’s easier said than done when Emilia joins Nico and his team on their annual work retreat and things get decidedly more difficult but definitely more fun!!
As the relationship progresses, Amelia continues to challenge Nico’s expectations and both their lives get turned on its head!! As their relationship progresses you see a lot of old wounds being opened up for both characters as they try to figure out where their connection will lead.
Family is a very big part of the character’s arcs.
For Nico you see close to what it’s really like for a lot of first generation Latino children, who grow up taking care of their parents just as much if not more than their parents did for them. From personal experience I could really relate to that and the scenes where he had to translate for his family were very familiar to me as someone who dominated the English language and had to act as a sort of consultant for my parents, kidding, but not really! His relationship with his brother is interesting because each character has a roadblock relationship that stops them from moving for in life. With Manny however, Nico is able to make a better impact in his brother’s life and it’s inspiring to see how much Manny looks up to his big brother (for good and bad reasons).
Emilia’s familial journey had more to do with the strained relationship she had with her grandmother. Her parents died so young that she never got to create those vital moments that Nico (unintentionally) takes for granted with his family. As for the grandma, I hated her, she had absolutely no redeeming qualities and unlike a lot of other book antagonists, there was no way to change that. She died alone and bitter. That’s very realistic. Sometimes we AREN’T going to be able to fix every bad relationship we make, sometimes the ending is sad but unlike Nico’s relationship with Manny, Amelia knew she had to move on from finding closure in something that was never in her control.
The sex was…wow!! Their pasts are so similar that it means that their proclivities fit together like puzzle pieces. The kinky elements were interesting because Amelia expected a lot of push back when in reality Nico is just as twisted as she is. Some may not see this kind of sexual intimacy as healthy but those people would be wrong! In fact that level of trust and understanding is something that couples work decades to achieve and it only took them a few months.
I can honestly say that if you are a fan of workplace romances with emotional backstories and meaningful (and FUN) sex give this a read! It’s one of the best things I’ve read this entire month and it just fully solidified Rebecca Kinkade as an auto-read author!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
- the Retreat is grumpy x sunshine x rich and confident girl x poor and humble guy x workplace romance all beautifully wrapped into one book and i am so here for it 🫡
- i will admit that at first i was getting so annoyed with how little Nico would speak but as you get to know him you understand why. he’s a corporate working, suit wearing, tattoo covered, praise giving, quiet man who takes care of his family and deserves all the love! his character development was amazing and i enjoyed watching him grow to realize that he deserves to be happy regardless of his past.
- Amelia is rich asf and hates the money she has because of what happened for her to get it. she’s a confident girl who secretly lives for peoples approval. she had great character growth as well and i was cheering for her so hard when she told off her boss 👏🏾
- i really love how Rebecca makes these workplace settings sooo realistic and even though usually one MC or the other is rich, you can still relate to them. she also never disappoints on the spice— i was not expecting or expecting to enjoy one of the scenes (looking at you chapter 30😮💨) but omg hello butterflies!!!
- i love nothing more than a couple who can argue but talk through it instead of walking away and that was definitely Nico and Amelia. they were so supportive of one another and you can expect NO third act break up in this one 🥰
- i could write more but Rebecca Kinkade is my fav indie romance author and if you haven’t picked up any of her books yet, wtf are you doing babe 🤨
- i will admit that at first i was getting so annoyed with how little Nico would speak but as you get to know him you understand why. he’s a corporate working, suit wearing, tattoo covered, praise giving, quiet man who takes care of his family and deserves all the love! his character development was amazing and i enjoyed watching him grow to realize that he deserves to be happy regardless of his past.
- Amelia is rich asf and hates the money she has because of what happened for her to get it. she’s a confident girl who secretly lives for peoples approval. she had great character growth as well and i was cheering for her so hard when she told off her boss 👏🏾
- i really love how Rebecca makes these workplace settings sooo realistic and even though usually one MC or the other is rich, you can still relate to them. she also never disappoints on the spice— i was not expecting or expecting to enjoy one of the scenes (looking at you chapter 30😮💨) but omg hello butterflies!!!
- i love nothing more than a couple who can argue but talk through it instead of walking away and that was definitely Nico and Amelia. they were so supportive of one another and you can expect NO third act break up in this one 🥰
- i could write more but Rebecca Kinkade is my fav indie romance author and if you haven’t picked up any of her books yet, wtf are you doing babe 🤨
December 13, 2024
The Rebecca Kinkade era continues with another knockout. The Retreat felt different to some of her other works (maybe just because the MMC wasn’t a nepo baby or rich as sin?) But it was still quintessentially Kinkade. I love that she makes some really important social observations and criticisms - this time focused around the ethics and exploitation of corporate philanthropy- amongst some of the most incredible spice and funniest banter you’ve ever read. Even before she fully slid into her RomCom era, I’ve always found Rebecca’s writing hilarious.
More than just humour, though, Rebecca also crafts such beautiful characters who are chock full of flaws, assumptions, and messy pasts. The enemies to lovers aspect of this book worked beautifully, and I loved Amelia and Nico slowly learning more about one another.
As usual, the spice was incredible. Nico was so rough and raw and it just suited his character brilliantly.
More than just humour, though, Rebecca also crafts such beautiful characters who are chock full of flaws, assumptions, and messy pasts. The enemies to lovers aspect of this book worked beautifully, and I loved Amelia and Nico slowly learning more about one another.
As usual, the spice was incredible. Nico was so rough and raw and it just suited his character brilliantly.
February 16, 2025
Rebecca Kinkade's writing is so addictive. I always gravitate towards her books if I wanted a spicy billionaire/competent FMC read.
Loved this one too. Though it started off rocky because I wasn't in love with how turbulent the relationship was at first (even though it worked for the main characters and their respective backgrounds and past traumas). It veered a bit too much into unnecessarily mean territory for my liking. However, once both main characters became vulnerable with each another, I was rooting for them the rest of the way. Both were so beautifully flawed and complex characters. I loved how they were so supportive of one another in all aspects of their lives. The epilogue was really sweet as well.
Would read again.
Overall rating: 4/5
Loved this one too. Though it started off rocky because I wasn't in love with how turbulent the relationship was at first (even though it worked for the main characters and their respective backgrounds and past traumas). It veered a bit too much into unnecessarily mean territory for my liking. However, once both main characters became vulnerable with each another, I was rooting for them the rest of the way. Both were so beautifully flawed and complex characters. I loved how they were so supportive of one another in all aspects of their lives. The epilogue was really sweet as well.
Would read again.
Overall rating: 4/5
May 5, 2025
This was…awesome. There was a complete flip in the “usual” M/F dynamic where this time she was the high profile billionaire afraid of commitment, and he was the gritty, down on his luck, rough upbringing grump. Amelia and Nico had incredible chemistry and she WORKED for his trust and love. The spicy parts? 🔥 So hot. The care and unexpected tenderness and the slow change from dislike to lovers and the emphasis on familial relationships (good and bad) was wonderful. This felt like a unique story I hadn’t read many times before and that was so refreshing. I’m such a fan of this author!
May 1, 2025
It wasn’t until about halfway through that I started to like this book. I was becoming frustrated by how annoyingly stubborn the characters were acting, but they finally got it together and started communicating like adults. There were a few times I thought Nico would revert to his old ways, but I’m glad that’s not the direction the book went in. I love that Rebecca Kinkade’s books are steamy but still contain a deeper emotional side; not many authors can successfully showcase both sides.
February 16, 2025
the retreat
Okay so this is going to be the book that stays in my heart forever. I have never felt closer to a character ever because I can easily see myself as Nico growing up and not having money. I definitely felt all of the emotions and I may have shed a few tears. I’m so happy him and Amelia found each other but geez it was not an easy journey.
Okay so this is going to be the book that stays in my heart forever. I have never felt closer to a character ever because I can easily see myself as Nico growing up and not having money. I definitely felt all of the emotions and I may have shed a few tears. I’m so happy him and Amelia found each other but geez it was not an easy journey.
October 25, 2025
loved every part of this book
Great story love that they really do seem to fit each other perfectly in a way that doesn’t feel forced the way some enemies to lovers often feel! Great spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ more than enough to keep you coming back for more. Honestly the only downside is I wanted more story, more time with the characters because they were so fun! 10/10 .
Great story love that they really do seem to fit each other perfectly in a way that doesn’t feel forced the way some enemies to lovers often feel! Great spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ more than enough to keep you coming back for more. Honestly the only downside is I wanted more story, more time with the characters because they were so fun! 10/10 .
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January 7, 2023DNF at 51%
The story is well-written and plays in the Davenport-Ridgeway universe 👍❤️ but I didn't like Nico and Amelia. 🙄
The main couple and their personalities are really not my cup of tea and I'm not invested enough to continue, so I just stop here.
The story is well-written and plays in the Davenport-Ridgeway universe 👍❤️ but I didn't like Nico and Amelia. 🙄
The main couple and their personalities are really not my cup of tea and I'm not invested enough to continue, so I just stop here.
November 14, 2021
ruim. os personagens não me convenceram, a amelia é uma chata com zero amor próprio e o nico… tem vibe de gostoso, mas nada demais. não acredito que esse livro é da mesma autora de positioning.
January 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this!
Nico and Amelia were super hot and tensions were high from the get go. There was also a few cameos of characters from her other books which was fun!
4/5 stars
Nico and Amelia were super hot and tensions were high from the get go. There was also a few cameos of characters from her other books which was fun!
4/5 stars
August 9, 2025
Spicyyyyyyyy 🔥🔥🔥
September 3, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
romance was cute & i like that the MMC was different than the usual rebecca kinkade MMCs !
romance was cute & i like that the MMC was different than the usual rebecca kinkade MMCs !
October 22, 2025
sorry but the epilogue took me out wdym they named their kid nicky when his white boy name is nick lmaoooo
January 30, 2026
NICO NICO NICO NICO
October 11, 2025
*The Retreat* by Rebecca Kinkade
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
9 nice and spicy scenes! These two were so hot!
Amelia meets Nico at a holiday party when both are taking a breather in an empty room. She is incredibly drawn to him, but he’s about to propose to his girlfriend. So their connection ends before it can even start. Fast forward to the present, and she’s supposed to write a profile piece about Nico’s division of her company. But you see, Nico HATES those profile pieces and wants nothing to do with them, so he ignores all of Amelia’s attempts to reach out. He flat-out refuses to meet with her. Until she shows up at his office, and well, it’s her. The woman from that night-the night he was proposing…which he did, and she turned him down. And now she’s coming with him on the retreat he has to lead. Just great. The problem with this is that he is really attracted to her. But she represents everything he isn’t. They are true opposites in every way.
Eventually, the spice starts to spice, and seeing as it’s written by Rebecca Kinkade, they were so great and spicy! These two had so much chemistry, I loved it.
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
9 nice and spicy scenes! These two were so hot!
Amelia meets Nico at a holiday party when both are taking a breather in an empty room. She is incredibly drawn to him, but he’s about to propose to his girlfriend. So their connection ends before it can even start. Fast forward to the present, and she’s supposed to write a profile piece about Nico’s division of her company. But you see, Nico HATES those profile pieces and wants nothing to do with them, so he ignores all of Amelia’s attempts to reach out. He flat-out refuses to meet with her. Until she shows up at his office, and well, it’s her. The woman from that night-the night he was proposing…which he did, and she turned him down. And now she’s coming with him on the retreat he has to lead. Just great. The problem with this is that he is really attracted to her. But she represents everything he isn’t. They are true opposites in every way.
Eventually, the spice starts to spice, and seeing as it’s written by Rebecca Kinkade, they were so great and spicy! These two had so much chemistry, I loved it.
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
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