ThornFrom the first time I played army as a kid, the military has been my life. As an Airborne Major, I’d led my men through two tours in Afghanistan. But when my father was elected president, I became an even greater target for the enemy—a prize for someone to take out. To ensure not only the safety of myself, but of my men, I got stripped of my cammies, shoved into an Armani suit, and placed … placed into a management position at my father’s company. After years of trekking through the desert with an assault rifle, I was way out of my area of expertise, which my transition coordinator was more than happy to let me know on a daily, if not hourly basis. The brunette bombshell would be the death of me in more ways than one, especially since I hadn’t been with a woman since my last deployment. She’s turning out to be one of the greatest foes I’ve ever done battle with.
Isabel
In the backwoods Georgia town I was born in, you either married right out of high school or got the hell out of town. I chose the second and never looked back. After graduating top in my class, I started working for The Callahan Corporation. Fast forward five years and I was about to become the youngest female manager in the history of my department. And then all the blood, sweat, and tears I’d put into my career were for nothing when the boss’s billionaire son was handed my position on a silver platter. Not only that, I was expected to help transition him into the job that was supposed to be mine. Sure, he’s easy on the eyes with his chiseled good-looks and impossibly built physique, but I’m not going to let that distract me. I hope soldier boy is good at military strategy because sabotage is the name of the game I’ll be playing.
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Thorn and Isabel are absolutely HR-rific! Isabel has climbed the corporate ladder in her heels facing all the obstacles in her way and overcoming them all. She knew that all her hard work and dedication would payoff and now her time in the sun has come with the nod at becoming the next VP at the Callahan Corporation. Too bad nepotism of the highest order rears its ugly head when her coveted position ends up going to Thorn Callahan instead of her. Thorn knew that things might change when his father took office. Having your father be the the leader of the free world is a big deal and all but he never thought he would have to give up his career in the military. Stateside and a little lost, he is sent to work at Callahan Corp to help him find some purpose and direction. His entrance into the private sector starts with him accosting some poor woman fairly soundingly and then it turns out he has taken her job no less. Isabel is fiery, smart, sexy, off limits, and kind of hates him. With her being his employee he shouldn’t want he, but the more he gets to know Isabel the deeper he falls for this incredible woman. There’s just no denying the boss when he gives you an order.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
ARC Received for an honest review
I adored Barrett in Running Mate (and still do in this one), however I freaking LOVE Thorn in Office Mate.
Isabel and Thorn’s story is one fueled by lust, hate and sooo much sexual tension you can cut it with a knife.
They don’t meet in the best of circumstances, so along with all the UST there is so much resentment between them that at times you couldn’t be sure if the would kiss or kill each other!
Isabel gets her revenge on Thorn in laugh out loud ways, and even as you know they are wrong, you can’t help but fist pump when they happen.
It is wonderful journey as hate turns to friendship and who knows, maybe much much more.
It was great to get a little glimpse of Barrett and Addison and where they are at now.
Sweet, tender, funny and drama/angst free, Ms Ashley has given us a lovely story that I read in one afternoon.
I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.
Who said bumping into someone on the street can’t change your life but when it comes to Thorn Callahan & Isabel Flannery that’s exactly what happens.
Isabel Flannery is a successful driven women making her way up the corporate ladder but when she literally hits a bump along the way she can’t help wonder what she can do to change that until she meets Thorn Callahan and everything changes.
Thorn Callahan is a decorated military man but when your father becomes President Of the United States your life takes a turn you never expected but when he meets is Office Mate Isabel His life really changes course.
Thorn & Isabel’s chemistry is everything you need to see in a couple there is a lot of fun banter between the two and there is understanding that is absolutely heartwarming. But what you see is the slow burn of their relationship that will have you turning the pages quickly to see what happens next.
If you are looking for that one couple that will you leave you with a smile then you will want to read Thorn & Isabel’s story.
Katie Ashley mastered the slow burn romance with this book.
Isabel is a force to be reckon with in the business world. Coming from a small town without money has made her determined to show the world she can make it on her own.
Thorn is the President’s son and a veteran. He doesn’t want to be out of the military, but security reasons force him stateside. He is trying to acclimate himself to civilian life, but he is finding it harder than it seems.
Thorn is given a position at his dad’s company. On his first day, he learns more about Isabel than he was bargaining for, but the most important fact is that he took her position. Will Thorn and Isabel learn to work together for the sake of the business, or will the tension rise until they bust?
Isabel’s character was a perfectionist. She worked hard to get where she was in life and wasn’t going to let anyone stand in her way. She was also a worrier. She was caring and focused a lot of her attention on helping her friends and family.
Thorn was an angry person going through the motions. He suffered from PTSD and was stuck with a secret security agent who watched his every move.
I loved this story. The back and forth, the tension, the secondary characters, the situations these two found themselves in were perfect for this enemies, to friends, to lovers romance. They had a fun friendship and it showed in their relationship. I also loved the other characters especially Barrett and Ty. They brought a lot of comedic relief to two characters who were very much rule followers. I’m going to need to go back and read Barrett’s book and I really hope Ty gets his own book. He was such a mysterious character who seemed to know more than what he let on.
-An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
I absolutely loved Office Mate! It is a slow burn love story with memorable characters, funny moments and romantic tension!
Thorn and Isabel make a great team in and out of the office once they both get on the same page. They seem to understand each other even without trying. Their conversations lead to friendship and the friendship leads to so much more.
I enjoyed Office Mate. For most of the book Isabel and Thorne are coworkers not really getting along. There are some humorous scenes during their “war”. I have to admit that I like Thorne better than Isabel most of the time. The book was easy to read. It wasn’t really angsty, which I loved. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger.