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Employee Relations #1
Conflict of Interest
Ambitious and insightful, Gabby DiVirgilio only has one thing standing in the way of her climbing the corporate ladder: her new business partner, Lucas McCarthy. He's arrogant and dismissive, driving her mad with his sexy Irish accent in every possible way.
Recently promoted to the executive ranks, Lucas must prove that he’s the right man for the job. He never expected that the HR professional he’d be forced to work with on a daily basis would be gorgeous, challenging and smart as hell. He’s not the type to accept help from anyone, especially not a bubbly, policy-enforcer that he’d rather bend over his desk. Never one to lose focus, Lucas avoids Gabby at all costs until circumventing her becomes career suicide.
Fraternizing in the workplace is strictly prohibited and neither one of them are willing to break the rules. But with their undeniable chemistry about to ignite, Lucas and Gabby must decide which consequence is worse – combusting from sexual frustration or violating company policy.
Recently promoted to the executive ranks, Lucas must prove that he’s the right man for the job. He never expected that the HR professional he’d be forced to work with on a daily basis would be gorgeous, challenging and smart as hell. He’s not the type to accept help from anyone, especially not a bubbly, policy-enforcer that he’d rather bend over his desk. Never one to lose focus, Lucas avoids Gabby at all costs until circumventing her becomes career suicide.
Fraternizing in the workplace is strictly prohibited and neither one of them are willing to break the rules. But with their undeniable chemistry about to ignite, Lucas and Gabby must decide which consequence is worse – combusting from sexual frustration or violating company policy.
450 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 26, 2016
After the first 100 pages of this book, I had a rant about using unnecessary buisness jargon without definition going on in my head, but I have to admit to having been somewhat hopeful for these characters. After the second 100 pages, I found it difficult to remember what my problem with the book was during the first 100 pages and found myself screaming internally at the characters that they should just do it already for god's sake. After the third 100 pages, I was sighing and saying "goddamnit, finally... uh oh, of course something must go wrong." And after the last 150 pages, I was sighing even more and going "can I have him? Pretty please? I'll even forgo the cherry on top because I'm not sure he needs it." The jargon ended up being minor and honestly the business/HR perspective was woven so well into the storyline it was something, as a reader, you could pick up on and appreciate as a plot support element. Ultimately, this book was hard to put down from even page 1, the characters were rich and fun, and the storyline never ceased to be intriguing and appropriately surprising. I loved every minute of it and I'm really excited for the next installment... I really hope Gabriella and Lucas make a second appearance; I'd love to know what happens to them next.
Note: recieved a copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review
Note: recieved a copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2016
I really enjoyed reading Conflict of Interest.
I LOVE office romances and t his one didn't disappoint.
At the end there were some (minor) lose ends and things I wanted to have been more explores, but overal it was a really good read!
Great characters, great chemistry, great tension and a good story behind all that!!!
I LOVE office romances and t his one didn't disappoint.
At the end there were some (minor) lose ends and things I wanted to have been more explores, but overal it was a really good read!
Great characters, great chemistry, great tension and a good story behind all that!!!
July 8, 2016
I LOVE this book! It is hot and steamy with lots of sweet mixed in! I adore Gabby! She is so lovable, and I connected with her right away! Lucas is definitely swoon worthy, and is an amazing book boyfriend!! Forbidden love?? Who can resist??!!
The book opens with a bang, and you won't stop turning the pages until the very end. Teresa has an amazing way of pulling you into a story and doesn't let you go until the very end, and even then, you'll be begging for more!! Her writing is smooth, articulate, and the story she weaves flows though out. The characters are well developed, as well as secondary characters (I see some future stories!!! AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!) which add depth and integrity to the story.
From the hot and steamy to the sweet and funny, this book covers it all. I would recommend it to all contemporary romance addicts!
The book opens with a bang, and you won't stop turning the pages until the very end. Teresa has an amazing way of pulling you into a story and doesn't let you go until the very end, and even then, you'll be begging for more!! Her writing is smooth, articulate, and the story she weaves flows though out. The characters are well developed, as well as secondary characters (I see some future stories!!! AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!) which add depth and integrity to the story.
From the hot and steamy to the sweet and funny, this book covers it all. I would recommend it to all contemporary romance addicts!
July 7, 2016
I so loved this book! First book I've read of Teresa's and I loved it! It was funny, cute, sweet, and I absolutely loved the male character!!! Very much looking forward to the next one! I definitely recommend this book!
August 10, 2016
Loved the story of Lucas and Gabby. More review to follow soon!!!!
July 9, 2018
Sorry, I have to be honest. Everything was good about this book but it was dragging. I didn't feel the tension though the scenes were really good and well-written. I really tried to like this book but it's kinda boring. Others would give this a very high rating, but not me I guess. Bummer :/
July 16, 2016
I've had my issues with HR personnel, I mean, everybody has, right? But I wish Gabby had been at every company I'd worked at. She was professional, smart, caring, and she wasn't just about her job description.
Throughout the book she had an agenda, but I couldn't fault her since it benefited (see what I did there?) so many others. While her family couldn't take advantage of the program for long, other employees would be able to use the services for years to come.
Now let me talk about Lucas. Where. To. Begin. I watch Preacher, so I used Cassidy's accent when he spoke in the book. Dreamy. Yeah, okay, the actor's nothing to write home about, but that accent... just soften it a little and that's how I imagine Lucas.
I get that he hates HR, and it doesn't help that he's insanely attracted to Gabby. Right from the get-go he's warned off office romances too, so the deck is stacked against him - in fact it's stacked ten decks high. Wasn't hard to get why he felt he had to avoid her. He didn't have to be such a prick about it though.
However, that's what made it so hot for me. I LOVE sandpaper leads. It's like watching the tension on the top of a glass of water build up until an ice cube gets dropped in - and BANG, the hotness explodes. Amazeballs.
But here's the best part about this story. And it's a spoiler, so I'm sorry about it, but I gotta hide it.
I had the same formatting issues that another person mentioned, but in my case, I didn't care. I loved it. I'll keep it on my kindle to read again. Four hard stars.
Throughout the book she had an agenda, but I couldn't fault her since it benefited (see what I did there?) so many others. While her family couldn't take advantage of the program for long, other employees would be able to use the services for years to come.
Now let me talk about Lucas. Where. To. Begin. I watch Preacher, so I used Cassidy's accent when he spoke in the book. Dreamy. Yeah, okay, the actor's nothing to write home about, but that accent... just soften it a little and that's how I imagine Lucas.
I get that he hates HR, and it doesn't help that he's insanely attracted to Gabby. Right from the get-go he's warned off office romances too, so the deck is stacked against him - in fact it's stacked ten decks high. Wasn't hard to get why he felt he had to avoid her. He didn't have to be such a prick about it though.
However, that's what made it so hot for me. I LOVE sandpaper leads. It's like watching the tension on the top of a glass of water build up until an ice cube gets dropped in - and BANG, the hotness explodes. Amazeballs.
But here's the best part about this story. And it's a spoiler, so I'm sorry about it, but I gotta hide it.
I had the same formatting issues that another person mentioned, but in my case, I didn't care. I loved it. I'll keep it on my kindle to read again. Four hard stars.
July 18, 2017
Conflict of Interest is the latest offering from author Teresa Michaels and my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. A captivating read that held my interest from start to finish.
Gabby DiVirgilio is climbing the corporate ladder, she is career focused, driven, knowledgeable and has only one obstacle in her way from climbing said ladder and that is her new business partner Lucas McCarthy. He's aloof, cocky and driving her insane with his sexy Irish charm in every possible way...
Lucas who has recently been promoted feels he has to prove himself, however, in order to do this he has to work with a HR professional. He's not the type to accept help from anyone regardless of the fact she is gorgeous, smart and he'd love nothing more than to bend her over his desk. Not one to lose his focus he does the next best thing and avoids Gabby at all costs...
Fraternizing in the workplace is strictly prohibited and neither one of them are willing to break the rules...or are they?
What will Gabby and Lucas decide to do as their chemistry is undeniable? Combust from sexual tension or break company policy?
As I've said this was my first read by Ms. Michaels and I have to say that really enjoyed the book. The story I felt was well written, with likeable, witty characters full of personality and depth. The plot flows but at times was a little slowed paced I felt and for me there was too much detail on HR/company policies. However, that being said that didn't distract from the story. It was an engrossing read that I highly recommend especially if you like your romance reads with a a dose of laughter, banter filled one liners and a sexy Irish man...
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review for Words Turn Me On Book Blog**
Gabby DiVirgilio is climbing the corporate ladder, she is career focused, driven, knowledgeable and has only one obstacle in her way from climbing said ladder and that is her new business partner Lucas McCarthy. He's aloof, cocky and driving her insane with his sexy Irish charm in every possible way...
Lucas who has recently been promoted feels he has to prove himself, however, in order to do this he has to work with a HR professional. He's not the type to accept help from anyone regardless of the fact she is gorgeous, smart and he'd love nothing more than to bend her over his desk. Not one to lose his focus he does the next best thing and avoids Gabby at all costs...
Fraternizing in the workplace is strictly prohibited and neither one of them are willing to break the rules...or are they?
What will Gabby and Lucas decide to do as their chemistry is undeniable? Combust from sexual tension or break company policy?
As I've said this was my first read by Ms. Michaels and I have to say that really enjoyed the book. The story I felt was well written, with likeable, witty characters full of personality and depth. The plot flows but at times was a little slowed paced I felt and for me there was too much detail on HR/company policies. However, that being said that didn't distract from the story. It was an engrossing read that I highly recommend especially if you like your romance reads with a a dose of laughter, banter filled one liners and a sexy Irish man...
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review for Words Turn Me On Book Blog**
July 11, 2016
After reading the Curveball series, which is very suspenseful, I was very curious to see her write about a more "tamed" environment, you know where her characters aren't fighting for their lives. And did she deliver. Nothing tamed about this book. The complete novel, from start to finish had me turning the pages as fast as possible and wanting more and more of Gabby and Lucas.
From the very first page, I was directly transported to Gabby and Lucas's world. Lucas, a guy with a accent, need I say more. Irish. <3 And Gabby, the helpful HR employee. From the beginning, they both feel a pull to each other but being that they work with each other, they try everything to ignore it. I love the way they start their relationship, all innocent but the inevitable happens.
Their chemistry is amazing and I love the way they complement each other. Reminded me of Darcy and Lizzy. One is reserved and aloof and the other is more outgoing and open. And in the bedroom, there is no question, fireworks. FIREWORKS. And not just in the bedroom.
I definitely recommend this book to all romance readers. It delivers on all counts. The tension, anticipation, the action. It's just overall amazing. Only problem, it will have you wanting more Gabby and Lucas. I am definitely hooked in the series, and can't wait for the next one.
P.S. I really loved Lucas and how amazing he is without trying, like how he spends time at Recollections without telling anybody.
I was provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the very first page, I was directly transported to Gabby and Lucas's world. Lucas, a guy with a accent, need I say more. Irish. <3 And Gabby, the helpful HR employee. From the beginning, they both feel a pull to each other but being that they work with each other, they try everything to ignore it. I love the way they start their relationship, all innocent but the inevitable happens.
Their chemistry is amazing and I love the way they complement each other. Reminded me of Darcy and Lizzy. One is reserved and aloof and the other is more outgoing and open. And in the bedroom, there is no question, fireworks. FIREWORKS. And not just in the bedroom.
I definitely recommend this book to all romance readers. It delivers on all counts. The tension, anticipation, the action. It's just overall amazing. Only problem, it will have you wanting more Gabby and Lucas. I am definitely hooked in the series, and can't wait for the next one.
P.S. I really loved Lucas and how amazing he is without trying, like how he spends time at Recollections without telling anybody.
I was provided with an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2016
This is the story of Gabby and Lucas, polar opposites who must work together in order to achieve their career goals. While she’s a wholesome girl from an Italian family, altogether happy and extroverted, he is an Irish loner, without any visible family ties who’d rather work alone. Unfortunately for them, the chemistry since the moment they lay eyes on each other is more powerful than either one is prepared to accept and it’s enough to bring one awkward situation after another. Add to that the fact that they are must work closely together, despite Lucas reluctance to accept her help, the non-fraternization company policy and a change of arrangements of one business trip to make things a tad more complicated for the pair.
This was my first read by Ms. Michaels and I have to say that I was very impressed. The book is beautifully written, witty from page one and has some of the best deliveries I’ve ever read before. The characters are well developed, with solid background stories and the plot doesn’t remain static even though there’s a lot of back and forth between Lucas and Gabby trying to deal with the issues affecting them.
The only thing that bothered me was the extreme detail provided on company policies and her HR work, but in all, it doesn’t take from the story.
If you like your romance with a good side of laughter, Conflict of Interest is a book you can’t pass up.
4.5 stars
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review*
Lourdes Castillo
This was my first read by Ms. Michaels and I have to say that I was very impressed. The book is beautifully written, witty from page one and has some of the best deliveries I’ve ever read before. The characters are well developed, with solid background stories and the plot doesn’t remain static even though there’s a lot of back and forth between Lucas and Gabby trying to deal with the issues affecting them.
The only thing that bothered me was the extreme detail provided on company policies and her HR work, but in all, it doesn’t take from the story.
If you like your romance with a good side of laughter, Conflict of Interest is a book you can’t pass up.
4.5 stars
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review*
Lourdes Castillo
February 6, 2017
Ha you know that saying "if a boy likes you he will be mean to you?"
Yeah that was Lucas all the way buddy!!!
I loved Conflict of Interest. This was my first read by Teresa. It was a little slow in the beginning. All the meetings and legal talk done me in LOL!!
If there was anyone whoever tried to hide their feelings for someone an failed it was Lucas. You thought he was bipolar. One minute he's nice to Gabby, the next he's mean. The advances he made were out of line but hot!!
He got to see a side of her with her family, that he envied. She was close to her family, he wasn't. They were total opposites when it came to family, however that pulled them together. Opposites do attract right??
Love Gabby and her little crew of girls. Their get together's weekly to see who had the worst week. FREE DRINKS!! yes!! They all would pick on each other but it was in a sisterly way. Men don't overstep that line with these women. They will have you withering in your pants LOL!!
Happy to see how the book turned out. I can't wait for the book.
Yeah that was Lucas all the way buddy!!!
I loved Conflict of Interest. This was my first read by Teresa. It was a little slow in the beginning. All the meetings and legal talk done me in LOL!!
If there was anyone whoever tried to hide their feelings for someone an failed it was Lucas. You thought he was bipolar. One minute he's nice to Gabby, the next he's mean. The advances he made were out of line but hot!!
He got to see a side of her with her family, that he envied. She was close to her family, he wasn't. They were total opposites when it came to family, however that pulled them together. Opposites do attract right??
Love Gabby and her little crew of girls. Their get together's weekly to see who had the worst week. FREE DRINKS!! yes!! They all would pick on each other but it was in a sisterly way. Men don't overstep that line with these women. They will have you withering in your pants LOL!!
Happy to see how the book turned out. I can't wait for the book.
Shelved as 'consider-later'
July 5, 2016
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July 21, 2016
I loved this book, I devoured it in one sitting. I was hooked from the first page and spat out at the end. Your thrown head first into Gabby and Lucas world and are invested in their relationship from the first meeting. The chemistry between them sizzles and literally scorches the pages. At first I thought Lucas would be boring because of the job he does but he's anything but, he's a total sweetheart. Gabby us great at her job and cares about her co - workers, Her family play a big part of the story. This is an amazing forbidden live story, told in dual point of view. It has a lot of laugh out loud moments and some sad ones too. A great read that I highly recommend.
* * Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads-ARC provided for honest review * *
* * Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads-ARC provided for honest review * *
July 8, 2016
I started reading this book a couple of hours ago and could not put it down until the end! I absolutely loved the story and the characters. Lucas is definitely my new book boyfriend!! I loved Gabby too. She is funny,kind and sweet. The couple meets at work but can't act on their attraction due to company policies. They decide that being friends would be in their best interest. But what happens when these friends start to fall? Will they put their careers at risk? This book had me laughing and swooning! I want some Irish luck of my own please!! Great work Teresa!!!
July 24, 2016
Loved this book! I loved Gabby and Lucas! The sexual tension between them was so combustible. They had to work together and tried extremely hard to keep it professional. Lucas tried a little too hard, at times avoiding Gabby and it aggregated her. I found myself laughing quite a bit too. Gabby had a habit of talking to her friends about Lucas, without knowing he was in earshot listening to every word. The way Lucas let Gabby know he heard, was hilarious too. Will they be able to keep their relationship professional? Or will it be too hard to resist the temptation?
July 14, 2016
I'm posting as/for Two Kentucky Girls and Books.
Teresa Michaels did it again!! Gabby was freakin' fabulous! Her personality and quick wit were addictive. Lucas comes off as a complete jerk, but when you read his pov you can quickly understand his dilemma. I fell so fast for these characters. Not only were the main characters perfection, the supporting characters were phenomenal. I can't wait for their books as well. Great job, Teresa!! I definitely recommend this book!!
Teresa Michaels did it again!! Gabby was freakin' fabulous! Her personality and quick wit were addictive. Lucas comes off as a complete jerk, but when you read his pov you can quickly understand his dilemma. I fell so fast for these characters. Not only were the main characters perfection, the supporting characters were phenomenal. I can't wait for their books as well. Great job, Teresa!! I definitely recommend this book!!
July 14, 2016
I've always been a huge fan of Teresa's writing style...ever since reading Curveball. She did not disappoint in this new book! I was literally living inside this book with Gabby and Lucas, angry when they were angry and lost in passion and intrigue as their story unfolded.
This is def one of my fave reads this year and I can't recommend it enough! If you're looking for a romance with that hint of the forbidden, this the book for you.
Well done, Teresa!
This is def one of my fave reads this year and I can't recommend it enough! If you're looking for a romance with that hint of the forbidden, this the book for you.
Well done, Teresa!
February 6, 2017
Oh my. This book was amazing. I loved it.
July 15, 2016
This book was really good. I enjoyed it alot. There were some parts that were dragged on a little too much IMO, but overall I enjoyed this read.
November 11, 2016
I won a copy of this book.
I enjoyed the cat and mouse play in this book and it was a fun read.
I enjoyed the cat and mouse play in this book and it was a fun read.
June 8, 2019
5 STARS!
July 9, 2016
This book is SO. Good. Once again, Teresa Michaels has wowed me with her flawless writing, her storytelling, and her ability to pull me into the pages of her book. I devoured this!
Gabby & Lucas work together. Relationships are against company policy and strictly prohibited. If caught, their employment will be terminated immediately. That is not an option for either of them - both have something very important to lose. So they try to fight the attraction. They refuse to admit the chemistry. They try to ignore the sparks that fly when they are near each other. They both fail.
When they’re near each other, you can FEEL the electricity. You can FEEL their want. You can FEEL their need. The sexual tension was enough to drive me crazy. So thick you could cut it with a knife. The build-up was such a delicious burn. I love that!!!
Their interaction was entertaining and I couldn't wait to see what they would do next. I love the way they love to irritate each other. I love how they try to fight their feelings.
"I push off my desk and circle back to my seat before I act on my impulse to kiss or choke the shit out of him."
The passionate and deliciously-written steamy scenes will make you blush...and possibly need a cigarette, even if you don’t smoke.
"Believe that? he whispers in my ear. I close my eyes as he rocks his erection against me. "You do that to me. All the goddamn time."
I recommend this to everyone who loves to get lost in a world of delicious temptation & sizzling sexual tension. I'm positive you will get sucked in immediately and you will not want to put it down.
This is definitely one of my top reads of 2016!
Gabby & Lucas work together. Relationships are against company policy and strictly prohibited. If caught, their employment will be terminated immediately. That is not an option for either of them - both have something very important to lose. So they try to fight the attraction. They refuse to admit the chemistry. They try to ignore the sparks that fly when they are near each other. They both fail.
When they’re near each other, you can FEEL the electricity. You can FEEL their want. You can FEEL their need. The sexual tension was enough to drive me crazy. So thick you could cut it with a knife. The build-up was such a delicious burn. I love that!!!
Their interaction was entertaining and I couldn't wait to see what they would do next. I love the way they love to irritate each other. I love how they try to fight their feelings.
"I push off my desk and circle back to my seat before I act on my impulse to kiss or choke the shit out of him."
The passionate and deliciously-written steamy scenes will make you blush...and possibly need a cigarette, even if you don’t smoke.
"Believe that? he whispers in my ear. I close my eyes as he rocks his erection against me. "You do that to me. All the goddamn time."
I recommend this to everyone who loves to get lost in a world of delicious temptation & sizzling sexual tension. I'm positive you will get sucked in immediately and you will not want to put it down.
This is definitely one of my top reads of 2016!
July 13, 2016
Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog
Gabby loves her Human Resources job. She is considered a valuable employee and an integral team member at her job. Everyone likes her and values her opinion except the new, soon to be CEO of the company. Lucas doesn’t need anyone's help or suggestions, especially Gabby’s. He doesn’t want anything to do with Gabby because he finds himself attracted to her. Lucas and Gabby butt heads all the time but then all it takes is one kiss and they find themselves falling in-love even though it is against company rules. Lucas and Gabby find themselves sneaking around but that isn’t what they want their relationship to be like.
I liked Conflict of Interest. I thought it started a little slow but finally picked-up about half-way through. At this point, Lucas became less of a jerk and his and Gabby’s relationship began to pick-up.
Gabby loves her Human Resources job. She is considered a valuable employee and an integral team member at her job. Everyone likes her and values her opinion except the new, soon to be CEO of the company. Lucas doesn’t need anyone's help or suggestions, especially Gabby’s. He doesn’t want anything to do with Gabby because he finds himself attracted to her. Lucas and Gabby butt heads all the time but then all it takes is one kiss and they find themselves falling in-love even though it is against company rules. Lucas and Gabby find themselves sneaking around but that isn’t what they want their relationship to be like.
I liked Conflict of Interest. I thought it started a little slow but finally picked-up about half-way through. At this point, Lucas became less of a jerk and his and Gabby’s relationship began to pick-up.
July 11, 2016
I loved Lucas! He may give Gabby a tough time and send lots of mixed signals, but he is really a great guy that has his reasons for acting the way he does. Gabby is a strong woman and is determined not to let Lucas derail her professional goals. Starting with Lucas's very first day on the job, they have a love/hate relationship. Add in their sizzling chemistry and things get interesting.
There were a lot of funny moments that had me laughing. I love the friendly competition that Gabby and her friends have at their monthly get together. I hope that Gabby's friends will have their stories told soon.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*
There were a lot of funny moments that had me laughing. I love the friendly competition that Gabby and her friends have at their monthly get together. I hope that Gabby's friends will have their stories told soon.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*
March 31, 2017
My review has been posted on Shelly's Book Corner
www.goodreads.com/review/show/1705839749
www.goodreads.com/review/show/1705839749
December 15, 2018
5 STARS!
December 15, 2018
5 STARS!
December 15, 2018
5 STARS!
March 9, 2019
5 STARS!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews