Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This heartwarming workplace romance from Palit (Sunshine and Spice) follows perfectionist workaholic Cynthia Kumar, heir to the Kumar Construction company. Though she and her father, Rich, were once close, they fell out during her teenage years and no matter how hard she's tried to impress him since, he has never looked at her the same way. Cynthia dreams of being deemed worthy to lead the company--so she's shocked and hurt when Rich hires Rohit Patel and starts grooming him to take over. Complicating matters is the fact that Cynthia and Rohit once shared a red-hot one-night stand. Rohit is thrilled both to be able to support his family financially and to be reunited with a woman he thinks could be the love of his life--until he learns that Cynthia is the boss's daughter, and that she hates him for taking the job. Still, fierce competition between the two turns to reluctant collaboration when they're tasked with rehabilitating the company's public image after a scandal. As attraction and feelings deepen on both sides, it's sweet to see Rohit help Cynthia find a balance between her professional and personal life. Palit also finds space within this light romance to explore the familial pressure and patriarchal expectations placed on Cynthia, making her a heroine readers will root for. This charms. (Sept.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Palit (Sunshine and Spice) crafts a compelling narrative about ambition, family expectations, and unforeseen love. Cynthia Kumar--known as the "ice princess" at her father's construction company where she works--has just been passed over for the role of CEO. The job instead goes to newcomer Rohit Patel, with whom Cynthia once shared an unforgettable one-night stand. Professional and personal complications ensue. Palit weaves workplace drama with personal growth as the protagonists investigate claims of low employee morale while navigating their undeniable attraction. Rohit champions Cynthia's ideas in meetings and advocates for her involvement in key decisions that are invaluable to the company's future. His professional respect gives a unique dimension to their romantic relationship, challenging traditional power dynamics often found in workplace romances. Cynthia's lifelong struggle for paternal approval and Rohit's financial obligations to his family also add meaningful layers to the relationship. Palit's slow-burn romance delivers a satisfying emotional payoff, enhanced by strong character development and authentic conflict resolution. VERDICT A beautifully crafted workplace romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy complex family dynamics, slow-burn tension, and grumpy/sunshine pairings. This second novel from Palit firmly establishes her as a rising voice in contemporary romance.--Michelle Mistalski
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Cynthia Kumar is a driven, type-A ice princess. Rohit Patel is a charming people-pleaser. After having an uncharacteristic and extremely hot one-night stand, they're both shaken to realize they'll be co-workers at Kumar Construction. Cynthia has been working hard to have her efforts seen by her father, Rich, for years. Instead, Rich hires Rohit because he reminds the older man of himself--a hard-working Indian Canadian immigrant financially supporting his family in India--and hopes Rohit will assume the role of CEO when Rich eventually retires. But when a local newspaper prints an article about the hostile work environment of Kumar Construction, Rich tasks them both with improving employee morale and creating lasting change within the company. After an initial power struggle, Cynthia realizes that Rohit is on her side and allows herself to trust him--in the boardroom and the bedroom. But when Rich fails to see Cynthia's contributions and announces that he'll be retiring and leaving the company to his new protégé, all their teamwork can't erase the hurt it creates in Cynthia. There's plenty of heat and tension in this rivals-to-lovers workplace romance. Cynthia's black cat energy is an excellent foil to Rohit's golden retriever adoration, and both characters are given the space to grow and show up for one another. While the secondary characters are a little one-dimensional, the complicated family dynamics, snappy banter, and spicy sex scenes more than make up for it. Readers will appreciate the empowering Desi representation, a feminist heroine, and a love interest more interested in uplifting and supporting her than challenging her. A satisfying and passionate happily-ever-after. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
